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Global Distribution of Seagrasses

This dataset was originally developed alongside the publication by Green and Short (2003), and was the first authoritative and comprehensive global synthesis of the spatial distribution and status of seagrasses.

Date published: 2021

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Global Distribution of Seagrasses

  • DOI* https://doi.org/10.34892/x6r3-d211
  • Author/s* UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre
  • Versions* 7.1
  • Publication Date 2021
  • Citation UNEP-WCMC, Short FT (2021). Global distribution of seagrasses (version 7.1). Seventh update to the data layer used in Green and Short (2003). Cambridge (UK): UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Data DOI: https://doi.org/10.34892/x6r3-d211
  • Use Limitations Validation (of version 1) was undertaken through a global seagrass workshop comprising experts from 23 countries. As the dataset contains overlapping polygons, a dissolve operation (by ISO3) in GIS is required before surface area calculations are carried out. Based on recent genetic and morphometric analysis, Halophilla johnsonii, Halophila hawaiiana, Halophila ovata and Halophila minor are now considered to be morphological variations of, and therefore conspecific with, Halophila ovalis. Zostera mucronata, Zostera muelleri and Zostera novazelandica are now considered to be morphological variations of, and therefore conspecific with, Zostera capricorni. Note that the older components of the dataset (particularly in version 1) are likely to have been fitted to the best shoreline data available at the time, i.e. ESRI's "Digital Chart of the World" and “MundoCart digital database (both derived from Operational Navigation Charts). As a result, there may be placement errors when mapped onto recent shoreline datasets (e.g. GSHHD, Open Street Map), e.g. Belize.
Citation

UNEP-WCMC, Short FT (2021). Global distribution of seagrasses (version 7.1). Seventh update to the data layer used in Green and Short (2003). Cambridge (UK): UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Data DOI: https://doi.org/10.34892/x6r3-d211

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This dataset shows the global distribution of seagrasses, and is composed of two subsets of point and polygon occurrence data. The data were compiled by UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre in collaboration with many collaborators (e.g. Frederick Short of the University of New Hampshire), organisations (e.g. OSPAR), and projects (e.g. the European project Mediterranean Sensitive Habitats “Mediseh”), across the globe.

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