Population genetic analyses of transplanted eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds reveal reduced genetic diversity in Southern California

Since transplantation of sea grasses has been the primary method of mitigating wetland loss, the comparability of these beds to natural beds is important. This article presents a study on the genetic diversity and structure of three transplanted eelgrass beds in southern California. Findings indicated a reduced genetic diversity as compared to data from natural beds; therefore, several hypotheses for these differences are also discussed.