Coastal marine ecology

Abstract

Qatar’s coastal and marine ecosystems comprise a mosaic of coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mangroves, oyster beds, and sabkhas supporting high biodiversity and providing critical ecosystem services. These include fisheries production, carbon sequestration, shoreline stabilization, and habitat provision for endangered species such as dugongs, whale sharks, and hawksbill turtles. However, these ecosystems are increasingly threatened by climate change, habitat degradation, coastal development, and pollution. Coral reefs have experienced substantial declines due to marine heatwaves and anthropogenic stressors. Seagrass meadows and mangroves, which underpin carbon storage and nursery functions, are under pressure from fragmentation and disturbance. Oyster beds, once central to regional economies and ecological function, have largely collapsed. Sabkhat represent unique hyper-saline ecosystems of geobiological, scientific, educational, and global heritage importance. Recent mapping and biodiversity assessments highlight the urgency of conservation measures. To preserve the ecological integrity and services of these ecosystems, immediate and coordinated action is required. Action includes evidence-based habitat restoration, strengthened marine governance including a dedicated Marine Spatial Plan, and the expansion and enforcement of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to meet the ambitious global target of the CBD’s Post-2020 Framework UN of at least 30% MPA’s by 2030 in Qatar’s Exclusive Economic Zone. In addition to MPAs other conservation management tools will be required such as Other area based Effective Conservation Means (OECM) to contribute to the health of Qatar’s marine ecosystems.