Coastal-aquatic vegetation of the freshwater Curonian Lagoon and opportunities for its economic use

Abstract

The Curonian Lagoon is a large lagoon with predominantly freshwater conditions, where coastal-aquatic vegetation develops intensively. Phragmites australis dominates in the coastal zone, forming a biomass exceeding 1000 g/m², as well as Scirpus lacustris. Maximum of biomass is in August-September. Its potential use should be balanced with environmental measures. Negative impact on bird nesting, fish spawning can be minimized by harvesting during the winter season. After the completion of the growing season, the dry mass of aboveground shoots of Ph. australis, unlike other species, exhibits minimal reduction, allowing it to be used as a useful renewable resource (building material, fuel, etc.). Appropriate harvesting techniques during the winter period (e.g., cluster mowing) and the utilization of reeds forming dense stands in the coastal zone, beyond addressing economic objectives, will facilitate the preservation of biotopes and enhance habitat conditions in coastal areas (e.g., fishery amelioration).