Restoring Eelgrass

In the UK, transplantation trials have taken place in a number of locations around the south coast of England, particularly following the loss of the species due to a 'wasting desease'. Although there was limited early success the plants either disappeared there was little or no expansion from the areas where transplantation took place. Transplantation of Zostera and other seagrasses in the USA has been more successful, where a number of transplanting techniques are employed, using plugs, turfs, individual mature plants and seeds (Davison 1997).

Reintroducing Zoster marina onto mudflats where it formerly occurred has also been achieved experimentally in Holland. Studies have shown that if re-introduced into sheltered tidal flats and bays successful re-establishment can occur (de Jonge et al. 1996). Sediment composition, turbidity, current velocity and wave action are all important factors in successful establishment.

Caveat: This is an area requiring further study (Davison & Hughes 1998).

References

Davison, D.M. & Hughes, D.J. 1998. Zostera Biotypes (Volume 1): an Overview of Dynamics and Sensitivity Characteristics for Conservation Management of Marine SACs. Scottish Association for Marine Science (UK Marine SACs Project), 1 UK Marine SACs Project.

Davison, D.M. 1997. The Genus Zostera in the UK: a Literature Review Identifying Key Conservation, Management and Monitoring Requirements.. Environment & Heritage Service, DoE (NI), Belfast.

de Jonge, V.N., de Jonge, D.J. & van der Bergs, J. 1996. Reintroduction of eelgrass (Zostera marina) in the Dutch Wadden Sea: review of research and suggestions for management measures. Journal of Coastal Conservation, 2/1., 149-158.