Marine habitat alteration, conservation and next-generation restoration strategies

Marine ecosystems, encompassing coral reefs, mangroves, seagrass meadows, and open ocean environments, are pivotal to the Earth's ecological and economic stability. These habitats support unparalleled biodiversity, provide critical ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration, coastal protection, and fisheries, and are intrinsic to the cultural and social well-being of millions worldwide. However, human-induced pressures, including climate change, habitat destruction, overfishing, pollution, and ocean acidification, have accelerated the degradation of these vital ecosystems, leaving many on the brink of collapse. This book, Marine Habitat Alteration, Conservation, and Next-Generation Restoration Strategies, is an endeavor to bridge the knowledge gap in understanding the intricate dynamics of marine habitat degradation and to offer actionable, science-based strategies for conservation and restoration. It brings together an interdisciplinary synthesis of cutting-edge research and innovative approaches, from genomic tools and ecological engineering to community-driven restoration initiatives. The text also highlights the role of policy frameworks, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK), and adaptive management in fostering resilient marine ecosystems amid a rapidly changing climate.