Assessment of the establishment success of eelgrass Zostera marina (Alismatales: Zosteraceae) from seeds in a cost-effective seed protection method: implications for large-scale restoration
-
Jian-Sheng Zhao
Jian-Sheng Zhao and Chao Fang are Master’s Degree candidates at Ocean University of China doing work on seagrass restoration.
Yan-Shan Liu is an assistant research fellow of Environmental Science at the Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province.
Pei-Dong Zhang is an Associate Professor of Marine Biology at the Ocean University of China. He was awarded a PhD in Marine Biology by the Ocean University of China. His more recent research has concentrated on seagrass biology and restoration.
,
Wen-Tao Li
Wen-Tao Li is an assistant research fellow of Marine Biology at the Ocean University of China. He was awarded a PhD in Marine Biology by the Pusan National University.
Jian-Sheng Zhao and Chao Fang are Master’s Degree candidates at Ocean University of China doing work on seagrass restoration.
Abstract
We describe a protective bag method for planting seeds of eelgrass Zostera marina and have evaluated the cost effectiveness of the method for potential use in large-scale restoration projects. A 90-day laboratory experiment was conducted to determine the effect of protective bags on seed viability. Successful establishment of new patches from seeds in the protective bags was assessed through a seed-sowing field experiment over 11 months. The viability of Z. marina seeds was not significantly affected by the use of protective bags. Retention rate of Z. marina seeds in the protective bags ranged from 64 to 98%, with an average of 85% after 5 months following distribution. The seedling establishment rate of Z. marina ranged from 11 to 44%, with an average of 24% after 6 months following distribution. New patches from the planted seeds were fully developed 11 months after planting with a maximum shoot density of 350 shoots m-2. The cost of planting in 1 ha of sea bed with Z. marina seeds was $14,820, and the average cost per Z. marina seed was $0.03. The protective bag method is an efficient and cost-effective restoration technique, and is potentially useful in facilitating large-scale restoration projects.
Funding source: National Natural Science Foundation of China
Award Identifier / Grant number: 41576112
Funding statement: This study was supported by funds from National Natural Science Foundation of China (41576112), National Marine Public Welfare Research Project (201405010), Basic Research Special Foundation for State Science and Technology of China (2015FY110600), and Science and Technology Development Program of Shandong (2014GSF117003).
About the authors
Jian-Sheng Zhao and Chao Fang are Master’s Degree candidates at Ocean University of China doing work on seagrass restoration.
Yan-Shan Liu is an assistant research fellow of Environmental Science at the Freshwater Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangsu Province.
Pei-Dong Zhang is an Associate Professor of Marine Biology at the Ocean University of China. He was awarded a PhD in Marine Biology by the Ocean University of China. His more recent research has concentrated on seagrass biology and restoration.
Wen-Tao Li is an assistant research fellow of Marine Biology at the Ocean University of China. He was awarded a PhD in Marine Biology by the Pusan National University.
Jian-Sheng Zhao and Chao Fang are Master’s Degree candidates at Ocean University of China doing work on seagrass restoration.
Acknowledgments
This study was supported by funds from National Natural Science Foundation of China (41576112), National Marine Public Welfare Research Project (201405010), Basic Research Special Foundation for State Science and Technology of China (2015FY110600), and Science and Technology Development Program of Shandong (2014GSF117003).
