Poster presentation: A survey-based assessment of seagrass status, management and legislation in Europe

Seagrass meadows are ranked among the most productive ecosystems on Earth, providing high-value ecosystem services in coastal areas. Yet, seagrass habitats are declining worldwide at an unprecedented rate as a consequence of both anthropogenic and natural pressures, which suggests an inefficient management. Seagrasses are widespread along European coasts and the knowledge on their conservation status and management has been increased in the last decades although a general panorama for the whole Europe is still lacking. The general aim of this survey-based study was to assess the present status of seagrass habitat conservation, management and policy in Europe based on 25 questionnaires from participants of 19 coastal European countries. We specifically assessed the seagrass ecological status and their major threats; the level of awareness; the effort in mapping, monitoring and restoration; and the state of management plans and policy in each country. We furthermore reviewed the European and country-specific legislation for seagrass habitats in order to assess the protection status of seagrasses in Europe. The survey-based assessment revealed great differences among species and countries in seagrass awareness, ecological status, mapping, monitoring and management. Several good examples of seagrass management, in cooperation with scientists, were identified although many countries still lack the fundamental tools for a proper management. A consistent body of legislation was compiled for most European countries, yet their implementation is rather variable. The results of this study will provide guidelines for a more effective seagrass management and policy in Europe.