Restoration Objective:
The aim of this study was to apply the ex situ technique (outplanting) to midlittoral C. amentacea var. stricta, assessing its survival, cover and growth in the first, most critical, months following implementation. Active marine restoration is needed to prevent loss of the valuable habitats formed by Cystoseira species that enhance biodiversity and preserve ecosystem functions and services.
Site Selection Criteria:
Sites were selected where C. amentacea was found historically but is no longer present due to human activity. The sites are characterized by a tide in the range of 30cm and an average spring temperature of 20C.
Cause Of Decline:
Kelp forests constitute one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems distributed worldwide. In the Mediterranean Sea, the canopy-forming brown algae of the Cystoseira genus are the most important habitat formers as they are widespread in this biogeographic region. However, they are exposed to multiple disturbances that cause a decline in their abundance in many coastal areas. The main pressures affecting the valuable ecosystems formed by Cystoseira are sedimentation, low water quality, anthropisation and overgrazing. Additionally, the natural recovery of Cytoseira in the absence of adult individuals is hampered by the very limited dispersal range of Cystoseira species.
Key Reasons For Decline:
Multiple
Scientific Paper
First ex situ outplanting of the habitat-forming seaweed Cystoseira amentacea var. stricta from a restoration perspective
PeerJ, Vol. 7, p.7290.
https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.7290Organisation:
Università degli studi di Genova
