An integrated mapping approach highlights extended distribution and high environmental status of Irish seagrass meadows.

To address the remaining knowledge gap regarding the distribution of seagrasses in Ireland, this study aimed a) to create an updated seagrass (Zostera spp.) distribution map, and b) to evaluate the environmental quality to which seagrass meadows are exposed. To achieve the first objective, we (i) combined the available data on seagrass distribution published to date, and (ii) mapped additional meadows by implementing an integrated method based on species distribution models, satellite-derived images, and snorkelling-based surveys.