References
Alagna, A., T.V. Fernández, A. Terlizzi and F. Badalamenti. 2013. Influence of microhabitat on seedling survival and growth of the mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanica (l.) Delile. Estuar. Coast. Shelf Sci. 119: 119–125.10.1016/j.ecss.2013.01.009Search in Google Scholar
Busch, K.E., R.R. Golden, T.A. Parham, L.P. Karrh, M.J. Lewandowski and M.D. Naylor. 2010. Large-scale Zostera marina (eelgrass) restoration in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, USA. Part I: A comparison of techniques and associated costs. Restor. Ecol.18: 490–500.10.1111/j.1526-100X.2010.00690.xSearch in Google Scholar
Costanza, R., R. d’Arge, R. de Groot, S. Farber, M. Grasso, B. Hannon, K. Limburg, S. Naeem, R.V. O’Neill, J. Paruelo, R.G. Raskin, P. Sutton and M. van den Belt. 1997. The value of the world’s ecosystem services and natural capital. Nature 387: 253–260.10.1038/387253a0Search in Google Scholar
Golden, R.R., K.E. Busch, L.P. Karrh, T.A. Parham, M.J. Lewandowski and M.D. Naylor. 2010. Large-scale Zostera marina (eelgrass) restoration in Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, USA. Part II: a comparison of restoration methods in the Patuxent and Potomac Rivers. Restor. Ecol. 18: 501–513.10.1111/j.1526-100X.2010.00691.xSearch in Google Scholar
Greve, T.M., D. Krause-Jensen, M.B. Rasmussen and P.B. Christensen. 2005. Means of rapid eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) recolonization in former dieback areas. Aquat. Bot.82: 143–156.10.1016/j.aquabot.2005.03.004Search in Google Scholar
Harwell, M.C. and R.J. Orth. 1999. Eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) seed protection for field experiments and implications for large-scale restoration. Aquat. Bot. 64: 51–61.10.1016/S0304-3770(99)00008-XSearch in Google Scholar
Jarvis, J.C. and K.A. Moore. 2015. Effects of seed source, sediment type, and burial depth on mixed-annual and perennial Zostera marina L. seed germination and seedling establishment. Estuar. Coast.38: 964–978.10.1007/s12237-014-9869-3Search in Google Scholar
Jarvis, J.C., K.A. Moore and W.J. Kenworthy. 2014. Persistence of Zostera marina L. (eelgrass) seeds in the sediment seed bank. J. Exp. Mar. Biol. Ecol.459: 126–136.10.1016/j.jembe.2014.05.024Search in Google Scholar
Koch, E.W., M.S. Ailstock, D.M. Booth, D.J. Shafer and A. DaleMagoun. 2010. The role of currents and waves in the dispersal of submersed angiosperm seeds and seedlings. Restor. Ecol.18: 584–595.10.1111/j.1526-100X.2010.00698.xSearch in Google Scholar
Marion, S.R. and R.J. Orth. 2010a. Innovative techniques for large-scale seagrass restoration using Zostera marina (eelgrass) seeds. Restor. Ecol.18: 514–526.10.1111/j.1526-100X.2010.00692.xSearch in Google Scholar
Marion, S.R. and R.J. Orth. 2010b. Factors influencing seedling establishment rates in Zostera marina and their implications for seagrass restoration. Restor. Ecol.18: 549–559.10.1111/j.1526-100X.2010.00695.xSearch in Google Scholar
Marion, S.R. and R.J. Orth. 2012. Seedling establishment in eelgrass: seed burial effects on winter losses of developing seedlings. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 448: 197–207.10.3354/meps09612Search in Google Scholar
Orth, R.J., M.C. Harwell, E.M. Bailey, A. Bartholomew, J.T. Jawad, A.V. Lombana, K.A. Moore, J.M. Rhode and H.E. Woods. 2000. A review of issues in seagrass seed dormancy and germination: implications for conservation and restoration. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.200: 277–288.10.3354/meps200277Search in Google Scholar
Orth, R.J., J.R. Fishman, M.C. Harwell and S.R. Marion. 2003. Seed-density effects on germination and initial seedling establishment in eelgrass Zostera marina in the Chesapeake Bay region. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser. 250: 71–79.10.3354/meps250071Search in Google Scholar
Orth, R.J., T.J.B. Carruthers, W.C. Dennison, C.M. Duarte, J.W. Fourqurean, K.L. Heck Jr., A.R. Hughes, G.A. Kendrick, W.J. Kenworthy, S. Olyarnik, F.T. Short, M. Waycott and S.L. Williams. 2006a. A global crisis for seagrass ecosystems. Bioscience56: 987–996.10.1641/0006-3568(2006)56[987:AGCFSE]2.0.CO;2Search in Google Scholar
Orth, R.J., M.C. Harwell and G.J. Inglis. 2006b. Ecology of seagrass seeds and seagrass dispersal processes. In: (A.W.D. Larkum, R.J. Orth and C.M. Duarte eds), Seagrasses: biology, ecology and conservation. Springer, The Netherlands, pp. 111–133.10.1007/1-4020-2983-7_5Search in Google Scholar
Orth, R.J., S.R. Marion, S. Granger and M. Traber. 2009. Evaluation of a mechanical seed planter for transplanting Zostera marina (eelgrass) seeds. Aquat. Bot.90: 204–208.10.1016/j.aquabot.2008.07.004Search in Google Scholar
Orth, R.J., K.A. Moore, S.R. Marion, D.J. Wilcox and D.B. Parrish. 2012. Seed addition facilitates eelgrass recovery in a coastal bay system. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.448: 177–195.10.3354/meps09522Search in Google Scholar
