Scientists Call for Seascape‑Scale Habitat Restoration in UK Marine Ecosystems

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A groundbreaking study led by the University of Portsmouth, in collaboration with the Zoological Society of London and the University of Edinburgh, is urging policymakers and conservationists to rethink the approach to marine restoration in UK waters. Published as the most comprehensive evidence to date, the research emphasises that coastal habitats—such as oyster reefs, kelp forests, saltmarshes and seagrass meadows should not be restored in isolation, but rather as interconnected systems, or “seascapes,” to maximise environmental benefits and better meet global climate and biodiversity targets. Professor Joanne Preston, lead author, underscores that these ecosystems are tightly linked through flows of water, organisms and energy, and should be managed accordingly to support ecological resilience and carbon sequestration.

Currently, many climate and biodiversity strategies treat such habitats as separate components, rather than integrated landscapes. This fragmented approach risks undermining the potential of natural carbon sinks and the resilience of marine ecosystems. Acting on seascape-level restoration, the study warns, is essential to achieving the UK’s international obligations for both climate mitigation and biodiversity preservation.

By embracing restoration at scale—rebuilding oyster reefs, saltmarshes, kelp forests and seagrass meadows together the study argues that interconnected habitat networks can strengthen biodiversity outcomes, bolster blue carbon storage, and enhance coastal protection. The holistic strategy is aimed at delivering meaningful progress toward Net Zero and ecosystem recovery simultaneously.

What this means:

This study marks a turning point for UK environmental policy. The findings underline that only by adopting an integrated, seascape-scale approach can restoration efforts unlock full ecological potential. This means UK coastal management strategies should be reframed transitioning from isolated habitat fixes to expansive, system-wide initiatives.

Implementing these recommendations could vastly improve the UK’s ability to meet international biodiversity and greenhouse gas targets, while reinforcing coastal ecosystems against climate-related risks such as erosion and flooding. As marine restoration funding, protection schemes, and policy frameworks evolve, this interconnected vision must be central to ensuring long-term resilience.

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