RESUMO
We studied the recovery of the fast-growing seagrass Cymodocea nodosa from disturbances of different intensities (shoots removal or the entire plant), plot sizes (from 0.04 to 1 m2) and in different seasons (spring and autumn) in a shallow coastal bay. We monitored recovery over 27â¯months and measured plant traits at the end. Shoot density and canopy height recovered faster (1â¯month) when only shoots were removed compared to when the entire plant was removed (10-25â¯months). Small areas took longer to recover than large ones, probably due to limited light availability or the accumulation of detritus. Plants disturbed in autumn took 9â¯months longer to recover than those disturbed in spring. After the 27-month, all plant traits were similar to those of control plots, except rhizome biomass, which was lower. Our results suggest that mechanical disturbances might exert a negative effect on the long-term resilience of seagrasses.