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Why Eelgrass?

Eelgrass (Zostera Marina L.) is a rooted, perennial, aquatic plant which grows in shallow coastal temperate waters in depths ranging from 0 - 30 feet. It plays a critical role in providing food and habitat for commercial fish and coastal birds as well as creating stability for the ocean substrate. It is vulnerable to increased levels of nitrogen runoff pollution commonly associated with human activity and therefore serves as a warning indicator in areas where pollution levels may be increasing. Decreasing abundance of eelgrass results in associated decreases in all the varieties wildlife which rely upon it as well as increased coastal erosion. For these reasons, environmental organizations have a keen interest in monitoring coastal eelgrass trends and working to maintain its vitality.