Abstract

Seagrasses are marine angiosperms found in shallow coastal waters along every continent except Antarctica. They form extensive meadows that provide important ecosystem services, including storing carbon, improving water quality, providing food and habitat, and acting as a biological indicator of coastal conditions. Seagrass meadows are rapidly declining primarily due to anthropogenic factors, including global climate change. Strong science-based management and regulatory strategies are needed to maintain and increase seagrass habitats, as well as build their resilience to stressors in a globally changing environment.