Eelgrass Restoration

Eelgrass is also recognized as a vital component of the ecosystem, providing numerous 'services'. One important role eelgrass plays is a nursery habitat for juvenile bay scallops, presumably providing some protection from benthic predators.

In an effort to restore eelgrass beds, we have worked to identify optimum areas (based on a quantitative scoring scale) with local coastal natural resources officers. Once these areas have been identified, we have investigated methods of seeding or transplanting areas with locally collected eelgrass seed.

We are currently involved in a project with the Nature Conservancy investigating sites for eelgrass test plantings for restoration.  Check back for updated information on this project.