World Seagrass Conference 2024

Main-conveners: Marlene Jahnke (Gothenburg University, Sweden), Lina Mtwana Nordlund (Uppsala University, Sweden)

Co-conveners: Emmett Duffy (Smithsonian Institution), Eduardo Infantes (Gothenburg University), Per Moksnes (Gothenburg University)

This session focused on seagrass observing and monitoring and how we, as a global community, can work together in a more coordinated and interoperable manner. Recent developments in remote sensing technology (eg. satellites, drones, machine learning, etc.), oceanographic and biophysical modelling, genomics (to assess quality, connectivity, adaptation and temporal changes), eDNA and open data practices create unprecedented opportunities to understand seagrass ecosystems. While this rapid development is ongoing there is also an urgent need for openly available, coordinated, interoperable, and sustained ocean observations to deliver essential information for our sustainable development, safety, wellbeing, and prosperity. As we cannot observe and measure everything at all times, a series of Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) have been designated by the Global Ocean Observing System, IOC-UNESCO. These variables are selected because they can provide critical information on the state and health of the ocean for scientists, managers, and policymakers. “Seagrass cover and composition“ is one of the Essential Ocean Variables. The seagrass EOV includes seagrass cover, species composition, and distribution, along with multiple suggested variables, e.g. environmental variables and associated organisms. Furthermore, to understand where, when, and why seagrass ecosystems are changing, we need a much more holistic and integrated approach that also includes, for example, economic, social and climate indicators.

Source: https://www.isbw15.it/session/

Main-conveners: Lina Mtwana Nordlund (Uppsala University, Sweden)

Co-conveners: Jonathan Lefcheck (University of Maryland)

Seagrass ecosystems are in trouble, and with limited knowledge of accelerating cumulative effects, we need to start thinking out of the box. In this workshop, a so-called “futures thinking” approach was applied.  It is a creative and exploratory process that engages all participants. The aim was to imagine the many alternative futures of seagrass, rather than to predict the future of seagrass. This process draws on proposed future threats, but also inspires based on past successes. The two themes during the workshop were: megatrends, and “what-if questions” that would support our future exploration. Ultimately, we sought to envision multiple pathways and innovative solutions towards effective seagrass conservation and restoration. The workshop was preceded by a preparatory online survey.

Source: https://www.isbw15.it/workshop/