Common name: Eelgrass
Authors: Ares Bach, Thomas Woodruff, Kai Higgs
Scientific name: Zostera marina
Size : They are ¼” wide and can grow to 3 feet long.
Identifying features: Long and bright green ribbon-like leaves.
Cool facts: Z. marina will store nutrients and energy via rhizomes for required flowering in the spring and summer. They are one of the few marine plants that produce flowers. Eelgrass meadows reduce coastal erosion. They are one of the most important coastal ecosystems that provide refuge for juvenile salmon, spawning herring, Dungeness Crab, shellfish, migrating waterfowl and other marine animals.
Habitat: The Eelgrass takes residence in a range of environments, from low intertidal pools, to subtidal areas, from Alaska to Mexico. Around Vancouver island Eelgrass beds are often found in protected shallow bays. The other most common grass that is somtimes confused with Eelgrass is Surfgrass (Phyllospadix spp.). This grass has narrower blades and is found anchored to rocks that are often exposed to heavy waves.
References
Dr. Bridgette Clarkson. (2015) A field guide to seaweeds of the pacific northwest. Pender Harbour: Harbour publishing.
Kozlof, E. (1993) seashore life of the northern pacific coast: An illustrated guide to Northern California, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia. Seattle, Washington: University of Washington Press.