A framework for the resilience of seagrass ecosystems.
Seagrass ecosystems represent a global marine resource that is declining across its range. To halt degradation and promote recovery over large scales, management requires a radical change in emphasis and application that seeks to enhance seagrass ecosystem resilience. In this review we examine how the resilience of seagrass ecosystems is becoming compromised by a range of local to global stressors, resulting in ecological regime shifts that undermine the long-term viability of these productive ecosystems. To examine regime shifts and the management actions that can influence this phenomenon we present a conceptual model of resilience in seagrass ecosystems. The model is founded on a series of features and modifiers that act as interacting influences upon seagrass ecosystem resilience. Improved understanding and appreciation of the factors and modifiers that govern resilience in seagrass ecosystems can be utilised to support much needed evidence based management of a vital natural resource.
Seagrass Ecosystem Research Group, College of Science, Swansea University SA2 8PP, UK. Electronic address: r.k.f.unsworth@swansea.ac.uk.
Richard K F
RKF
Unsworth
Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia; College of Marine and Environmental Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia.
Catherine J
CJ
Collier
School of Biological Sciences, Environment Institute, Australian Centre for Evolutionary Biology and Biodiversity, The University of Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia.
Michelle
M
Waycott
Centre for Tropical Water & Aquatic Ecosystem Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Cairns, QLD 4870, Australia.
Len J
LJ
Mckenzie
Sustainable Places Research Institute, Cardiff University, 33 Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3BA, UK.
Leanne C
LC
Cullen-Unsworth
D035961:Alismatales / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D044822:Biodiversity; D057231:Climate Change; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D014644:Genetic Variation; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011157:Population Dynamics; D012098:Reproduction; D060753:Water Quality
Biodiversity; Connectivity; Conservation; Eelgrass; Management; Meadows