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

Preston, J, Debney, A, Gamble, C, Hardy, MJ, Underwood, GJC, Garbutt, A, Harley, J, Baker, R, Dunk, RM ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8066-6763, Grigg, M, Hancock, BT, Hendy, IW, La Marca, EC, Murray, J, Pettorelli, N, Pittman, SJ, Reeves, SE, Robertson, M, Sturrock, AM, Thurstan, RH, Unsworth, RKF, Ward, EA, Ward, SL, Watson, GJ, Watson, SCL, Wedding, LM, Worthington, TA, Wright, RA, Yesson, C and Zu Ermgassen, PSE (2025) Seascape connectivity: evidence, knowledge gaps and implications for temperate coastal ecosystem restoration practice and policy. npj Ocean Sustainability, 4. 33. ISSN 2731-426X

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Abstract

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.