What is eelgrass?

What is eelgrass and why is it so valuable?

Eelgrass is a marine underwater plant that roots in the sediments of our bays and estuaries, forming meadows in coastal waters. It contributes to the health and productivity of the coastal environment and is protected under section 404 of The Clean Water Act. Eelgrass is designated as Essential Fish Habitat under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Eelgrass habitat has been impacted by human activities as the population grows along our coastlines. Nutrient loading and direct damage from dredging, boating, and fishing activities all can damage eelgrass. It is estimated that our coastlines have lost over 50% of their eelgrass in the past century.

The three-dimensional habitat of a healthy eelgrass meadow supports part of the life cycle of striped bas, flounder, lobsters, mussels, scallops, crabs, ducks, and geese. Eelgrass also contributes to the productivity of coastal waters by stabilizing bottom sediments, filtering nutrients and particles out of the water, and by providing sheltered nursery areas for young fish and shellfish. Dead eelgrass decomposes into a detrital "chowder" that is an essential part of the marine food web.