Relationship between wind and seagrass meadows in a non-tidal eutrophic lagoon studied by a Wave Exposure Model (WEMo)

The hydrodynamic action of wind and the distribution of biomass of seagrass meadows in a non-tidal eutrophic lagoon (Orbetello Lagoon, Tuscany, Italy) were analysed for correlations by simulation with a Wave Exposure Model (WEMo) on 5-year data series. WEMo and statistical analysis established a weak direct correlation between the areas that the model identified as being subject to resuspension and transport of sediment and those actually colonised by seagrass. A significant difference was found between surface and bottom hydrodynamics. The areas that the model identified as exposed to higher energy surface hydrodynamics proved to be inversely correlated with seagrass biomass. Multivariate statistical analysis ordered the model variables according to their relative importance. The model indicated the need for further study, demonstrating its utility for environmental management of eutrophic lagoons.