Biodegradable anchor modular system for transplanting Posidonia oceanica cuttings

Abstract

Seagrass vegetative transplanting methods involve fixing to the seabed by anchoring the vegetative shoots. Several seagrass restoration projects have been attempted using this method, and most of transplants mortality, particularly in high water motion environments, is precisely attributable to dislodgement. For this purpose, a new and innovative Posidonia oceanica (Alismatales, Tracheophyta) transplant system, composed of an artificial underwater support constructed of starch-based biodegradable materials (Mater-Bi), was developed. To evaluate the efficacy of this system, in May 2012 a P. oceanica transplant was implemented in an area of high environmental quality (Mondello Bay, Palermo - Italy). In particular, after twenty months from transplanting cuttings survival was 94% and shoot density per unit showed a slight increment than the starting one. These results can be particularly important when large scale transplanting projects are carried out because this anchor system increases success probability and reduces costs.