Mangrove restoration in temperate Australia using BESE-elements

These data are associated with a 3 years study where BESE-elements was used in combination with direct seeding and seedling planting of mangrove species Avicennia marina in temperate Australia (Melbourne, Victoria). Through 4 methodological experiments, we monitored species survival, height and leaf pairs, as well as sediment accumulation (within BESE-elements only). Experiment 1 tested direct seeding under BESE. Experiment 2 tested direct seeding through the top of BESE. Experiment 3 tested planting in BESE of >8 month old seedingly that were grown in nursery. Experiment 4 tested clustered seedling planting in 2x2 layout of BESE versus the 1 plots design in Experiment 3 (clustered only). Except for Experiment 4, monitoring occurred every 3 months since deployment unless the plot or site as lost. We also monitored natural recruitment and control areas without intervention across all experiments. The research demonstrates that BESE-Elements is better suited to be used in combination with seedling plantings, but results are site-dependent.

Treatments: Bare_b = bare soil, no intervention; Bare_s = seeds attached using John Eddy method (bamboo stakes); Bare_t = seedling transplants without BESE; BESE_b = BESE-elements only; BESE_s = directly seeded with BESE-elements; BESE_t = BESE-elements with clustered and single planted seedlings. Site abbreviation: Altona Coastal Park = ACP.