ANNUAL EXHIBITION 2021
EELGRASS
Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is a common species of seagrass that grows around Fishers Island.
Photograph by Connor Jones
Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is one of the most common species of seagrass in Long Island Sound. It is a true plant that produces flowers and seeds. When conditions are right, eelgrass can form extensive underwater meadows. These underwater meadows provide valuable services for wildlife and people. Eelgrass meadows create habitat for thousands of ocean animals like lobster, flounder and bay scallops. They also produce oxygen, improve water quality, reduce shoreline erosion and can store twice as much carbon as forests on land.
Unfortunately, seagrass is quickly disappearing both locally and globally. Local factors driving this decline include poor water quality, nutrient runoff, coastal construction and boating damage. Eelgrass has almost completely disappeared from Long Island Sound; just 10% of its historic range remains. Its last stronghold is the mouth of the Sound, which includes Fishers Island.
With work and dedication, the eelgrass meadows remaining in Long Island Sound can still be protected. By improving water quality, developing management strategies, and educating the public about mindful use of coastal areas, these critical coastal habitats can survive and thrive in the waters of the Sound.
Eelgrass is a flowering plant that reproduces by producing seeds.
Photograph by Connor Jones
Close up of seeds.
Photograph by Connor Jones
An eelgrass plant growing in Chocomount Cove.
Photograph by Brian Leuchtenburg
Top-down view of eelgrass.
Photograph by Emily Bodell
Eelgrass in the background, macro-algae in the foreground. Though they are superficially similar, eelgrass and algae/kelp are not closely related.
Photograph by Emily Bodell
Eelgrass can form large, underwater meadows.
Photograph by Emily Bodell
A meadow photographed from under the water.
Photograph by Emily Bodell
A meadow in Hay Harbor photographed from the surface.
Photograph by Connor Jones
Long eelgrass blades/leaves floating on the surface of the water at low tide.
Photograph by Emily Bodell
An eelgrass meadow at Hungry Point, exposed at low tide.
Photograph by Justine Kibbe
Eelgrass meadows are critically important habitats, home to thousands of organisms. Spiral tube worms live directly on the blades of grass.
Photograph by Jessica Labonte
Snails move along, eating the algae that grows on the eelgrass blades.
Photograph by Jessica Labonte
Small fish, like silversides, use eelgrass meadows as a place to shelter from predators.
Photograph by Brian Leuchtenburg
Many juvenile fish start their lives in eelgrass meadows. There is a flounder in the middle of this meadow, if you look closely, you can just make out two eyes poking out of the sand.
Photograph by Brian Leuchtenburg
Larger animals, such as sea turtles, visit meadows as well.
Photograph by Tracy Brock
Eelgrass often washes up on beaches as it dies off throughout the year or after storm events. After being exposed to the sun and wind, it darkens in color and dries out, forming clumps of thin, brittle ribbons.
Photograph by Connor Jones
Annual exhibition sponsored by ALTUS Partners & CHUBB
