Seascape-Scale Restoration: A New Wave for Marine Biodiversity

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Scientists from the University of Portsmouth, Zoological Society of London and the University of Edinburgh are calling for a shift in marine restoration strategy, urging seascape-scale restoration of interconnected coastal habitats such as oyster reefs, kelp forests, saltmarshes and seagrass meadows. This approach recognises that these habitats operate as integrated systems, not isolated features, and that their combined restoration is essential to meet biodiversity and climate goals. The study emphasises that restoring ecological linkages can enhance ecosystem resilience, boost fish stocks and improve coastal protection in ways fragmented efforts cannot achieve.

The researchers highlight evidence from places like California, where seagrass grows more vigorously next to oyster reefs; New Zealand, where kelp-derived carbon supports fish populations; and Chesapeake Bay, where oyster beds enhance water clarity and nutrient removal. Such examples underscore the benefits of ecosystem connectivity.

Regeneration at this scale requires policy and planning realignment. The study recommends formalising a definition of “seascape restoration”, integrating restoration targets across marine protected area frameworks, updating environmental assessments, and coordinating efforts across land-sea governance boundaries.

This call to action comes amid alarming declines in UK marine ecosystems, with up to 95% of oyster reefs and 90% of seagrasses lost. These statistics underscore the urgency of rethinking restoration practices and scaling up efforts to recover functional, interconnected ecosystems.

What this means:

· Fragmented conservation efforts focused on individual habitats are inadequate. An approach that restores entire seascapes can deliver significantly greater ecological and societal benefits.

· Policymakers must integrate seascape restoration into marine planning, environmental assessments, and protected area design to ensure long-term resilience against climate change impacts.

· Coordinated land-sea governance is essential to align restoration initiatives and funding, ensuring that ecosystem connectivity is maintained from coastal catchments to offshore waters.

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