A review of seagrass ecosystem services: providing nature-based solutions for a changing world

Abstract

Seagrasses are marine flowering plants, which form extensive meadows in intertidal and shallow water marine environments. They provide a wide range of ecosystem services, which directly or indirectly benefit humans and can be grouped into four broad categories: provisioning (e.g. food production); regulating (e.g. carbon sequestration); supporting (e.g. primary production); and cultural (e.g. recreational, and eco-tourism). This study provides a review of publications focusing on seagrass ecosystem services provision to identify knowledge gaps and improve our understanding of the use of these habitats as nature-based solutions to societal challenges, such as climate change. Results showed that some ecosystem services, namely food provision, carbon sequestration, and maintenance of biodiversity/nursery habitats receive a higher level of focus and attention than others, such as regulation of diseases and social relations, which are rarely, if ever, included in studies. It is clear that in order to fully comprehend the nature-based solution potential held by seagrass ecosystems, studies need to consider ecosystem services as a whole, and also combine and share results across global regions, to better understand the potential impacts of degradation and loss of these ecosystems worldwide. Suggestions include applying novel technologies such as remote sensing and ecological niche modelling to address some of the main gaps in seagrass research, like meadow extent and connectivity within landscapes, to better incorporate preservation of seagrass ecosystems in marine management plans.

A Synthesis of Provision and Impact in Seagrass Ecosystem Services in the Brazilian Southwest Atlantic

“…This contrasts to Nordlund et al [9], who scored research if it was carried out on seagrasses or seagrass habitats-clearly, the group of seagrass experts in that study scored research in all cases. In contrast to our observations, a recent literature review of SESs by Lima et al [38], who used the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Board classification scheme [4], reported far more studies focused on regulating services (42%) than on cultural services (21%), supporting services (20%), and provisioning services (17%). They identified carbon sequestration, food provision, maintenance of habitat and biodiversity/nursery of habitats, storm protection/ extreme events, and opportunities for recreation and tourism as the focus of most studies.…”

“…The increasing number of studies focused on SESs from the 2000s supports global increases in studies on SESs, ranging from ecological assessments to stakeholders' perceptions and monetary valuation [38]. Similar trends have been observed for other marine ecosystems worldwide, with discrepancies among distinct geographical regions indicating an over-representation of ES assessments in Europe and North America [39].…”

Ten golden rules for restoration to secure resilient and just seagrass social-ecological systems

“…Investment is required to support innovation to ensure these sorts of NbS 'products' can be brought to market in a way that is equitable and evidence-based, with development including the experience of all stakeholders such that 'solutions' contribute to achieving all dimensions of sustainability (Nesshöver et al, 2017). Investors also need to understand the risks involved in financing seagrass restoration projects, which are still in their infancy, with healthy and self-sustaining meadows taking multiple years to develop (do Amaral Camara Lima et al, 2023).…”

Larval Dispersal Modelling of the Blue Swimming Crab Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Crab Banks along the Coast of Trang Province, Southern Thailand

“…Most seagrass beds experience natural variations influenced by environmental conditions while some seagrass areas face threats from human activities, such as fishery activities and coastal constructions [20]. In terms of ecosystem services, seagrasses play various ecological roles in coastal ecosystems, such as trapping sediments, reducing wave energy, regulating nutrient cycling, and providing nursery grounds and habitats for various marine invertebrates and fishes [22][23][24]. Importantly, seagrass beds serve as key nursery areas and habitats for many swimming crabs, particularly P. pelagicus.…”