Please note that this is an on-going project.
Project Description
Our project is a global synthesis of animal responses to coastal restoration, aimed to assess biodiversity outcomes in restored coastal ecosystems such as saltmarshes, mangroves, and coral reefs. By analysing 5,133 response ratios from 160 studies, we evaluated the impact of restoration on animal communities, populations, and individual fitness. Specifically, we compared restored sites to degraded and natural reference sites to determine whether restoration effectively increases species abundance and diversity. This study highlighted not only the biodiversity benefits of restoration but also the variability in outcomes, underlining the need for improved restoration techniques and monitoring practices. This work can inform future restoration planning, action and monitoring.
Project Personnel and Beneficiaries
The project benefits practitioners, environmental managers, and research scientists working on some facet of ecosystem restoration, particularly the restoration of coastal ecosystems. Whilst this specific project (the analysis and publication) primarily involved researchers, the broader project we work on includes NGOs who are actively restoring coastal systems around Australia, such as TNC and OzFish.
Outcomes to Date
Our meta-analysis shows that coastal restoration efforts have generally increased animal abundance and diversity at restored sites compared to degraded sites, with some sites reaching biodiversity levels comparable to natural habitats. This synthesis has provided the scientific community and policymakers with a quantitative foundation for assessing animal responses to coastal restoration. These insights advocate for targeted restoration strategies that align with SDGs by improving both policy targets and public understanding of restoration outcomes and biodiversity benefits.
Project Significance
This project contributes significantly to SDG 14 “Life Below Water” by providing insights into how coastal restoration aids biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in marine environments. It also supports the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration by revealing the strengths and challenges of current restoration practices, helping refine strategies that better promote biodiversity. The findings advocate for evidence-based restoration goals, addressing SDGs 14 and 15, and encourage policy shifts that incorporate animal responses as a key metric for restoration success. The analysis underscores that while restoration enhances biodiversity, a deeper understanding of ecological processes and animal fitness is essential to sustain these ecosystems, fulfilling goals for both environmental sustainability and human well-being.