Alterability of coastal poly‐ and mono‐habitat seascapes: a Belizean case study

Tropical coastal seascapes are valuable ecological systems providing essential services such as shoreline protection, carbon sequestration, and fisheries support. Understanding seascape change requires attention to both spatial scale and habitat composition, yet these aspects are often overlooked in coastal management. We analyzed the extent of coastal habitat in Belize from 1996 to 2020, alongside various seascape and habitat designations, to advocate for the incorporation of comprehensive habitat diversity assessments into seascape management strategies. Three key insights were revealed: (1) specific habitat types within broader habitat groups exhibit markedly different changes in extent, underscoring the importance of nuanced assessment beyond group measurements; (2) habitat diversity influences ecosystem stability, with poly‐habitat seascapes generally showing fewer changes in habitat extent as compared to mono‐habitat seascapes; and (3) differences in seascape and habitat areas have a substantial impact on the interpretation of habitat diversity. These results emphasize the need for detailed, context‐specific approaches in coastal seascape management.