First attempt of transplanting the key-species Cystoseira barbata and Zostera noltei at the Romanian coast

Abstract

The brown alga Cystoseira barbata and the dwarf eelgrass Zostera noltei have an outstanding ecological value for the shallow marine ecosystem and are currently undergoing a regeneration trend along the Romanian coast. Nevertheless, this recovery is a slow and sensitive process, strongly influenced by the increasing anthropogenic activities. Under these circumstances, this research was the first attempt of transplanting these valuable species into new locations, less subjected to pollution, urban sprawl or tourism, yet similar from the habitat point of view. The aim of this endeavor was to prove that both species are suitable for transplantation, with the view to regenerating the underwater vegetation covering the Romanian nearshore.