WHAT THE EVIDENCE SAYS
Standardized sampling at 16 Zostera marina meadows examined epifaunal richness, abundance and composition against habitat type, seagrass traits and leaf nutrients. Assemblages varied by seascape, with stronger negative nutrient signals in some settings such as lagoons; measured leaf morphology alone did not significantly predict overall richness or abundance in the models.
WHY IT MATTERS / OUR READ
Restoration targets that count seagrass cover but ignore associated animals and nutrient context can miss key ecological responses. Marine habitat quality is a community question, not just a vegetation metric.
CAVEATS / UNCERTAINTY
Observational cross-site design with four sites per seascape category; some settings were classified pragmatically. Nutrient and faunal relationships are context-dependent, and lack of leaf-trait significance is not proof of zero biological effect.
SOURCE
Global Ecology and Conservation — June 2026 field comparison
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