Social Dynamics of Eelgrass Transplanting practises - A case study of the eelgrass transplanting in Gamborg Fjord
Translated title
Sociale Dynamikker i Ålegræsudplantningpraksiser - Et casestudie af ålegræsudplantningen i Gamborg Fjord
Author
Hansen, Sophia Amalie Møller
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2023
Submitted on
2023-06-01
Pages
70
Abstract
Eelgrass is a foundation species in Danish waters, yet more than two thirds have disappeared since 1900. In response, transplanting eelgrass has gained momentum as a way to restore habitats. While the ecological aspects are often studied, the social dynamics around this work are less well understood. This thesis maps those dynamics through a case study of Gamborg Fjord. The study applies a multi-level perspective from transition theory—a framework that examines how new practices develop in protected niches, interact with established rules and institutions (the sociotechnical regime), and are shaped by broader societal conditions (the landscape). Discourse theory is used to explore practitioners’ motivations, and social and socio-ecological networks are treated as the niche that supports eelgrass transplanting. For transplanting to become an established, viable practice, it must connect with the sociotechnical regime of regulations, funding, and routines. This transition creates both opportunities and challenges. Key motivations include enhancing biodiversity, compensating for carbon emissions, and improving knowledge of ecosystem dynamics and services. However, poor ecological conditions limit success, and barriers arise from high costs, complex administration of ecosystem services, and the need for authorizations. Using volunteers can lower costs and raise awareness, but also introduces new variables into practice. Crediting ecosystem service benefits to practitioners can incentivize municipalities and organizations to engage. Overall, addressing the underlying ecological conditions is essential if eelgrass transplanting is to succeed.
Ålegræs er en grundlæggende art i danske farvande, men mere end to tredjedele er forsvundet siden 1900. Udplantning af ålegræs bruges derfor i stigende grad til at genoprette levesteder. Hvor de økologiske sider ofte er undersøgt, er de sociale dynamikker omkring arbejdet mindre belyst. Dette speciale kortlægger disse dynamikker gennem et casestudie af Gamborg Fjord. Analysen bruger et multi-level-perspektiv fra transitionsteori – en ramme, der ser på, hvordan nye praksisser opstår i beskyttede nicher, møder etablerede regler og institutioner (det sociotekniske regime) og påvirkes af bredere samfundsmæssige forhold (landskabet). Diskursteori bruges til at undersøge praktikernes motiver, og sociale og socio-økologiske netværk forstås som den niche, der understøtter ålegræsudplantning. For at udplantning kan blive en etableret og levedygtig praksis, skal den kobles til det sociotekniske regimes regler, finansiering og rutiner. Denne bevægelse skaber både muligheder og udfordringer. Centrale motiver er at øge biodiversitet, kompensere for CO2-udledning og styrke viden om økosystemers dynamik og tjenester. Samtidig begrænser dårlige økologiske forhold indsatsen, og der opstår barrierer i form af høje omkostninger, kompleks administration af økosystemtjenester og behov for tilladelser. Brug af frivillige kan reducere omkostninger og øge opmærksomheden, men indfører også nye usikkerheder i praksis. At kreditere økosystemtjenester til de udførende kan give kommuner og organisationer incitament til at deltage. Overordnet er det nødvendigt at forbedre de økologiske forhold, hvis ålegræsudplantning skal lykkes.
[This apstract has been rewritten with the help of AI based on the project's original abstract]
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