Adaptive intertidal seed-based seagrass restoration in the Dutch Wadden Sea

An adaptive, research-based approach to intertidal seed-based seagrass restoration in the Dutch Wadden Sea significantly improved plant densities and reduced seed losses. The study, conducted between 2014-2017, demonstrated that iterative innovations—such as controlled seed harvest and storage followed by spring 'Dispenser Injection Seeding' (DIS)—increased field plant densities from 0.012 to 1.00 plants per square meter and slightly reduced seed loss rates. While self-sustaining populations were not yet achieved, these advancements bring the Dutch Wadden Sea closer to successful large-scale seagrass restoration. The findings suggest that precision-seeding technologies, combined with adaptive experimentation, hold promise for advancing global seagrass conservation efforts.

Govers, L. L., Heusinkveld, J. H. T., Gräfnings, M. L. E., Smeele, Q., & van der Heide, T. (2022). Adaptive intertidal seed-based seagrass restoration in the Dutch Wadden Sea. Plos One, 17(2), e0262845. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0262845