What is eelgrass?
Eelgrasses are species of seagrass in the genus Zostera. In British Columbia, two species of Zostera are found: the native Zostera marina, and the non-native Zostera japonica. Eelgrass and other seagrasses are highly unusual organisms, as they are one of the very few types of vascular marine plants (mangroves are another example).
Why study eelgrass?
They may not look like much, but eelgrass meadows are highly productive ecosystems that host a remarkable array of biodiversity and provide many useful ecosystem services. Many species of invertebrates call eelgrass home, ranging from tiny copepods to sea stars as big as dinner plates. Eelgrass meadows also provide food and habitat for juvenile fish species like salmon and herring, sequester carbon from the atmosphere, trap and cycle key nutrients, and stabilize sediments. However, seagrass species around the world are declining due to issues such as increased coastal construction, eutrophication, and the alteration of local food webs, as well as the effects of climate change. Taking these factors into consideration, it is of the utmost importance that we understand how seagrass ecosystems function and how we can protect them.
Eelgrasses are species of seagrass in the genus Zostera. In British Columbia, two species of Zostera are found: the native Zostera marina, and the non-native Zostera japonica. Eelgrass and other seagrasses are highly unusual organisms, as they are one of the very few types of vascular marine plants (mangroves are another example).
Why study eelgrass?
They may not look like much, but eelgrass meadows are highly productive ecosystems that host a remarkable array of biodiversity and provide many useful ecosystem services. Many species of invertebrates call eelgrass home, ranging from tiny copepods to sea stars as big as dinner plates. Eelgrass meadows also provide food and habitat for juvenile fish species like salmon and herring, sequester carbon from the atmosphere, trap and cycle key nutrients, and stabilize sediments. However, seagrass species around the world are declining due to issues such as increased coastal construction, eutrophication, and the alteration of local food webs, as well as the effects of climate change. Taking these factors into consideration, it is of the utmost importance that we understand how seagrass ecosystems function and how we can protect them.