Increased Coastal Nutrient Loading Enhances Reproductive Intensity of Zostera marina: Implications for Seagrass Meadow Resilience

Because sexual reproduction is essential for the establishment and persistence of seagrass meadows, flowering intensity an important trait that influences resilience stability populations. Although effects excessive coastal nutrient loading on vegetative growth have been extensively documented, reproductive phenology remain unclear. To examine responses populations to increased loading, Zostera marina were compared between sites with high-nutrient, low-light conditions (Deukryang Bay Dongdae Bay) low-nutrient, high-light (Koje southern coast Korea. Nutrient contents above- below-ground tissues Z. reflected in situ light availability at study sites. Reproductive shoot density biomass, as well frequency effort, much higher (1.5–4.6-fold) Deukryang than site Koje Bay. Consequently, potential seed production was Chronic high-nutrient significantly , supporting The results this could provide insights into conservation management meadows under loading.