Worldwide Marine Environmental Consulting Services

CSA International, Inc.

Development of the “Modified Shovel Method” and “Pneumatic Plugger Method”

Presented by: Raymond F. Dennis III, PWS

Purpose

• Provide a Development Overview – “Modified Shovel Method” (MSM) – “Pneumatic Plugger Method” (PPM)

• With Focus on the Advantages and Adaptability of – Tools – Field operations

Seagrass Transplanting Perception

• “…the track record for successful mitigation projects remains variable.”

• “Spectacular failures have created a lasting

impression that seagrass restoration is still an experimental management tool.”

Fonseca, M.S., et al. 1998. Guidelines for the Conservation and Restoration of Seagrasses in the United States and Adjacent Waters. NOAA Coastal Ocean Program Decision Analysis Series No. 12. NOAA Coastal Ocean Office, Sliver Spring, MD. 222 pp.

Seagrass Transplanting Concerns

• Project Requirements – Transplanting Quantity – Donor Material Quality – Distance: Donor to Recipient Site – Project Site Conditions: Access Limitations – Which Method / Approach? – Survivability vs. Success Criteria/Target

• Economic Feasibility

MODIFIED SHOVEL METHOD (MSM)

Insert photos

© Stantec 2008 © Stantec 2001

© Stantec 2001

Port Manatee Expansion Project

• Seagrass Transplanting 0.78 ha (1.92 ac)

• Transport Distance 2.41 km (1.5 mi)

• Site Conditions Limited Access

• Success Criteria

• Completion Time 60 days

© Stantec 2006

Fonseca, M.S. 1994. A guide to planting seagrasses in the Gulf of Mexico. Texas A&M Sea Grant College Program, TAMU-SG-94-601.

Existing Methods

Modified Shovel Method

• Planting Unit (PU) Size – 0.06 m2 (0.69 ft2) > other methods

– Intact sediments

– More short shoots

– More apical meristems

– Complete recovery of donor area

• Collection / Installation Rate – 2 work minutes per PU

© Stantec 2003

Modified Shovel Method

• Adaptable Transport System – Plastic sod trays

– Ergonomic handling

– Floats, boats, trucks, trailers, etc.

• Scalable Field Approaches – Separate / simultaneous operations

– Adjustable production rate

– Local or unskilled labor

– Economic feasibility

Post Transplanting – Results

Total Area of Seagrass Removal 0.78 ha (1.92 ac)

© Stantec 2001

Post Transplanting – Results

Mitigation Sites 4 & 6 Totaling 3.85 ha (9.51 ac)

• 130,000 Planting Units Installed in 26 Working Days • Total of 3.11 ha (7.68 ac) with % Coverage ≥ Reference

Sites

© Stantec 2006

© Stantec 2002 © Stantec 2002

Secondary Transplanting

• Mitigation Site 7 Totaling 6.52 ha (16.11 ac)

• 33,000 Planting Units Installed • Total Area with % Coverage ≥ Reference Sites

© Stantec 2006

© Stantec 2006

PNEUMATIC PLUGGER METHOD (PPM)

© Stantec 2003

© Stantec 2010

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Port Manatee Remedial Activities

© Stantec 2007

Bare root turtle grass rhizome

© Lewis Env 2008

Physiological Factors

WRONG

RIGHT Same grade or slightly

deeper

© Lewis Env 2008

Common Mistake #1

6 " or smaller – few apical meristems salvaged

8 " or larger – minimum of 1-3 apical meristems salvaged

More rapid establishment

and growth 40% Larger

Common Mistake # 2

© Lewis Env 2008

Pneumatic Plugger Method

• Based on the core method

• Capable of collecting deeper rooted species

• Uses compressed air to break the suction pressure

– 2.5 work minutes per PU

• Adaptable transport system

• Scalable field approach

Post Transplanting – Results

Year 2

Year 3

• 1,001 PUs installed

• 100% recovery of donor areas

• PU survival of 75%

• 62% mean PU expansion

30 Days © Stantec 2007

© Stantec 2009

© Stantec 2010

MSM and PPM Summary

• Higher Potential for Survivability and Establishment • Recovery of Donor Areas • Adaptable for Unique Site / Project Conditions

– Water depths – Transport distances – Transport methods – Site accessibility and staging – Local / unskilled labor

• Scalable Field Approaches • Economically Feasible

Final Thought

• “Experimentation with adjustments to methodology

is typical for any agricultural practice”

• “…adaptation to local conditions and logistics is logical”

• “…experimental manipulation is unnecessary for effective seagrass restoration, because there are proven, standard methods”

Fonseca, M.S. 2011. Addy Revisited: What has changed with Seagrass Restoration in 64 Years? Special Invited Issue: Ecological Restoration 29 (1-2):73-81.

© Stantec 2001