Document of bibliographic reference 322379

BibliographicReference record

Type

Bibliographic resource

Type of document

Journal article

BibLvlCode

AS

Title

The global distribution of seagrass meadows

Abstract

Seagrass meadows globally are under pressure with worldwide loss and degradation, but there is a growing recognition of the global importance of seagrass ecosystem services, particularly as a major carbon sink and as fisheries habitat. Estimates of global seagrass spatial distribution differ greatly throughout the published literature, ranging from 177,000 to 600,000 km2 with models suggesting potential distribution an order of magnitude higher. The requirements of the Paris Climate Agreement by outlining National Determined Contributions (NDC's) to reduce emissions is placing an increased global focus on the spatial extent, loss and restoration of seagrass meadows. Now more than ever there is a need to provide a more accurate and consistent measure of the global spatial distribution of seagrass. There is also a need to be able to assess the global spread of other seagrass ecosystem services and in their extension, the values of these services. In this study, by rationalising and updating a range of existing datasets of seagrass distribution around the globe, we have estimated with Moderate to High confidence the global seagrass area to date as 160,387 km2, but possibly 266,562 km2 with lower confidence. We break this global estimate down to a national level with a detailed analysis of the current state of mapped distribution and estimates of seagrass area per country. Accurate estimates, however, are challenged by large areas remaining unmapped and inconsistent measures being used. Through the examination of current global maps, we are able to propose a pathway forward for improving mapping of this important resource.

Abstract in other language

Mapping; Species distribution; Eelgrass; Sea grass; Global extent; Spatial distribution

WebOfScience code

https://www.webofscience.com/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:000553766300001

Bibliographic citation

McKenzie, L.; Nordlund, L.M.; Jones, B.L.; Cullen-Unsworth, L.C.; Roelfsema, C.M.; Unsworth, R.K.F. (2020). The global distribution of seagrass meadows. Environ. Res. Lett. 15(7): 074041. https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ab7d06

Topic

Marine

Is peer reviewed

true

Access rights

open access

Is accessible for free

true