Adaptive management and long-term monitoring approaches achieve first functional seagrass meadow restoration in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia

Jennifer J. Verduin; Erik I. Paling; Yvette Pedretti; Lotte E. Rivers; Mike van Keulen

doi:10.1016/j.ecss.2026.109738

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Adaptive management and long-term monitoring approaches achieve first functional seagrass meadow restoration in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia

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Adaptive management and long-term monitoring approaches achieve first functional seagrass meadow restoration in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia

Jennifer J. Verduin, Erik I. Paling, Yvette Pedretti, Lotte E. Rivers and Mike van Keulen

Estuarine, coastal and shelf science, Vol.333, 109738

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2026.109738

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Abstract

Management

Mitigation

Posidonia australis

Seagrass

Transplantation

Western Australia

Seagrasses are increasingly impacted by dredging activities and coastal development, yet successful large-scale mitigation is rare. Seagrass restoration efforts to date usually involve transplanting ‘borrowing’ plant material from one meadow to form another, generally resulting in a net loss when the restoration fails. Just over 3 ha (31,000 m2) of seagrass were transplanted and subsequently monitored over a period of eight years in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia, to mitigate the impacts of lime-sand dredging and harbour development. This study assessed the viability of transplanting local meadow-forming species, Posidonia australis and identified key factors influencing transplantation success. Five years after planting total sprig survival over 3 ha was more than 85% (areal cover); although survival was variable within the 3.1 ha. Plantings utilising improved techniques and sprig quality showed over 90% coverage after 2.5 years; previous techniques achieved 75% coverage after 3.5 years. All surviving sprigs spread rapidly and started merging with adjacent sprigs after two years. Flowering of transplanted sprigs occurred 3.5 years after initial plantings. After eight years shoot densities had increased from 18 ± 2.1 shoots m−2 to 503.7 ± 16.9 shoots m−2, resembling nearby natural meadows. Evidence of natural recruitment was also observed both within and beyond the transplanted area. These findings demonstrate that large-scale seagrass rehabilitation is achievable and resilient, even in relatively exposed coastal environments. This work provides a valuable model for future restoration initiatives, contributing to the broader goal of conserving and restoring seagrass ecosystems at scale. [Display omitted]

Details

Title: Adaptive management and long-term monitoring approaches achieve first functional seagrass meadow restoration in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia
Authors/Creators: Jennifer J. Verduin - Murdoch University, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems
Erik I. Paling - Murdoch University
Yvette Pedretti - Murdoch University
Lotte E. Rivers - Murdoch University
Mike van Keulen - Murdoch University, Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems
Publication Details: Estuarine, coastal and shelf science, Vol.333, 109738
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd.
Number of pages: 8
Identifiers: 991005866793307891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Environmental and Conservation Sciences; Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.2 Marine Biology; 3.2.1182 Coastal Vegetation
Web Of Science research areas: Marine & Freshwater Biology; Oceanography
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science