Longevity and sustainability of tropical and subtropical restored seagrass beds among Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Thorhaug, Anitra; Belaire, Charles; Verduin, Jennifer J.; Schwarz, Arthur; Kiswara, Wawan; Prathep, Anchana; Gallagher, John Barry; Huang, Xiao Ping; Berlyn, Graeme; Yap, Tzuen-Kiat; Dorward, Susan
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 160(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: SEAGRASS restoration longevity -- Tropical seagrass restoration longevity -- Seagrass longevity -- Seagrass tropical restoration -- Thalassia longevity -- Halodule longevity -- Enhalus longevity -- Posidonia longevity; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2020.111544
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Seagrass longevity up to 47 years in well-restored, well-sited seagrass restorations are demonstrated from 253 trials at 83 regional sites in tropical and subtropical portions of three oceans (Atlantic, Pacific, Indian Oceans). These trials include over 3.04 million planted units into 306.3 ha. Approximately 12% of the total global tropical restored seagrass by Van Katwijk, Thorhaug et al. (2016) calculations from 1786 trials are included. Almost all projects herein reviewed persisted since date of planting except several cases with harsh anthropogenic impact or forceful natural events in first post-planting months. The oldest tropical/subtropical restoration continually observed is 47 yrs, many are 35 yrs. An array of observed and/or measured restored services accompanied these. This review may provide informational background for government resource managers, legislators, scientists, and citizens concerning tropical/subtropical seagrass longevity. This data from these trials may substantiate future seagrass restoration investments. Public outreach, national & regional government training, and outreach occurred, needing continuation. Highlights: Tropical. seagrass longevity compares 5 large-scale restoration projects, 83 trials with 3 million planted units in 3 oceans These examples of large-scale seagrass restoration sustained from inception to present time. Full recononization equivalent to natural beds'fauna and other services such as carbon sequestration occurred