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Eelgrass is a vital component of coastal ecosystems, providing food and shelter for many species. However, it is susceptible to wasting diseases and environmental changes, and is in decline in much of its natural habitat. Restoration programs exist to preserve this important seaweed and the many creatures that depend on it. Eelgrass performs a vital function in the conservation of the ocean and many conservation groups are working to protect it.
Zostera, more commonly known as eelgrass, is a genus of algae native to coastal waters. Many ecologists consider eelgrass a vital component of coastal ecosystems, providing food and shelter for dozens of species, both large and small. Unfortunately, the eel is susceptible to wasting diseases and environmental changes and is believed to be in decline in much of its natural habitat. In North America, many restoration programs exist to preserve this important seaweed and the many creatures that depend on its existence for survival.
A very simple and easily overlooked plant, eel grass looks like ordinary earthen grass. Consisting of several shoots extending from a central root, Zostera can grow in vast seabed jungles that provide nutrition, homes and camouflage for many different species. Despite its essential role in coastal ecosystems, the grass is highly susceptible to a type of pathogenic disease known as eel wasting disease. In the 1930s, approximately 90% of all beds were damaged or destroyed by wasting disease, which continues to affect some beds into the 21st century. Many of the conservation programs dedicated to grass conservation seek to restore the health of wasted beds after disease outbreaks.
Within the gently rolling jungles of this marine plant, a wealth of life and activity occurs. Eelgrass beds are visited by a variety of grazing species from both the dark world below the water and the thriving world above. Swans, green turtles, snails and crabs prefer to snack on the tasty grass itself, while sea snails, periwinkles and flatworms choose to munch on the bacteria and sponges that grow on the blades of grass. The scallops grow safe from predators under the protective layer of grass and were nearly wiped out after the grass epidemic of the 1930s. Seahorses also find shelter and food in the marine forest, wrapping their tails around the sturdy central root to stay in place during rough waters.
Like most marine plants, the eel also performs a vital function in the conservation of the ocean itself. Through photosynthesis, grass helps reduce harmful chemical buildups in both the water and air. The grass also absorbs potentially hazardous elements such as nitrogen from wastewater runoff, using the fuel provided by the mineral to grow. The eel also traps and cements particulate matter in its beds, which can help prevent excessive sedimentation in the water itself.
The many important functions of this simple plant have led many ecologists and conservationists to call for serious protective actions to ensure its survival. By educating boaters and divers about proper behavior around grass beds, some conservation groups hope to reduce external human-caused damage to grass. Other groups focus on monitoring plant health, isolating infected specimens, and restocking depleted beds. Conservation groups are especially popular along the North American Atlantic coast, where the grass is considered vital to the fishing industry’s prosperity.
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