Coastal ecosystems are among the most productive and most impacted by anthropogenic activities in the world. The changes we see today are a result of current and past human pressures. The degree to which these changes have altered ecosystem structure and functions that provide services essential to human wellbeing remains unclear. The objective of my study is to assess the effects of nutrient loading, harvesting and climate warming on the structure (species richness, composition and abundance) and nutrient cycling, carbon storage and habitat provision functions of seagrass and rockweed beds. I will also attempt to quantify how past human activities have affected the structure and functions of these habitats and compare the importance of different vegetated habitats for the structure, functions, and services they provide. This information is essential for the proper management of currently exploited species, sustainable development of new emergent fisheries and monitoring and directing recovery and conservation efforts.