Global tidal wetlands saw a net loss of 4,000 square kilometers since 1999
In short: Researchers analyzing two decades of satellite data found that Earth's tidal wetlands are shrinking. While some areas have seen new growth, a global study of tidal flats, marshes, and mangroves revealed that 13,700 square kilometers were lost between 1999 and 2019, resulting in a net decline of 4,000 square kilometers.
The study used global satellite imagery to track changes across three interconnected ecosystems: tidal flats, tidal marshes, and mangroves. While 9,700 square kilometers of gains helped offset some destruction, the overall trend remains negative. The researchers attributed 27% of these shifts to direct human actions, such as agricultural conversion or restoration, while the remaining changes were linked to indirect drivers like climate change and coastal processes.
Why it matters: Despite some wetland restoration, global tidal ecosystems are experiencing a net decline.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: Murray et al. (2022). High-resolution mapping of losses and gains of Earth’s tidal wetlands. Science.
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