A new report has highlighted the "dramatic declines" in the Solent's internationally important habitats.

The Solent State of Nature Report reveals that many of the area's saltmarsh, mudflats and seagrass beds, alongside key bird and fish species, are struggling and could be lost entirely in the future.

According to the report, oyster reefs have vanished completely from the Solent since 2007 and around 92 per cent of seagrass meadows have been lost in the UK over the last century.

Saltmarsh has also dwindled to half its extent from 80 years ago.

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Saltmarsh in the Solent – one of the wildlife-rich habitats that could be lost in the next 100 years (Image: Paul Adams) These habitats are crucial for the 85 per cent of seabirds that breed on the Solent's saltmarsh islands.

The number of non-breeding waders in the region has already dropped by almost 60 per cent over the last 30 years.

With increasing human activity, pollution and climate change, the Solent is under immense pressure.

The Solent strait, known for its wildlife and habitats which serve as homes for overwintering marine and coastal birds, is of international importance.

The harbours and estuaries also play a significant role for juvenile fish, rays and sharks.

Louise MacCallum, Solent restoration project manager for Blue Marine Foundation, said: "As someone who has lived on the shores of the Solent for more than a decade, it is hugely sad to see all of the evidence of nature's decline here in a single report."

However, the report indicates a glimmer of hope.

Active restoration efforts are already underway across the Solent, led by the Solent Seascape Project, which commissioned the report.

The project seeks to protect and restore nature on a seascape level within the Solent area.

Following the report results, the project will launch a series of workshops and a survey to engage the Solent community.

The aim is to collaboratively develop a Seascape Recovery Plan to better manage existing marine and coastal habitats.

Louise added: "Solent nature is in trouble, but the Solent Seascape Project hopes to help kick start its recovery, reconnecting the seascape into a vibrant, ecologically connected marine landscape.

"It's not too late for Solent nature, but it's now or never."