Predicting the response of nekton assemblages to seagrass transplantations in the Venice lagoon: An approach to assess ecological restoration

摘要: One of the major challenges to ensure effective restoration estuarine habitats is establish success criteria determine whether goals are met. The aim this work propose and test an approach identify reference conditions assess recovery nekton (fish, decapods cephalopods) assemblages at seagrass sites. Nekton sampling took place from 2014 2017 in northern Venice lagoon (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy) during spring eight sites subjected (Zostera marina Zostera noltei) transplantation. In 2016, five natural same area were additionally sampled, physico‐chemical water parameters habitat structure also recorded. A multivariate generalized linear model was adopted order disentangle relative effect quality on habitats. Models subsequently employed predict species composition fauna each transplantation site, assemblage expected under site‐specific abiotic characteristics. average distance observed used track temporal trajectories colonization sites, ultimately evaluate rate towards goals. This study highlights how a predictive could serve management purposes ecological restoration, providing concise tool functionality restored for associated fauna.