Developing Standards for Marine Ecosystem RestorationHabitat Restoration, Rehabilitation & Enhancement

Abel Zempleni¹, Sahar Stevenson-Jones²

¹Ifremer, France - ²Society for Ecological Restoration, Belgium

Marine ecosystem restoration is a critical component in mitigating biodiversity loss, enhancing ecosystem services, and improving coastal resilience. Whilst the SER Principles and Standards for Ecosystem exist to assist practitoners, there is a global call for adaptation to the marine space. Furthermore, as the global decline of marine ecosystems accelerates, the need for science-driven and adaptable restoration strategies has never been more urgent. The MRWG, a diverse network of scientists, conservationists, policymakers, and practitioners, will play a pivotal role in developing comprehensive and universally applicable restoration standards.

This presentation will highlight the MRWG’s efforts in establishing this new set of guidelines and demonstrate how they provide a framework for effectively restoring marine habitats, ranging from seagrass meadows and oyster reefs to deep sea systems.

Finally, the presentation will discuss the broader implications of standards-based restoration and the network as a whole in advancing the Nature Restoration Regulation, with an emphasis on how consistent, scientifically-backed restoration methods can drive progress toward achieving the regulation’s ambitious objectives. This collaborative approach ensures that restoration efforts are transparent, accountable, and measurable, setting the stage for large-scale, long-term success in marine conservation and recovery.