EEA Publishes Coastal Ecosystem Message

25 August 2010: The European Environment Agency (EEA) of the EU has published the ninth in its series of '10 messages for 2010,' the International Year of Biodiversity. The newest message focuses on coastal ecosystems.

According to the message, multiple pressures, including habitat loss and degradation, pollution, climate change and over-exploitation of fish stocks, affect coastal ecosystems. Specifically, global climate change has imposed additional pressure on coastal ecosystems by accelerating sea level rise, as well as increasing water temperatures, storms, erosion and flooding. The message notes that two thirds of coastal habitat types and more than half of coastal species in Europe have an unfavorable conservation status; and that integrated and ecosystem-based approaches provide the foundation for sustainable coastal management and development, supporting socioeconomic development, biodiversity and ecosystem services. [The Message]