Land Activities Threaten Portugal’s Marine Forests

Biologist Ester Serrão stated in Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal, that land-based activities pose the greatest threats to marine forests along the Portuguese coast. Serrão, a researcher at the University of Algarve, explained that destruction of vegetation leads to soil erosion. Rain washes these particles to the coast, smothering marine forests and eliminating rocky habitats needed by microscopic organisms.

She also identified pesticide and chemical use on land, alongside boat anchors and trawling, as damaging to these ecosystems. Anchors directly destroy corals and uproot marine plants. Serrão emphasized that marine forests are vital for healthy coastal ecosystems and require increased human awareness.

The fourth edition of the Marine Forests Festival—organized by the Algarve Center of Marine Sciences and several partners—aims to educate the public and foster community involvement in ocean protection. Researchers will meet this Sunday to discuss the future of Portugal’s marine forests, but the long-term effects of ongoing land use remain uncertain.