Underwater Rainforests:
Eelgrass Meadows Sustain the Sea

Illustrated Talk by research scientist Dr. Olivia J. Graham, who shares insights from over 10 years of work studying the health of eelgrass in the Pacific Northwest.

Presented at the Museum September 20, 2026.

Hosted by FISM coordinator Hannah Vaghts

Eelgrass meadows are biodiversity hotspots that provide critical habitat for fish and invertebrates; stabilize shorelines against waves and erosion; efficiently store carbon below ground; and even reduce human and wildlife pathogens in seawater – directly influencing human health. In this talk Dr. Graham explains why eelgrass meadows are essential coastal habitats, how different stressors impact eelgrass health, and what her team’s research reveals about the future of these ecosystems. Discover what a decade of research can teach us about the health and resilience of our coastal ecosystems and how local communities can play a role in protecting and conserving eelgrass habitats.

Dr. Olivia J. Graham is a Research Scientist at the University of Washington’s Friday Harbor Laboratories. She conducts field- and lab-based experiments on San Juan Island, WA, focusing on the health and resilience of eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadows. Dr. Graham leverages diverse research approaches—including robust molecular tools, drones, artificial intelligence, environmental DNA (eDNA), and many more—to understand drivers of eelgrass disease. Her work also bridges science and storytelling, as she translates complex ecological processes into meaningful insights for coastal communities.

This program was co-sponsored by the Fishers Island Seagrass Management Coalition and the Henry L. Ferguson Museum.