Aquaculture of Posidonia australis Seedlings for Seagrass Restoration Programs: Effect of Sediment Type and Organic Enrichment on Growth. Issue 2 (5th July 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Statton, John; Cambridge, Marion L.; Dixon, Kingsley W.; Kendrick, Gary A.
• Is Part Of: Restoration ecology. Volume 21:Issue 2(2013:Mar.)
• Page Start: 250
• Page End: 259
• Publication Date: 2012-07-05
• Subjects: Restoration ecology -- Periodicals; Reclamation of land -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; 333.7153
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1526-100X.2012.00873.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1061-2971

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <p> <bold>Seeds of the seagrass <italic>Posidonia australis</italic> are desiccation sensitive and as there is no seed dormancy seeds cannot be stored for use in restoration projects. To realize the restoration potential of seed‐based restoration of <italic>Posidonia</italic>, this study investigated preconditioning seedlings of <italic>Posidonia</italic> in aquaculture facilities before transplanting to extend the restoration window from a few weeks (for fresh seed) to months or even years (for preconditioned seedlings). Here, we tested two levels of organic matter addition, 0 and 1.5% sediment dry weight and three sediment types; two heterogeneous sediments typical of low‐energy marine environments (1) unsorted calcareous and (2) unsorted silica, and a homogeneous sediment typical of high‐energy marine habitats (3) well‐sorted silica. We then evaluated seedling survival, biomass and development over a period of 7 months in tank culture. There was 100% survival over the 7‐month experimental period for seedlings. Seedling leaf, root, rhizome, and total biomass increased when organic matter was added to unsorted calcareous and unsorted silica sediment but not well‐sorted silica sediment, although this increase was significant only after 7 months of growth. The characteristics of the sediment also influenced seedling root length and architecture. Root length and number of lateral root branches were greatest in unsorted sediments and when organic matter was present. This study demonstrates that tank culture of <italic>P. australis</italic> enabled seedlings to be available for restoration purposes for at least 7 months, and with modification of the sediment composition, larger <italic>P. australis</italic> seedlings with more substantial root systems can be produced.</bold> </p> </abstract>