Whether we want to conserve, restore or enhance biodiversity, or use it to assess the environmental status of our coasts, the indissoluble link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is influenced by the spatial context of an ecosystem (the seascape). Using field-based research conducted in subarctic regions, we will show how the seascape can modulate species interactions which impair the habitat-forming functions of kelp. Specifically, bottom heterogeneity modulates top-down grazer control impacting the functioning of artificial structures as habitats for canopy-forming seaweeds in habitat compensation efforts. Unfortunately, coastal habitat maps from which seascape information could be obtained are often non-existant or are coarse in scale. We thus present how optical imagery-derived photomosaics can be used to map biological and geomorphological features over continuous and wide areas. Moreover, photomosaics can reveal patterns of local distribution of benthic species that can be useful when assessing biodiversity to evaluate the environmental status in coastal areas. Seascape context is thus a determining element which will improve our ability to maintain ecosystem functioning and services and inform coastal management.
Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning: recent advances and controversies