Understanding ecosystem services for climate change resilience in coastal environments: a case study of low-canopy sub-tidal seagrass beds in Fiji

The Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are exposed to extreme wave conditions which projected be exacerbated by rising sea levels due climate change, prompting the need for strategic planning of coastal communities and assets. Nature-based protection has been proposed as a sustainable solution promote resilience areas from physical impacts such wave-induced erosion. In this study, we investigate potential service shallow sub-tidal low-canopy seagrass beds, dominated Halodule uninervis , on rate height energy reduction barrier fringing reefs. data was collected using bottom-mounted pressure sensors measure waves moved toward shoreline across beds. results show that average, beds were able reduce 30% 47% in both reef environments. These rates strongly influenced water depth, characteristics local conditions. Based these results, seagrasses can strengthen shorelines erosion, thus conserving healthy habitats measurable benefits Fiji other PICs.