Genotypic and genetic diversity provide the resources for populations to evolve to changing conditions over both the long and short term. Individuals vary in traits (e.g. growth rates, nutritional quality, and response to stressors) resulting in variable survival as environmental condition changes. Disturbances likely reduce overall diversity but may allow individuals that are better adapted to survive. Importantly, connectivity with nearby populations provides an influx of new genes to support that evolution as well as provide a propagule source when populations die back. Understanding landscape genetic diversity and connectivity patterns are essential for effective restoration and management plans. Here we present two case studies integrating seagrass genetic diversity into management.

The Chandeleur Islands in Louisiana support the only marine seagrasses in Louisiana (i.e. potential isolation and little connectivity) and are an example of a rapidly changing environment (i.e. high disturbance regime). An upcoming large scale island renourishment project will further alter the region making resilience and thus genotypic and genetic diversity of these seagrasses a management concern.

The state of Florida has invested in a Seagrass Restoration Technology Initiative with the aim of creating a 10 year seagrass restoration plan that in part increases restoration success by incorporating resilient seagrasses into plantings.

In each of these cases we have genotyped regional seagrasses, estimated connectivity, and created digestible products aimed at practitioners.