Marine Technology news: Restoring Marine Habitats

The Potential of Restoring Marine Habitats

Considering the global initiatives to become nature positive by 2030 [1] and the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals [2], the concepts of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) [3] and Marine Net Gain (MNG) are gaining traction [4,5]. Here we explore the potential of marine restoration in contributing to MNG, carbon sequestration, and port decarbonisation, addressing the critical need for effective marine restoration strategies in the face of climate change, marine pollution, and overfishing [6,7,8]. We find that the positive impacts of restoration and reviving marine habitats are wide-ranging, from enhancing biodiversity and supporting sustainable fisheries [9], improving water quality [10], to contributing to carbon offsetting efforts [11]. All helping to combat climate change, mitigate its effects on our planet, and secure a more sustainable future.

The importance of marine restoration
The Ocean, covering 71% of the Earth's surface, is home to approximately 80% of all life on Earth [12]. Healthy marine ecosystems generate 50% of the oxygen that we breathe and absorb 25% of all CO₂ emissions [13]. The Ocean and its marine habitats also play a crucial role in regulation the Earth's climate by absorbing up to 90% of the additional heat generated from anthropogenic CO₂ emissions [13]. Accordingly, marine restoration holds immense importance in safeguarding the health and vitality of our oceans [9]. As human activities continue to take a toll on marine ecosystems [14,15], restoration efforts offer a glimmer of hope. A wide range of methods and techniques are employed in marine restoration projects, depending on the specific ecosystem and the restoration goals (see Figure 1). By restoring damaged habitats, such as coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests, we can create resilient ecosystems that can withstand the impacts of climate change and support a diverse array of marine life [16]. On top of being crucial for marine biodiversity, these restoration efforts can provide shoreline protection [17], carbon sequestration [11,18], and the provision of food and livelihoods for coastal communities. Several marine restoration projects have achieved remarkable success in recent years, showcasing the potential for positive outcomes and significant carbon sequestration potential [19,20,21]. In the United States, oyster reef restoration in Chesapeake Bay has improved water quality and biodiversity [22]. These projects highlight the benefits of dedicated restoration efforts, which can act as catalysts for positive change and provide valuable insights for future projects. Through restoring and protecting marine ecosystems, as well as engaging with local communities and stakeholders in marine restoration projects, we can raise awareness about the importance of ocean conservation and foster a sense of stewardship, all ensuring the long-term sustainability of these services, benefitting both the environment and human societies.

Figure 1. Images illustrating the different types of marine habitat restoration.

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