TY - JOUR
T1 - A network analysis of connected biophysical pathways to advice eelgrass (Zostera marina) restoration.
AU - Pastor Rollan, Ane
AU - Ospina-Álvarez, Andrés
AU - Larsen, Janus
AU - Thorbjørn Hansen, Flemming
AU - Krause-Jensen, Dorte
AU - Maar, Marie
PY - 2022/7
Y1 - 2022/7
N2 - The North Sea and the Baltic Sea, including Danish coastal waters, have experienced a drastic decline in eelgrass Zostera marina coverage during the past century. Around 1900, eelgrass meadows covered about 6700 km
2 of Danish coastal waters while the current potential distribution area is only about one third of this. In some areas, the potential distribution area is far from realized, and restoration efforts are needed to assist recovery. Such efforts are challenging, and resource-demanding and careful site selection is, therefore, important. In the present study, we aim to identify the connectivity of eelgrass populations as a basis for guiding site selection for restoration. We developed a coupled biophysical model to study eelgrass dispersal in the Kattegat. Partly submerged particles simulated the dispersal of reproductive eelgrass shoots containing seeds during the flowering season July–September. We then used network analysis to identify the potential connectivity between populations. We evaluated connectivity based on In-strength, Betweenness and Eigenvector centrality metrics and identified key areas in the Kattegat such as the central part of Aalborg Bay, to be considered to restore the network of Z. marina patches. The study proves the potentials of combining hydrodynamic models and network analysis to support marine conservation and planning, and highlights the importance of collaboration between ecologists, oceanographers, and practitioners in this endeavour.
AB - The North Sea and the Baltic Sea, including Danish coastal waters, have experienced a drastic decline in eelgrass Zostera marina coverage during the past century. Around 1900, eelgrass meadows covered about 6700 km
2 of Danish coastal waters while the current potential distribution area is only about one third of this. In some areas, the potential distribution area is far from realized, and restoration efforts are needed to assist recovery. Such efforts are challenging, and resource-demanding and careful site selection is, therefore, important. In the present study, we aim to identify the connectivity of eelgrass populations as a basis for guiding site selection for restoration. We developed a coupled biophysical model to study eelgrass dispersal in the Kattegat. Partly submerged particles simulated the dispersal of reproductive eelgrass shoots containing seeds during the flowering season July–September. We then used network analysis to identify the potential connectivity between populations. We evaluated connectivity based on In-strength, Betweenness and Eigenvector centrality metrics and identified key areas in the Kattegat such as the central part of Aalborg Bay, to be considered to restore the network of Z. marina patches. The study proves the potentials of combining hydrodynamic models and network analysis to support marine conservation and planning, and highlights the importance of collaboration between ecologists, oceanographers, and practitioners in this endeavour.
KW - Centrality measures
KW - Connectivity
KW - Eelgrass
KW - Graph theory
KW - Individual-based modelling
KW - Reproductive shoots
KW - Restoration
KW - Seed dispersal
KW - Zostera marina
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85134536979&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105690
DO - 10.1016/j.marenvres.2022.105690
M3 - Journal article
C2 - 35853313
SN - 0141-1136
VL - 179
JO - Marine Environmental Research
JF - Marine Environmental Research
M1 - 105690
ER -