Coastal ecosystems are multidisciplinary research topics encompassing the structure, function, and dynamics of biological communities and physical environments at the land–sea interface, including salt marshes, mangroves, seagrass meadows, tidal flats, estuaries, rocky shores, and coastal dunes. Scientific study focuses on biogeochemical cycles, primary productivity, trophic interactions, sediment transport, and hydrodynamic forcing (tides, waves, currents) that shape habitat distribution and resilience. Research also examines nutrient loading, contaminant fate, habitat fragmentation, and climate-driven stressors such as sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and warming, often integrating remote sensing, numerical modeling, and long-term ecological monitoring to quantify ecosystem services and assess vulnerability to anthropogenic impacts.
Posidonia seagrass meadows, veritable underwater forests, play a major ecological role. Under constant pressure from human activity, scientists are looking for ways to ensure their survival, in particular by carrying out ...
Ecology
Sep 18, 2025
0
21
The kelp forest is ephemeral, yet foundational. Fronds of this fast-growing giant seaweed come and go with the seasons, storms and waves, supporting communities of fish, invertebrates and even mammals wherever they emerge. ...
Ecology
Sep 15, 2025
0
28
A pioneering study led by researchers from the Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR) and the Marine and Environmental Sciences Center (MARE) identifies seaweed forests on the northern coast ...
Earth Sciences
Sep 15, 2025
0
93
Every year, sea turtles hatch on Florida's beaches and make their way from the sand to the ocean—a critical journey that determines their chances of survival. As these hatchlings navigate obstacles such as artificial lights, ...
Plants & Animals
Sep 8, 2025
1
57
Beneath the surface of the Chesapeake Bay, a subtle but dramatic shift is taking place as eelgrass gives way to its warmer-water relative, widgeon grass. A new study from researchers at William & Mary's Batten School & VIMS ...
Plants & Animals
Sep 4, 2025
0
150
A team of researchers from Monash University has made a discovery that could reshape our understanding of greenhouse gas emissions from coastal ecosystems. Published in Nature Geoscience, the study reveals sandy coastlines, ...
Earth Sciences
Sep 1, 2025
7
35
A new study led by William & Mary's Batten School & VIMS shows that tidal marshes, including both natural wetlands and man-made living shorelines, generate approximately $90 million annually in economic value for communities ...
Environment
Aug 20, 2025
0
36
Teasing apart the sources of organic carbon stored in coastal wetland soils around the world was the "grand challenge" Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) scientists successfully tackled in a seminal blue carbon ...
Environment
Aug 19, 2025
0
31
Researchers from the South China Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered that human activities are key to kickstarting and speeding saltmarsh succession in South China Sea coral islands. The study ...
Ecology
Aug 12, 2025
0
24
Natural marine habitats like kelp forests and seagrass beds could play a vital role in protecting Scotland's coastline from flooding and erosion, according to new research.
Ecology
Aug 5, 2025
0
39
