Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is a widely distributed type of sea grass. Though it has a tendency to be overlooked in environmental concerns it is important for the health of marine ecosystems. it is classified as an Essential Fish Habitat (EFH). There has been a significant loss of eelgrass habitats in recent years as it is quite vulnerable to human impacts such as urban development, dredging, pollution, and sediment runoff from upland areas.
Eelgrass functions as an important source of food for migratory birds and sea turtles, shelter for young fish and invertebrates, and a spawning area for many species such as the Pacific Herring. In addition to providing food and shelter to marine life, eelgrass also improves the general quality of the habitat. It produces oxygen, improves water quality by filtering polluted runoff, absorbs excess nutrients, stores greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, and reduces coastal erosion by trapping sediment and reducing force of waves.
Source: The Importance of Eelgrass–NOAA Fisheries
Photos: Eric Heupel, Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble, and Greenpeace Polska
on Flickr