Seagrass-Watch Magazine Issue 47 - March 2013 | Page 19

It is estimated that 678,300 m2 (25%) of the seagrass area in the Pari island group has been lost between 1999 to 2004 (3). As a consequence of the seagrass losses, there was also a reduction of associated biota (e.g., giant calm, sea cucumber, shells and fish). To offset the seagrass losses, we decided that the seagrass ecosystems of the Pari Islands needed rehabilitation to restore them to good condition. Unfortunately, there are no guidelines or protocols available for transplantation of tropical seagrasses in Indonesian waters, so we conducted an experimental restoration program in the Pari Islands to investigate several transplantation techniques. The seagrasses transplantation techniques trialed were: single shoots(4); sprig(5); and a bamboo frame modification of TERFS (Transplanting Eelgrass Remotely with Frame System)(6). Single Shoot method Potting & Transport: The polybag units of Enhalus shoots and compost mixture transported to transplant site Transplant shoots of Enhalus were collected from a healthy, monospecific meadow with muddy substrate. Roots of the Enhalus shoots were removed and the shoots separated into polybags of compost (sheep dung, household waste and woodchips). The shoot and compost bags were then transplanted into the sediment with the aid of a bicycle pump or PVC pipe. A bamboo stake was placed next to each transplanted shoot and the leaves were cut to a height of 25 cm from the stake as a reference point for measuring the survival and growth rates (number, weight and height of leaves). Within 15 months of transplantation (May 2010), the shoots had grown 2 – 8 new shoots and were flowering. After 28 months (June 2011) the shoots had produced fruits and we collected the seeds by enclosing the fruits in a net. Transplanting: The shoot and compost bag units are transplanted into the sediment with the aid of a bicycle pump Success: Transplanted Enhalus acoroides successfully produced flowers (above) 15 months after transplantation, and fruit (below) after 28 months. Seeds were collected from the fruit using a net. Cutting leaves: the leaves of transplanted shoots are cut to a height of 25 cm from the reference stake MARCH 2013 19