An effective seed protection method for planting Zostera marina (eelgrass) seeds: Implications for their large-scale restoration.
We describe an innovative method of planting Zostera marina (eelgrass) seeds in which hessian bags filled with high-silted sediments are used as a seed protecting device. Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of the method through a field seed-sowing experiment over a three year period. The suitable seed planting density required by the seeds of Z. marina in this method was also investigated. In the spring following seed distribution, seedling establishment rate of Z. marina subjected to different seed densities of 200-500seedsbag(-1) ranged from 16% to 26%. New eelgrass patches from seed were fully developed and well maintained after 2-3years following distribution. The seed planting density of 400seedsbag(-1) may be the most suitable for the establishment of new eelgrass patches. Our results demonstrate that seed-based restoration can be an effective restoration tool and the technique presented should be considered for future large-scale Z. marina restoration projects.
Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China. Electronic address: zhangpdsg@ouc.edu.cn.
Pei-Dong
PD
Zhang
Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
Chao
C
Fang
Marine Biology Institute of Shandong Province, Qingdao 266002, PR China.
Jie
J
Liu
Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
Qiang
Q
Xu
Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
Wen-Tao
WT
Li
Fisheries College, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, PR China.
Yan-Shan
YS
Liu
D000383:Agriculture / Q000379:methods; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources / Q000379:methods*; D052918:Environmental Restoration and Remediation / Q000379:methods*; D010944:Plants; D012621:Seasons; D012639:Seeds; D035962:Zosteraceae / Q000254:growth & development*
New patches; Restoration; Seed density; Seed protection; Seedling establishment; Zostera marina