The Third World Ocean Assessment has been released!

We are delighted to share that our project leader, Lina Mtwana Nordlund (Uppsala University), is one of over 550 scientists and experts from 86 countries who contributed to this landmark publication. This global collaborative effort, developed under the United Nations framework, offers the most comprehensive evaluation to date, providing governments, institutions, and the public with vital evidence to shape coordinated, effective action for our oceans.

According to Lina: “One of the strongest messages from the newly released Third World Ocean Assessment is that better ocean observations, more accessible data, and stronger international collaboration are essential for informed decision-making. We simply cannot manage what we do not understand.”

Lina contributed to the subchapter on Seagrass meadows. Seagrass observation is part of her research scope in the BioEcoOcean Baltic Sea Living Lab.

Key points from the chapter:

• Seagrass meadows are experiencing accelerated degradation due to urbanization, pollution and climate change, leading to a decline in their extent, biodiversity and ecological function.
• Seagrass meadows play a crucial role in carbon storage, habitat provision and water quality improvement, yet their functions are not widely recognized or fully utilized.
• There are insufficient systematic monitoring, protection and restoration technologies for seagrass meadow degradation, with insufficient scientific knowledge and policy support, highlighting the need for enhanced international collaboration and capacity-building.

Read the full chapter and the whole Assessment