Status, Trends, and Conservation of Eelgrass in Atlantic Canada and the Northeastern United States: Workshop Report

Authors

Hilary A. Neckles, USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Al R. Hanson, Canadian Wildlife Service
Phil Colarusso, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Robert N. Buchsbaum, Massachusetts Audubon
Fred T. Short, University of New Hampshire, Jackson Estuarine Laboratory

Document Type

Report

Publication Date

2-2009

Abstract

Eelgrass (Zostera marina L) is the dominant seagrass occurring in eastern Canada and the northeastern United States, where it often forms extensive meadows in coastal and estuarine areas. Eelgrass beds are extremely productive and provide many valuable ecological functions and ecosystem services. They serve as critical feeding and nursery habitat for a wide variety of commercially and recreationally important fish and shellfish and as feeding areas for waterfowl and other waterbirds. Eelgrass detritus is also transported considerable distances to fuel offshore food webs. In addition, eelgrass beds stabilize bottom sediments, dampen wave energy, absorb nutrients from surrounding waters, and retain carbon through burial.

Recommended Citation

Neckles, H. A., Hanson, A. R., Colarusso, P., Buchsbaum, R. N., & Short, F.T. (eds.). (2009). Status, Trends, and Conservation of Eelgrass in Atlantic Canada and the Northeastern United States: Workshop Report. [Report]. Portland, ME: University of Southern Maine, Muskie School of Public Service, Casco Bay Estuary Partnership.

Category

Habitats, Eelgrass; Climate Change; Invasive Species

Location

Canada, New England