Eelgrass Reproductive Ecology Across Six Atlantic Canada Sites

The dataset examines reproductive dynamics of Zostera marina (eelgrass) at six sites on Canada's Atlantic coast, categorized as wave-protected or wave-exposed. It includes site-specific metrics such as reproductive shoot density, seed production, seed retention, and seedling recruitment, with observed sexual reproductive effort ranging from 0.5% to 33.7%.

Use Cases

• Analyze the relationship between site conditions (wave-protected vs. exposed) and metrics like reproductive shoot density and First Flowering Date.
• Model seed production and seedling recruitment as functions of environmental variables such as temperature range and sediment type.
• Assess the link between sexual reproductive effort (ranging 0.5-33.7%) and the robustness of seed banks for resilience studies.

Strengths

• Data is derived from a structured study across six distinct coastal sites, enabling comparative analysis.
• Includes specific, measured metrics such as reproductive effort percentages (e.g., 33.7% high, 0.5% low).
• Published by the authoritative Coastal Ecosystems Science Division of Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

Limitations

• The sample size is limited to six sites, which may not capture the full variability of eelgrass habitats.
• Specific row counts, column definitions, and the raw data structure are not detailed in the provided description.
• Temporal coverage for the study period is not explicitly stated, limiting time-series analysis.

Provenance

Source

Coastal Ecosystems Science Division, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Dartmouth, N.S.

Collection Method

Field study examining reproductive dynamics at six sites on the Atlantic coast of Canada.

Time Range

Study period not explicitly stated; data published in May 2022.

Freshness

Data was published in May 2022 and the record was last updated in March 2026.

Geography

Six sites on the Atlantic coast of Canada.