A Meta-analysis of Tropical Cyclone Effects on Seagrass Meadows

Tropical cyclones can severely disturb temperate and tropical ecosystems through damaging winds and excessive rainfall, but effects are often diverse, complex, and context-dependent. Coastal seagrass meadows are widespread, located along most temperate and tropical coastlines and often experience cyclones. Cyclone-associated damage following these events are variable, ranging from no seagrass damage to complete habitat destruction. Based on 51 studies examining cyclone effects on seagrasses, we did not uncover clear relationships between the number or severity of cyclones and declines in seagrass cover. Seagrasses were often minimally damaged following cyclones and were resilient to cyclone disturbances. When seagrass declines were reported, prolonged changes in seawater quality and plant burial were most often the causal factors. Methodological differences among studies and lack of data prior to a cyclone strike limited direct comparisons among articles. Suggestions to standardize future investigations of hurricane effects on seagrass meadows are provided.