Like all marine biotopes, eelgrass beds are subject to natural change. Zostera beds are known to be spatially dynamic, with advancing and receding leading edges, causing changes in coverage. Naturally-occurring changes can take place at a range of scales, with effects ranging from small alterations to Zostera coverage or density, to destruction of entire beds over large geographic areas. This chapter considers the main naturally-occurring processes known to affect eelgrass beds. Changes induced by human activities are considered in Chapter V.

Naturally-occurring agents of change can be conveniently divided into those relating to the physical and biotic environments of Zostera beds.

Physical Environment

Biotic Environment

References