Recolonisation of Lagoon of Islands, Tasmania, by Baumea arthrophylla:the first step in regeneration of a unique ecosystem?

Lagoon of Islands was a unique ecosystem. Damming the lagoon in 1964 caused the decline of the ecosystem, destroying the original vegetation and, eventually, rendering the lagoon eutrophic. While this took place the lagoon was colonisedby a macrophytenot previously noticed in the lagoon. In an effort to restore acceptable water quality, restoration of macrophytecover was encouraged by hydrological manipulation. Recent investigations have revealed that one of the original dominant macrophytespecies is recolonising the lagoon, creating an alternative management option for the lagoon.