Published December 31, 2025
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Measuring and Reporting on Seagrass as an Essential Ocean Variable for Science and Management

Creators

  • 1. MarineGEO program, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center , 647 Contees Wharf Road, Edgewater, MD 21037 ,
  • 2. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, Ocean Biodiversity Information System, IOC Project Office for IODE, InnovOcean Campus , Jacobsenstraat 1, Oostende 8800 ,
  • 3. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service , 777 E. Tahquitz Way Suite 208 Palm Springs CA 92262 ,
  • 4. Global Wetlands Project, School of Environment and Science, Griffith University , Parklands Drive, Gold Coast, QLD 4214 ,
  • 5. Griffith University
  • 6. Stockholm University , Department of Physical Geography, 106 91 Stockholm, Stockholms län 106 91 ,
  • 7. Stockholm University
  • 8. University of Connecticut , Marine Sciences Department, 1080 Shennecossett Road, Groton, CT 6348 ,
  • 9. University of Connecticut
  • 10. Florida International University Institute of Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, , 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199 ,
  • 11. Hakai Institute , PO Box 25039, Campbell River, BC V9W 0B7 ,
  • 12. University of North Carolina Wilmington , 601 South College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403 ,
  • 13. Albemarle Pamlico National Estuary Partnership , 109 Holly Ln, Beaufort, NC 28516 ,
  • 14. Institute of Environment, Florida International University , 11200 SW 8th St., Miami, FL 33199 ,
  • 15. Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania , 20 Castray Esplanade, Battery Point, & Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, Global Ocean Observing System, Hobart, TAS 7004 ,
  • 16. University of Tasmania
  • 17. University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science , 2020 Horns Point Rd, Cambridge, MD 21613 ,
  • 18. Spatial Informatics Group , 2529 Yolanda Ct., Pleasanton, CA 94566 ,
  • 19. James Cook University, Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER) , PO Box 6811, Cairns, QLD 4870 ,
  • 20. James Cook University
  • 21. University of South Florida, College of Marine Science , 140 7th Ave. South, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 ,
  • 22. University of South Florida
  • 23. Akkeshi Marine Station, Hokkaido University , 1 Aikappu, Akkeshi, Hokkaido 088-1113 ,
  • 24. Hokkaido University
  • 25. Uppsala University, Campus Gotland , Cramérgatan 3, Visby 62157 ,
  • 26. Uppsala University
  • 27. Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO, Ocean Biodiversity Information System, IOC Project Office for IODE, InnovOcean Campus , Jacobsenstraat 1, Oostende 8400 ,
  • 28. University of Queensland, St.Lucia Campus , St.Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4072 ,
  • 29. University of Queensland
  • 30. Swansea University , Singleton Park, Swansea SA28PP, Project Seagrass, Unit 1 Garth Drive, Brackla Industrial Estate, Bridgend CF31 2AQ ,

Description

Abstract To effectively manage and protect ocean life and the people who depend on it, we need coordinated, comparable observations of ocean biodiversity. Seagrass cover and composition is an essential ocean variable (EOV) of the Global Ocean Observing System because seagrasses are the foundation of coastal ecosystems worldwide, and support diverse marine life and ecosystem services. We present guidelines for collecting and reporting seagrass data that fulfill specifications for the EOV, including three priority measurements to maximize compatibility among data sets: seagrass cover, species composition, and areal extent, with priority environmental variables for interpreting changes in status and condition. To promote interoperability, we present a standard format for seagrass EOV data and metadata. These guidelines will enable better monitoring and assessment of seagrass ecosystems, facilitate syntheses, inform the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework headline indicator "Extent of natural ecosystems," and support evidence-based conservation and sustainable development.
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