Surfgrass Restoration in the Northeast Pacific
Abstract
This technical note summarizes the current status of our knowledge regarding restoration of surfgrasses (Phyllospadix spp.) in the northeastern Pacific, and identifies research needs to improve the success of future restoration efforts. Seagrass populations are declining in many areas around the world, due to anthropogenic stress and habitat alteration (Short and Wyllie-Echeverria 1996, Orth et al. 2006). Due to the universal recognition of seagrasses as valuable coastal habitats, efforts to mitigate these losses and restore seagrass communities have been underway for several decades (Fonseca et al. 1998). However, seagrasses in the genus Phyllospadix, also known as "surfgrasses," differ from others in that they inhabit exposed, rocky shore intertidal and subtidal environments (Figure 1) (den Hartog 1970, Phillips and Menez 1988). As a result, restoration techniques developed for other seagrass species may not be appropriate for Phyllospadix spp. (Reed et al. 1998). Restoration of Phyllospadix spp. has rarely been attempted, and a comprehensive review of seagrass restoration in the United States (Fonseca et al. 1998) was able to offer only limited guidance on restoration and transplantation of these species. Recently, a few studies have begun to investigate methods to restore Phyllospadix species.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA472435
Entities
People
- Deborah Shafer
- Michael Hannan
- San Dy Wyllie-echeverria
- Tina Wyllie-echeverria
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center