Wave dynamics alteration by discontinuous flexible mats of artificial seagrass can support seagrass restoration efforts.

ABSTRACT: Seagrass restoration can be promoted through the use of artificial seagrass (ASG). However, there is no guideline for ASG design, which requires a sound understanding of the inherent hydrodynamics in a submerged environment. Present know-how primarily stems from idealized ASG attached to a fixed bed. To develop accessible field deployment for restoration, anchored prototype scale ASG mats (coconut mesh) were proposed and tested under differing wave conditions. The aim of this study was then to: 1) analyze hydrodynamic interaction of ASG mats; and 2) assess the suitability of contemporary predictive hydrodynamic models. Velocity structure and wave propagation were measured around one and two ASG mats (separated by a 2-m gap). The mats reduced orbital velocities by up to 16% (2 mats), whereb

SUBMITTER: Villanueva R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10632504 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature