Results from the structural equation modeling (SEM) specification search.

Seagrass density (sh m−2) was square root transformed, light attenuation (m−1) was reciprocally transformed, D10 (µm) was untransformed and total nitrogen (µmol l−1) was logarithmically transformed.We found no significant direct relation between total nitrogen and seagrass density. For the relation between seagrass density and sediment D10, the relation was strongest when causality was modeled from seagrass density to sediment D10. Note that light attenuation was reciprocally transformed and that effect of nitrogen is therefore negative, while the effect of sediment D10 is positive (higher value for light attenuation = increased water clarity).