Physiological and biochemical indicators of Posidonia oceanica transplantation success

[en] Evaluating the success of Posidonia oceanica transplantation is challenging due to the species' slow growth and delayed structural responses. This three-year study in Calvi Bay (Corsica) examined how transplantation method (iron staples, coconut fiber mats, BESE elements), donor source (donor meadow vs. storm-fragments), transplantation depth (20 m vs. 28 m) and time post transplantation influence the physiological and biochemical parameters of transplanted cuttings. Plant responses were assessed through photosynthetic activity, leaf elemental concentrations (C, N, P, S), and rhizome carbohydrate reserves. Transplanting depth and transplantation method had limited effects on the measured parameters. The transplanting method, influencing root development, suggests distinct strategies for resource acquisition without altering physiological parameters. In contrast, donor source emerged as the main driver of variability: cuttings from donor meadows consistently showed higher nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, lower C:N ratios, and faster convergence towards natural meadow trait profiles than storm-fragments. Multivariate analyses revealed early convergence between donor meadow cuttings and natural meadows, whereas storm-fragments remained distinct. By 36 months, both donor types again diverged from reference conditions. These results demonstrate the value of trait-based approaches, particularly eco-physiological indicators, as sensitive, early measures of transplantation success, complementing traditional structural metrics. We recommend including C, N, P, and starch concentrations as key biochemical indicators in restoration monitoring programs, as they provide integrative and early signals of seagrass metabolic status and recovery potential. Full convergence with reference meadows appears to be a long-term process, emphasizing the importance of extended monitoring and careful donor selection to improve seagrass restoration outcomes.

Research Center/Unit :

FOCUS - Freshwater and OCeanic science Unit of reSearch - ULiège

Disciplines :

Aquatic sciences & oceanology
Phytobiology (plant sciences, forestry, mycology...)

Author, co-author :

Boulenger, Arnaud ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Freshwater and OCeanic science Unit of reSearch (FOCUS) ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Biologie, Ecologie et Evolution > Océanographie biologique ; STARESO - Station de Recherches Sous-marines et Océanographiques

Ana Lucía Azul Acuna; ULiège - Université de Liège > UR FOCUS

Roberty, Stéphane ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Biologie, Ecologie et Evolution > Ecophysiologie et physiologie animale

Lepoint, Gilles ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Biologie, Ecologie et Evolution ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Freshwater and OCeanic science Unit of reSearch (FOCUS) ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Biologie, Ecologie et Evolution > Laboratoire d'Ecologie trophique et isotopique

Marengo, Michel ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Biologie, Ecologie et Evolution > Océanographie biologique ; STARESO - Station de Recherches Sous-marines et Océanographiques

Gobert, Sylvie ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département de Biologie, Ecologie et Evolution > Océanographie biologique ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Freshwater and OCeanic science Unit of reSearch (FOCUS) ; STARESO - Station de Recherches Sous-marines et Océanographiques

Language :

English

Title :

Physiological and biochemical indicators of Posidonia oceanica transplantation success

Publication date :

February 2026

Journal title :

Marine Pollution Bulletin

ISSN :

0025-326X

eISSN :

1879-3363

Publisher :

Elsevier, United Kingdom

Volume :

223

Peer reviewed :

Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi

Development Goals :

14. Life below water

Available on ORBi :

since 24 November 2025

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