Why is eelgrass important?
Eelgrass provides habitat for numerous invertebrates such as crabs, sea stars, clams, snails, anenomes, and tiny crustaceans. There are two times as many species present in an eelgrass bed than on bare sand! Many fish spend a portion of their life cycle in eelgrass meadows. These include juvenile salmon, adult herring, pipe fish, stickleback and many more. Eelgrass meadows are important spawning grounds for herring, who in turn are prey for adult salmon. Phyllaplysia taylori on eelgrass (photo by Terra McMullen) Threats to Eelgrass Almost eighty percent of the world s population lives on the ocean. As a result, most people live in areas where eelgrass thrives, in calm bays and estuaries. Agriculture, forestry, and dredging for commercial and residential development have all lead to the loss of eelgrass meadows. In addition, boat activity and shellfish harvesting can destroy eelgrass. Docks create shade, Pollution poses a great threat to eelgrass survival. Human activity has lead to dec
