EPA Seagrass Restoration 1994-1995

Study compared nekton densities and community composition in a natural mixed seagrass bed dominated by Halodule wrightii (shoalgrass) with those found in three shoalgrass transplant sites and adjoining sand habitats in western Galveston Bay, Texas, USA. Communities were monitored for 36 months (1994-1997) post-transplant. Total densities of fishes, decapods, annelids, benthic crustaceans, and most dominant species were significantly higher in natural seagrass than in transplanted shoalgrass or sand habitats during most sampling periods. Taxonomic comparison of community compositions indicated that nekton and benthos communities in natural seagrass beds were usually distinct from those in transplanted beds or sand habitats, which were not significantly different. Provided transplants persist, re-establishing a shoalgrass bed that resembles a natural seagrass bed and its faunal communities in the Galveston Bay system will take longer than 3 years.