Eelgrass Transplanting

Eelgrass beds stabilize bottom sediment and serve as habitat for many marine creatures. Historically, disease and poor water quality have greatly reduced the amount of eelgrass growing in New England waterways. Recent water quality improvements from sewage treatment projects have created conditions more conducive to eelgrass survival. Under such circumstances, manual restoration of eelgrass can speed up the re-colonization process by decades.

Participation in this project by local citizens is welcome, not only for the practical help it provides, but to create a sense of ownership and stewardship among participants that will help ensure the long-term protection of this important resource. Also, various labor-intensive aspects of eelgrass restoration become much more feasible when volunteer assistance is utilized. In turn, volunteers can provide valuable knowledge about local conditions that can be of use to scientists. Volunteers who are versed in aquatic or non-aquatic disciplines will be welcomed: e.g., SCUBA divers, snorkelers, kayakers, shoreline assistants.

Boston Harbor (Mass Division of Marine Fisheries)

For additional information on this volunteer program contact Alison Leschen by phone (508-563-1779, ext 142) or e-mail (Alison.Leschen@state.ma.us).

Narragansett Bay (Save the Bay)

If you are interested in signing up for dates, please contact
Stephany at shessler@savebay.org or 401-272-3540, x130.