We must integrate effective protection with scalable restoration to ensure resilient coastal ecosystems. We identify five challenges, including unequal ecosystem coverage, spatial protections that are weak or centered offshore, compartmentalized restoration efforts, and policies that are not fit for purpose, and propose actionable solutions for scaling effective marine conservation. Emphasizing underserved habitats like kelp forests and seagrasses, we call for integrated, equitable, and community-supported strategies that align with global agendas and promote future coastal ecosystems.
Eger, A.M., Colegrove, C., Dallison, T. et al. Protect and restore: integrating marine management to secure the future of coastal ecosystems. npj Ocean Sustain 4, 62 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44183-025-00168-9
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