Seascape connectivity: evidence, knowledge gaps and implications for temperate coastal ecosystem restoration practice and policy

Preston, J.; Debney, A.; Gamble, C.; Hardy, M.J.; Underwood, G.J.C.; Garbutt, A. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9145-9786; Harley, J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3861-9127; Baker, R.; Dunk, R.M.; Grigg, M.; Hancock, B.T.; Hendy, I.W.; La Marca, E.C.; Murray, J.; Pettorelli, N.; Pittman, S.J.; Reeves, S.E.; Robertson, M.; Sturrock, A.M.; Thurstan, R.H.; Unsworth, R.K.F.; Ward, E.A.; Ward, S.L.; Watson, G.J.; Watson, S.C.L.; Wedding, L.M.; Worthington, T.A.; Wright, R.A.; Yesson, C.; zu Ermgassen, P.S.E.. 2025 Seascape connectivity: evidence, knowledge gaps and implications for temperate coastal ecosystem restoration practice and policy. npj Ocean Sustainability, 4, 33. 29, pp. 10.1038/s44183-025-00128-3

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44183-025-00128-3

Abstract/Summary

Temperate coastal marine ecosystems have undergone severe global loss and degradation. We provide a framework for considering ecological connectivity in marine systems and evidence for ecological connectivity across temperate coastal seascapes, developed through expert consensus and structured review. We demonstrate that ecosystem functioning and the delivery of ecosystem services require the existence of a healthy mosaic of coastal habitats, maintained by the exchanges of matter and energy between them. We advocate a seascape approach, that restores connectivity and optimal structure-function relationships, is crucial for successful ecosystem restoration. Consequently, we provide recommendations to deliver seascape restoration of coastal habitats to support the targets set by the 2021-30 UN Decades of Ocean Science and Ecosystem Restoration. Acknowledging the interconnected nature of coastal ecosystems has implications for policy. We identify opportunities and actions to support nature recovery and integrate policy frameworks across climate and biodiversity agendas to achieve international goals for planetary resilience.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1038/s44183-025-00128-3
UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:	Environmental Pressures and Responses (2025-)
ISSN:	2731-426X
Additional Information:	Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.
Additional Keywords:	marine biology, restoration ecology
NORA Subject Terms:	Ecology and Environment Marine Sciences
Related URLs:	Dataset
Date made live:	16 Jun 2025 07:39 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/539591

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1038/s44183-025-00128-3

UKCEH and CEH Sections/Science Areas:

Environmental Pressures and Responses (2025-)

ISSN:

2731-426X

Additional Information:

Open Access paper - full text available via Official URL link.

Additional Keywords:

marine biology, restoration ecology