OCEANSCAPE NETWORK
  • Home
  • Virtual Explorations
    • The Stream
  • Explore
  • Experience
  • Educate
Marine eelgrass
Mollusk
Mollusk
EXPLORE > PLANTS > ANGIOSPERMS
​

Zostera marina

This type of seagrass can be identified by its long, ribbon-like leaves which are dark green in color. It once grew in abundance all over the northern hemisphere and can be found in bays, coves and estuaries. Thick beds of eelgrass provide a safe habitat for a variety of marine life, often forming underwater “nurseries” where young fish and shellfish can mature and reproduce. The grass is also edible and constitutes an important food source for many shorebirds. Some Native American tribes ate the grass or used it to smoke meats.

​Distribution

Eelgrass can be found all over the northern hemisphere, particularly in the shallower waters of bays, coves, tidal flats and estuaries.

Conservation Status

Threatened. Eelgrass beds have been drastically reduced in size and range. There may be a variety of reasons for this, including dredging operations and the introduction of pollutants to coastal waters. As the eelgrass beds have dwindled, so have many of the fish and shellfish populations which need them to reproduce. Many communities have now started eelgrass restoration projects in order to expand this vital marine habitat.
Picture
Picture
About Oceanscape
The Oregon Coast Aquarium's Oceanscape Network is an educational program for youth designed to inspire curiosity in science, nature, conservation and outdoor exploration while providing valuable classroom resources for educators. MORE.
Quick Links
​Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads
Site Updates | For Educators | For Youth | Translate This Website | Contact Form | Privacy Policy | Conditions of Use | Website Accessibility
Finding the Aquarium
2820 SE Ferry Slip Road, Newport, Oregon 97365
(541) 867-3474 | oceanscape@aquarium.org
Oceanscape Network copyright © 2019-2020 by the Oregon Coast Aquarium. All rights reserved. 
  • Home
  • Virtual Explorations
    • The Stream
  • Explore
  • Experience
  • Educate