Pickerell, C.H., S. Schott and S. Wyllie-Echeverria. 2005. Buoy-deployed seeding: demonstration of a new eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) planting method. Ecol. Eng.25: 127–136.10.1016/j.ecoleng.2005.03.005Search in Google Scholar
Qin, L.Z., W.T. Li, X.M. Zhang, P.D. Zhang and W.M. Qiao. 2016. Recovery of the eelgrass Zostera marina following intense Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum harvesting disturbance in China: the role and fate of seedlings. Aquat. Bot.130: 27–36.10.1016/j.aquabot.2016.01.002Search in Google Scholar
Tanner, J.E. 2015. Restoration of the seagrass Amphibolis antarctica – Temporal variability and long-term success. Estuar. Coast.38: 668–678.10.1007/s12237-014-9823-4Search in Google Scholar
Tanner, C.E. and T. Parham. 2010. Growing Zostera marina (eelgrass) from seeds in land-based culture systems for use in restoration projects. Restor. Ecol.18: 527–537.10.1111/j.1526-100X.2010.00693.xSearch in Google Scholar
Waycott, M., C.M. Duarte, T.J.B. Carruthers, R.J. Orth, W.C. Dennison, S. Olyarnik, A. Calladine, J.W. Fourqurean, K.L. Heck Jr, A.R. Hughes, G.A. Kendrick, W.J. Kenworthy, F.T. Short and S.L. Williams. 2009. Accelerating loss of seagrasses across the globe threatens coastal ecosystems. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 106: 12377–12381.10.1073/pnas.0905620106Search in Google Scholar PubMed PubMed Central
Whitfield, P.E., W.J. Kenworthy, M.J. Durako, K.K. Hammerstrom and M.F. Merello. 2004. Recruitment of Thalassia testudinum seedlings into physically disturbed seagrass beds. Mar. Ecol. Prog. Ser.267: 121–131.10.3354/meps267121Search in Google Scholar
Zeng, X. 2013. Research on Zostera marina L. transplanting technology in the typical lagoon of the northern China. Master Thesis. Ocean University of China, Qingdao. pp. 116. (in Chinese with English Abstract).Search in Google Scholar
Zhang, P.D., C. Fang, J. Liu, Q. Xu, W.T. Li and Y.S. Liu. 2015. An effective seed protection method for planting Zostera marina (eelgrass) seeds: implications for their large-scale restoration. Mar. Pollut. Bull.95: 89–99.10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.04.036Search in Google Scholar PubMed
Zhang, P.D., Y.S. Liu, D. Guo, W.T. Li and Q. Zhang. 2016. Seasonal variation in growth, morphology, and reproduction of eelgrass Zostera marina on the eastern coast of the Shandong Peninsula, China. J. Coastal Res.32: 315–322.10.2112/JCOASTRES-D-14-00117.1Search in Google Scholar
©2016 Walter de Gruyter GmbH, Berlin/Boston
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- In this issue
- Research articles
- Genomic and phylogenetic analysis of Ceramium cimbricum (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans supports the naming of a new invasive Pacific entity Ceramium sungminbooi sp. nov.
- A collections-based approach to the species and their distribution based on the bladed Bangiales (Rhodophyta) of Iceland
- Community structure of epiphytic diatoms on seaweeds in Northeastern Brazil
- Method validation and determination of total iodine in seaweed bathwater
- Proximate biochemical composition and mineral content of edible species from the genus Cystoseira in Portugal
- Assessment of the establishment success of eelgrass Zostera marina (Alismatales: Zosteraceae) from seeds in a cost-effective seed protection method: implications for large-scale restoration
- First evidence of Ostreopsis cf. ovata in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, Ecuadorian coast
- First evidence of the deep-sea fungus Oceanitis scuticella Kohlmeyer (Halosphaeriaceae, Ascomycota) from the Northern Hemisphere
- Short communication
- Spore dispersal in the intertidal kelp Lessonia spicata: macrochallenges for the harvested Lessonia species complex at microscales of space and time
Articles in the same Issue
- Frontmatter
- In this issue
- Research articles
- Genomic and phylogenetic analysis of Ceramium cimbricum (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans supports the naming of a new invasive Pacific entity Ceramium sungminbooi sp. nov.
- A collections-based approach to the species and their distribution based on the bladed Bangiales (Rhodophyta) of Iceland
- Community structure of epiphytic diatoms on seaweeds in Northeastern Brazil
- Method validation and determination of total iodine in seaweed bathwater
- Proximate biochemical composition and mineral content of edible species from the genus Cystoseira in Portugal
- Assessment of the establishment success of eelgrass Zostera marina (Alismatales: Zosteraceae) from seeds in a cost-effective seed protection method: implications for large-scale restoration
- First evidence of Ostreopsis cf. ovata in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, Ecuadorian coast
- First evidence of the deep-sea fungus Oceanitis scuticella Kohlmeyer (Halosphaeriaceae, Ascomycota) from the Northern Hemisphere
- Short communication
- Spore dispersal in the intertidal kelp Lessonia spicata: macrochallenges for the harvested Lessonia species complex at microscales of space and time
