Ecosystem services returned through seagrass restoration
Date
2016
Authors
Reynolds, L.
Waycott, M.
McGlathery, K.
Orth, R.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Restoration Ecology, 2016; 24(5):583-588
Statement of Responsibility
Laura K. Reynolds, Michelle Waycott, Karen J. McGlathery, Robert J. Orth
Conference Name
Abstract
Ecosystem restoration is often costly, but can be effective at increasing biodiversity and ecosystem services. We used a case study—reseeding seagrass to a coastal lagoon—to demonstrate the value of enhanced ecosystem services as a result of restoration. We modeled the recovery of areal plant coverage in a system where seagrasses were lost due to disease and disturbance, and estimated the value of the returned functions of nitrogen removal and carbon sequestration. We estimated, as of 2010, that this restoration removes 170 ton of nitrogen per year via denitrificiation and sequesters carbon at a rate of 630 tons carbon per year in the sediment. Further, we estimated that natural recovery would take more than 100 years to reach the areal coverage achieved by restoration using seeds in just 10 years. Restoration enhanced this recovery, and the earlier establishment of plants results in a net gain of at least 4,100 ton of nitrogen removed from the system via denitrification and 15,000 ton of carbon sequestered in the sediment. These services have significant ecological and societal value.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Access Status
Rights
© 2016 Society for Ecological Restoration