Evidence review on the sensitivity of seagrass to nutrients

The aim of this evidence review is to collate the evidence on the response of seagrass to changing nutrient concentrations in estuarine ecosystems and further our understanding on how these relationships are affected by other environmental and ecological factors. Seagrass habitats in the UK are understood to be some of the most sensitive habitats to nutrient enrichment. These habitats provide many ecosystem services and are either designated feature, sub-feature or supporting habitat in most estuarine and coastal MPAs. One of the main pressures causing the decline of these key habitats is nutrient enrichment, usually though smothering by increased epiphyte growth or via changes in the growth of the seagrass itself. In order to manage MPAs, and give appropriate advice, it is important for Natural England to understand the nutrient and water quality conditions that will lead to the favourable condition of these habitats. This will enable conservation targets to be ecologically relevant and applied at the appropriate scale.