Marine Habitats

chapter 03

marine

habitats loss

Marine habitats, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and kelp forests, the intricate ecosystems that support a vast array of aquatic life, are under significant threat.

scroll to discover

Unraveling the
Fragile Fabric

Marine habitats are diverse ecosystems in the world's oceans, providing crucial breeding grounds, shelter, and sustenance for countless marine organisms. From mangroves, seagrasses, to kelp forests and coral reefs, these habitats support a rich biodiversity. However, human activities such as pollution, habitat destruction, unsustainable fishing practices, and climate change are unraveling the intricate fabric of these delicate ecosystems. The consequences include loss of biodiversity, disruption of ecological balance, and reduced resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Understanding the profound impacts of human activities on marine habitats is crucial. Conservation efforts, including sustainable practices and habitat restoration, are essential to protect these vital environments for present and future generations.

The Decline of coastal and marine ecosystems

-50%

wetlands

-50%

live coral

-30%

seagrass

-50%

wetlands

-50%

live coral

-30%

seagrass

Globally, coastal and marine habitats are in decline because of numerous threats, including coastal development, overfishing, pollution, and climate change.

Nearly 50% of coastal wetlands have been lost over the last 100 years, with up to 90% of remaining wetlands projected to be lost by 2100. Approximately 50% of live coral cover has been lost since the 1870s, and climate change and other drivers have led to accelerated losses in recent decades. Almost 30% of known seagrass area across the globe has been lost due to human activities, and at least 22 of the world’s 72 seagrass species are in decline.

“It's surely our responsibility to

do everything within our power to

create a planet that provides a

home not just for us, but for

all life on Earth.”

“It's surely our responsibility to

do everything within our power to

create a planet that provides a

home not just for us, but for

all life on Earth.”

Sir David Frederick Attenborough

biologist, natural historian

Coastal development
is a significant threat
to underwater habitats
worldwide.

Unsustainable
tourism
Unregulated diving, physical damage to coral reefs, and harmful sunscreen usage harm marine ecosystems.
Harvesting and
fishing
Unsustainable harvesting of mangroves and kelp, overfishing of key species, disrupt habitats and food availability.
Introducing
invasive species
Introducing invasive algae or invertebrates outcompete native species, affecting resources and habitat structure.

Why should

Why should
I care

I care

Among a huge list of reasons, as caretakers of our beautiful pearly blue and green marble, Planet Earth, caring about our impact on marine habitats is crucial for humanity’s well-being and the future of our planet.

Climate Regulation
Underwater kelp forests are crucial ecosystems that enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and sequester carbon 20 times more efficiently than their terrestrial counterparts.
Biodiversity and Ecological Balance
Marine habitats provide a home to many species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth. These habitats contribute to the overall biodiversity of our planet and play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. Preserving these marine habitats, preserves the interconnectedness for all that depend on them.
Food Security
Food Security: Marine habitats contribute significantly to global food security. Healthy coral reefs, mangroves, and kelp forests support thriving fish populations and provide livelihoods for millions of people who rely on fishing and seafood as a primary source of sustenance. Protecting these habitats ensures the availability of fish and seafood resources for current and future generations.
Coastal Protection
Mangroves and coral reefs act as natural buffers, protecting coastlines from erosion, storm surges, and tsunamis. They dissipate wave energy and stabilize sediments, safeguarding coastal communities, infrastructure, and valuable ecosystems. Losing these habitats can increase the vulnerability of coastal areas to the effects of climate change.
Economic Value
Marine habitats have significant economic value. They support industries such as fishing, tourism, and recreation, providing employment opportunities and driving local economies. Preserving these habitats ensures the sustainability of these industries and the livelihoods they support.

Impact on Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are some of the most important ecosystems on Earth, providing food and shelter for millions of marine species. However, coral reefs are also facing a number of threats, including pollution.

73%

coral reefs remaining by 2003

16%

coral triangle reefs are in Marine Protected areas

By recognising and addressing the threats to marine habitats, we can safeguard the interconnected web of life that relies on these precious ecosystems.

The Limited Coverage of Conservation Measures in the ocean

As of 2021, less than 8% of the ocean is covered by protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). These other measures may include areas where conservation is an outcome but not a stated objective, such as some war graves or protected shipwrecks. In the case of both protected areas and OECMs, the level

of protection they afford to marine and coastal habitats varies, as does the degree to which they are effectively governed and managed. However, coverage is not equally distributed across the ocean. Although protected areas and OECMs now cover 18.01% within national waters, coverage in areas beyond national jurisdiction lags behind at 1.18%.

