A network analysis of connected biophysical pathways to advice eelgrass (Zostera marina) restoration.

Ane Pastor Rollan, Andrés Ospina-Álvarez, Janus Larsen, Flemming Thorbjørn Hansen, Dorte Krause-Jensen, Marie Maar

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5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number105690
JournalMarine Environmental Research
Volume179
ISSN0141-1136
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2022

Keywords

  • Centrality measures
  • Connectivity
  • Eelgrass
  • Graph theory
  • Individual-based modelling
  • Reproductive shoots
  • Restoration
  • Seed dispersal
  • Zostera marina

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