We find that tidal flats, defined as sand, rock or mud flats that undergo regular tidal inundation 7, occupy at least 127,921 km 2 (124,286–131,821 km 2, 95% confidence interval). Here we present an analysis of over 700,000 satellite images that maps the global extent of and change in tidal flats over the course of 33 years (1984–2016). However, owing to the difficulty of mapping intertidal areas globally, the distribution and status of tidal flats-one of the most extensive coastal ecosystems-remain unknown 7. As a result, alarming losses of mangrove, coral reef, seagrass, kelp forest and coastal marsh ecosystems have occurred 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Increasing human populations around the global coastline have caused extensive loss, degradation and fragmentation of coastal ecosystems, threatening the delivery of important ecosystem services 1.
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