Climate change is having profound impacts of the structure, function, and resilience of seagrass meadows and mangrove forests—two ecosystems vital for coastal protection, biodiversity, and carbon storage.

Rising ocean temperatures affect seagrass physiology by altering growth rates, reproductive patterns, and overall productivity. Elevated temperatures also intensify light stress as deeper or more turbid waters reduce available sunlight, thereby diminishing seagrass photosynthesis and leading to habitat decline. Sea-level rise compounds these pressures by increasing water depth and altering tidal patterns, which can shift or shrink suitable habitat.

Mangrove ecosystems experience similar climate-driven stressors. Rising seas can force mangroves to migrate landward; however, when migration is blocked by human development, mangroves face “coastal squeeze,” leading to habitat loss. Increased storm frequency and changing precipitation patterns further undermine mangrove structure and function, weakening their ability to regenerate and maintain ecological stability. Despite their resilience, these pressures may reduce their long-term capacity to sequester carbon—a critical climate mitigation service.

Both seagrasses and mangroves play essential roles in coastal protection. Their root systems stabilize sediments, reduce erosion, buffer wave energy, and help maintain water quality. Mangroves, in particular, provide effective shoreline protection by reducing wave height and storm surge impacts. Seagrass meadows also support sediment deposition and reduce turbidity, creating clearer waters that benefit nearby reef and mangrove systems. Together, they form natural barriers that protect communities from extreme weather events.

Biodiversity within these habitats is exceptionally high. Seagrass ecosystems support diverse fish, megafauna, and invertebrate communities, contributing significantly to fisheries productivity. Mangroves provide nursery grounds for numerous marine species and support rich terrestrial–marine ecological interactions. Climate change threatens this biodiversity by altering habitat structure and reducing ecosystem stability.

Biodiversity within these habitats is exceptionally high. Seagrass ecosystems support diverse fish, megafauna, and invertebrate communities, contributing significantly to fisheries productivity. Mangroves provide nursery grounds for numerous marine species and support rich terrestrial–marine ecological interactions. Climate change threatens this biodiversity by altering habitat structure and reducing ecosystem stability.

Both seagrasses and mangroves play essential roles in coastal protection. Their root systems stabilize sediments, reduce erosion, buffer wave energy, and help maintain water quality. Mangroves, in particular, provide effective shoreline protection by reducing wave height and storm surge impacts. Seagrass meadows also support sediment deposition and reduce turbidity, creating clearer waters that benefit nearby reef and mangrove systems. Together, they form natural barriers that protect communities from extreme weather events\