Eelgrass is a foundation species in Danish waters, but
since 1900 more than 2/3 have been lost. In recent
years, efforts to restore these ecosystems through eel-
grass transplanting have been gaining traction. How-
ever, the social dynamics and system around and
within eelgrass transplanting remain widely unsur-
veyed. This thesis aims to map the social dynam-
ics in eelgrass transplanting through a case study
of the transplanting in Gamborg Fjord. The so-
cial dynamics are understood through a Multi-level-
perspective of transition theory. Where Discourse
theory is utilised to understand the motives behind
the practitioner’s engagement in transplanting eel-
grass within the socio-technical landscape. And so-
cial and socio-ecological networks form the niche of
eelgrass transplanting practices. For eelgrass trans-
planting to become an established and viable prac-
tice, it has to enter into the system of the socio-
technical regime. In entering the regime, challenges
and opportunities arise.
Eelgrass transplanting is driven by motives of enhanc-
ing biodiversity, compensating for carbon emissions
and gaining knowledge of the ecosystem dynamics
and services. However, poor ecological conditions re-
strict eelgrass transplanting, and barriers arise due to
high costs, administration of ecosystem services and a
need for authorisation. Utilising voluntary labour can
reduce costs and increase awareness amongst volun-
teers while introducing new variables into the trans-
planting practice. Accrediting the ecosystem services
to the practitioners can incentives municipalities and
organisations to engage in the practice of eelgrass
transplanting. There is, however, an underlying need
to tackle the poor ecological conditions for eelgrass
transplanting to become a success.