Researchers have used fossils, archaeological records and historical documents including fishing logs to trace changes in 12 estuary areas, mainly in Europe and North America.
Heike Lotze, also of Dalhousie University, said the project showed about seven percent of species had become extinct globally or locally in the estuary areas and 36 percent had collapsed to less than 10 percent of previous numbers.
"Human exploitation was the most important reason for extinctions, followed by habitat loss and pollution," said Lotze.
But the researchers are also looking to the future, especially as the end of the first census draws near.
They want to ensure that support can be found for funding to ensure there is a second census leading up to 2020 as human and climate threats put mounting pressure on the oceans.
"Can we convey the urgency of continuing our efforts over the next decade?" challenged Rutgers University professor, J. Frederick Grassle, who chairs the census scientific steering committee.
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