Beneath the waves, vast forests of corals, sponges, and gorgonians form complex habitats that serve as the ocean’s engine rooms. They shelter marine life, support fisheries, and sequester carbon. But we are losing them. A new Manifesto from scientists of the MAF WORLD COST action, led by Dr Sergio Rossi, reveals they are being destroyed by bottom trawling, pollution, and climate change. He says, “We are losing an ally, the one that helps to regulate much of the seafloor processes and functioning.”
The message is clear: it is time to give these hidden forests the same attention and protection as we give to land forests. We are pleased to announce the official launch of the Marine Animal Forest (MAF) Manifesto, a vital document developed by dedicated researchers and collaborators under the COST Action MAF WORLD.