Click to reveal the Proportion of habitat within protected

Warm-water corals
39.40
of 149,887.0 km2
Saltmarshes
49.66
of 224,435.1 km2
Mangroves
39.99
of 145,690.9 km2
Seagrasses
24.16
of 321,681.7 km2
Cold-Water corals
27.28
of 15,335.2 km2

Warm-water corals
39.40
of 149,887.0 km2
Saltmarshes
49.66
of 224,435.1 km2
Mangroves
39.99
of 145,690.9 km2
Seagrasses
24.16
of 321,681.7 km2
Cold-Water corals
27.28
of 15,335.2 km2

protectrespectpreserve

taking

On this interconnected planet, each one of us has the power to make a difference, whether as individuals, organisations, families, or communities.

action

1
marine habitats loss
Make responsible choices during holidays. Select knowledgeable guides, use reef-safe sunscreen, and be mindful of your impact on marine habitats while snorkelling or diving.
2
marine habitats loss
Support ethical companies. Be conscious of products containing kelp or made from mangroves, and choose brands that prioritize sustainability.
3
marine habitats loss
Engage children in age-appropriate books and conversations about marine conservation, fostering awareness and environmental responsibility. Invite marine conservationists and marine biologists to talk at your school!
4
marine habitats loss
Utilise educational resources. Explore educational TV shows and programs that promote marine habitat conservation, sparking a passion for the oceans in young minds.
5
marine habitats loss
Contribute to mangrove reforestation efforts by donating to projects such as those run by Mossy Earth, aiding in the recovery of these crucial ecosystems.
6
marine habitats loss
Collaborate internationally to designate MPAs that safeguard specific habitats like coral reefs, mangroves, and kelp forests, providing legal protection and regulating human activities.
7
marine habitats loss
Encourage sustainable practices. Introduce fishing quotas, create conservation-focused jobs, and implement educational programs in local communities, fostering sustainable industries and raising public awareness about sensitive marine habitats.

diving

into

transformation

diving into
transformation

By implementing strategies such as reducing single-use plastics, improving recycling and waste management systems, promoting plastic alternatives and innovation, raising public awareness, organizing clean-up initiatives, fostering international cooperation, and supporting research and development, we can make significant strides in combating plastic pollution.

The path to preserving our oceans involves a combination of these approaches, and every small step we take makes a big difference. The future is not set in stone, and with collective effort and continued innovation, we can work towards a healthier, more sustainable marine ecosystems.

Meet some of the
awesome people

Mossy Earth

Mossy Earth is an organization focused on rewilding and restoring habitats. They engage local communities, volunteers, and experts to implement projects that promote biodiversity and combat habitat destruction. With a subscription model, they fund conservation efforts and provide updates to subscribers. Mossy Earth also emphasizes education and awareness to inspire action for the environment. Overall, they aim to make a positive impact by restoring ecosystems and raising awareness about conservation.

https://www.mossy.earth/projects
Indonesia Sustainable Oceans

Indonesia’s Sustainable Oceans Program (ISOP) is supporting Indonesia’s transition to a blue economy by increasing the economic, social, environmental benefits derived from healthy coastal and marine ecosystems. They focus on three areas: Supporting Sustainable Fisheries and Coastal livelihoods, building healthy coastal and marine ecosystems and reducing marine pollution.

https://www.worldbank.org/en/programs/indonesia-sustainable-oceans-program
PADI AWARE Foundation

This global movement of divers works to protect the ocean, with two main areas of focus: sharks in peril and marine debris.

https://www.padi.com/aware
Coral Reef Alliance

This international organization is dedicated to saving the world's coral reefs. They offer educational resources and ways to get involved in protecting and restoring coral reefs.

https://coral.org/en/
Reef Relief

A nonprofit dedicated to improving and protecting our coral reef ecosystem. Their programs install an attitude of stewardship in boaters, divers, fishermen, and the general public.

https://www.reefrelief.org/
The Coral Restoration Foundation

This group actively restores coral reefs on a massive scale, educates others on the importance of our oceans, and uses science to further coral research and coral reef monitoring techniques.

https://www.coralrestoration.org/
SeaForester

SeaForester is an organization focused on marine reforestation and restoring coastal ecosystems by cultivating seagrass and kelp.

https://www.seaforester.org/