Introducing SeagrassTools: strengthening the link between data and decision-making
July marks the launch of SeagrassTools, a single unified suite for seagrass science, conservation, and management which will enable users to collect, download, analyse, and act on seagrass data more effectively than ever before. The new digital suite, which integrates citizen science, ecological data, restoration experiments, and spatial analytics, will support evidence-based decision-making across the full seagrass conservation cycle. Seagrass ecosystems are among the most valuable yet threatened marine habitats globally. They provide critical ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, fisheries support, and coastal protection. Yet despite their importance, monitoring and management efforts are often constrained by inconsistent data collection methods, limited integration between datasets, and barriers to analysing and interpreting ecological indicators. SeagrassTools has been developed in direct response to these challenges. Quote from Ben Seagrass spatial data from the Maldives uploaded to SeagrassTracker Enhalus acoroides seagrass sighting uploaded to SeagrassSpotter Effective seagrass conservation requires coordinated data collection, standardised metrics, and accessible tools that bridge science, practice, and community engagement. SeagrassTools brings together four complementary platforms – SeagrassSpotter, SeagrassRestorer, SeagrassViewer, and SeagrassTracker – into one integrated digital suite that connects data collection, analysis, visualisation, and restoration planning for seagrass ecosystems. SeagrassSpotter: A global citizen science platform for recording seagrass observations. It enables users to upload georeferenced images, contributing to large-scale datasets on seagrass distribution and condition. SeagrassRestorer: A platform hosting global seagrass experiments and attempts, acting as a decision support tool for planning and evaluating restoration interventions, incorporating ecological data to improve restoration success. SeagrassTracker: A monitoring tool designed to host seagrass spatial data and used to track changes in seagrass ecosystems over time, supporting adaptive management and impact evaluation. SeagrassViewer: A visualisation interface for exploring spatial seagrass data. It supports interpretation, communication, and decision-making. By unifying tools across the conservation pipeline, SeagrassTools reduces barriers to analysis, improves data interoperability, and enhances the ability to scale impact. Seagrass conservation requires coordinated global effort. SeagrassTools provides the infrastructure to support that effort—connecting people, data, and decisions. We call upon researchers, conservation practitioners, policymakers, managers, citizen scientists, and communities alike to explore the tools, contribute data, and support the protection and restoration of seagrass ecosystems worldwide. Explore SeagrassTools