Abstract
As part of the Alabama Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Restoration and Monitoring Program funded through the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council administered by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) conducted submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) restoration activities in the Lower Mobile/Tensaw River Delta. Targeting native Vallisneria sp., locations that were known to previously support Vallisneria were selected for restoration activities. Using nursery reared Vallisneria plants grown from seed at the DISL, this project tested various planting techniques which may improve restoration success. Methods included different transplant containers (peat pots or coconut core fiber mats), different planting orientation (dispersed or clumped together within a 0.25m^2 area), single shoot or multiple rhizome-connected shoot planting units, and planting with a biological partner (Rangia clams). During monitoring, DISL documented the presence/absence of Vallisneria within each plot, including any additional species which may recruit naturally (species composition). Results provide initial insight to the best planting practices for improved planting efficiency and transplant success.
Purpose
The purpose of these datasets is to provide insight on best SAV restoration practices in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta.
DATASET: Val_Restoration_Sites.zip (files associated with GIS) & Restoration_Sites.csv
The purpose of this dataset is to provide GPS coordinates of all sites used for the various Vallisneria restoration techniques in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta.
DATASET: Chocolatta_Val_restoration_2021-2022.csv
DESCRIPTIVE TITLE: Restoration of Vallisneria with a biological partner (Rangia clams) in Chocolatta Bay, 2021-2022
Historical restoration methods focused on planting single primary foundation species (e.g. SAV) to subsequently facilitate recovery and enhancement of whole communities; however, recent work has highlighted the value that fostering positive interactions (self-facilitation and mutualism), can improve restoration success. This dataset documents the results of a two-factor experimental restoration study in Chocolatta Bay in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta investigating how planting orientation and addition of a biological partner (the bivalve Rangia cuneata) may enhance restoration success.
DATASET: 2025-2026_Val_survival.csv
DESCRIPTIVE TITLE: Restoration of Vallisneria with a biological partner (Rangia clams) in Chocolatta Bay, 2025-2026
Vallisneria restoration methods often transplant individual shoots at predetermined spacing along rows. Recent work has highlighted the value that fostering positive interactions (self-facilitation), can improve restoration success. This dataset documents the results of an experimental restoration study at five sites across the Mobile-Tensaw Delta investigating how planting orientation (single, individual shoots connected to a 0.25m^2 coconut core mat or multiple, rhizome-connected shoots connected to a 0.25m^2 coconut core mat) may enhance restoration success.
DATASET: 2025-2026_Val_abiotic.csv
This dataset documents the general abiotic conditions at each restoration sites during site visits.
DOI: 10.57778/84jq-0715
Suggested Citation
Byron, D. (2026). Vallisneria restoration in the Mobile-Tensaw Delta: a test of different planting techniques for better restoration outcomes [Dataset]. dauphin. https://doi.org/10.57778/84JQ-0715
Related Publication Citation
Attribution
This project was paid for [in part) with federal funding from the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council or Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
