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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.
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.
