Global Degradation of Coastal Ecosystems

The State of the World’s Coastal Ecosystems Report was released at the Global Coastal Forum in Yancheng. The report indicates that over the past 50 years, typical ecosystems such as seagrass beds, coral reefs, and mollusk reefs have experienced an average annual net loss exceeding 1%, with tropical regions being particularly affected. 97% of mangroves and 99% of coral reefs are concentrated in tropical areas, yet they are degrading at the fastest rate. Coastal urbanization, climate change (sea water warming and acidification), and overfishing are the primary causes.