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Due to limitations on species data and lack of available geo-referenced data, the coastal/marine ecosystems working group relied mostly on subjective assessments of participants and published materials made available at the workshop for information on marine habitats and species. Criteria for priorities were based on biological values (biological uniqueness, species richness, endemism and natural habitats) and threats. Habitat types were the main discriminating criteria, including Mangroves, Estuaries, Deltas, Intertidal mudflats, Rocky seashore, Sandy seashore, Sea grass beds, and Lagoons. The following threats were discussed and mapped as best as possible: habitat loss (destructive fisheries, deforestation, mining, aquaculture, freshwater diversion, dumping, shipping); pollution (eutrophication, toxics, pesticides); salinization of estuaries; alien species (invasions); global climate change (sea level rise); over-exploitation (direct catch and by catch); and artisanal versus industrial fishing. Based on current threats and subjective projection of future trends with socio-economic factors such as population growth, mineral concessions, protected areas distribution, and areas of civil conflict, priority areas were selected to include those that contained all important factors in a natural marine habitat.