Document Type
Article
Department/Program
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Publication Date
11-3-2020
Journal
Frontiers in Marine Science
Abstract
Coastal marine ecosystems provide critical goods and services to humanity but many are experiencing rapid degradation. The need for effective restoration tools capable of promoting large-scale recovery of coastal ecosystems in the face of intensifying climatic stress has never been greater. We identify four major challenges for more effective implementation of coastal marine ecosystem restoration (MER): (1) development of effective, scalable restoration methods, (2) incorporation of innovative tools that promote climate adaptation, (3) integration of social and ecological restoration priorities, and (4) promotion of the perception and use of coastal MER as a scientifically credible management approach. Tackling these challenges should improve restoration success rates, heighten their recognition, and accelerate investment in and promotion of coastal MER. To reverse the accelerating decline of marine ecosystems, we discuss potential directions for meeting these challenges by applying coastal MER tools that are science-based and actionable. For coastal restoration to have a global impact, it must incorporate social science, technological and conceptual advances, and plan for future climate scenarios.
DOI
doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.544105
Keywords
coastal marine ecosystems, social-ecological restoration, coral reefs, seagrass, mangrove, oyster reefs, kelp, saltmarshes
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Abelson, Avigdor; Reed, Daniel; Edgar, Graham J.; Smith, Carter S.; Kendrick, Gary A.; Orth, R J.; and et al, Challenges for Restoration of Coastal Marine Ecosystems in the Anthropocene (2020). Frontiers in Marine Science.
doi: 10.3389/fmars.2020.544105
