Mangrove rehabilitation dynamics and soil organic carbon changes as a result of full hydraulic restoration and re-grading of a previously intensively managed shrimp pond

Published source details Matsui N., Suekuni J., Nogami M., Havanond S. & Salikul P. (2010) Mangrove rehabilitation dynamics and soil organic carbon changes as a result of full hydraulic restoration and re-grading of a previously intensively managed shrimp pond. Wetlands Ecology and Management, 18, 233-242.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Facilitate tidal exchange to restore/create brackish/saline swamps from other land uses Action Link
	Reprofile/relandscape: brackish/saline swamps Action Link
	Directly plant trees/shrubs: brackish/saline wetlands Action Link

Facilitate tidal exchange to restore/create brackish/saline swamps from other land uses

A study in 1999–2005 in a former shrimp pond in Thailand (Matsui et al. 2010) reported that six years after restoring tidal exchange (along with reprofiling and planting mangrove seedlings), 1,797 unplanted trees of 15 different species were present. The most abundant species were grey mangrove Avicennia marina (842 trees), Bruguiera cylindrica (486 trees) and Ceriops decandra (267 trees). Four species were represented by a single tree. Methods: In June 1999, full tidal exchange was restored to an abandoned 6,525-m² shrimp pond by levelling the banks surrounding the pond. Previously, water could only flow in and out through a 10-m-wide channel. The pond was also filled in. In September 1999, seedlings of four mangrove species were planted in the pond (500–800 seedlings/species, 1.5 m apart). The study does not distinguish between the effects of these interventions on naturally colonizing vegetation, of restoring tidal exchange, reprofiling and planting. In October 2005, mangrove trees that had spontaneously colonized were recorded in a 300-m² section of the site.

(Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)
Reprofile/relandscape: brackish/saline swamps

A study in 1999–2005 in a former shrimp pond in Thailand (Matsui et al. 2010) reported that six years after reprofiling (along with restoring tidal exchange and planting mangrove seedlings), 1,797 unplanted trees of 15 different species were present. The most abundant species were grey mangrove Avicennia marina (842 trees), Bruguiera cylindrica (486 trees) and Ceriops decandra (267 trees). Four species were represented by a single tree. Methods: In June 1999, an abandoned 6,525-m² shrimp pond was filled in, and tidal exchange was restored by levelling the banks. In September 1999, seedlings of four mangrove species were planted in the pond (500–800 seedlings/species, 1.5 m apart). The study does not distinguish between the effects, on naturally colonizing vegetation, of reprofiling, restoring tidal exchange and planting. In October 2005, mangrove trees that had spontaneously colonized were recorded in a 300-m² section of the site.

(Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)
Directly plant trees/shrubs: brackish/saline wetlands

A study in 1999–2005 in a reprofiled shrimp pond in Thailand (Matsui et al. 2010) reported 44–83% survival of planted mangrove seedlings over one year, that the average height of planted seedlings increased, and that additional seedlings colonized naturally. Over one year, survival rates were: 44% for spurred mangrove Ceriops tagal; 70% for loop-root mangrove Rhizophora mucronata; 72% for tall-stilt mangrove Rhizophora apiculata; and 83% for Bruguiera cylindrica. After six years, surviving trees were 190–430 cm tall on average (vs 23–75 cm three months after planting). Also after six years, a 300-m² section of the pond contained 1,797 unplanted trees of 15 different species (see original paper for data on individual species abundance). Methods: In September 1999, seedlings of four mangrove species were planted in a 6,525-m² former shrimp pond (500–800 seedlings/species, 1.5 m apart, at elevations matching their natural habitat). Three months previously, the pond had been reprofiled and tidal exchange restored by levelling the banks. The study does not distinguish between the effects, on naturally colonizing vegetation, of planting, reprofiling and restoring tidal exchange. Survival and height of 50–80 seedlings/species were recorded between three months and six years after planting.

(Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)