Eagrass, also written as eelgrass, refers to a type of marine flowering plant that belongs to the family Zosteraceae, characterized by long ribbon-like leaves and inconspicuous flowers. It is mostly found in coastal waters, estuaries, and shallow lagoons across temperate and coastal regions of the world. The scientific name for eelgrass is Zostera marina.
Eelgrass plays a crucial ecological role as it forms extensive meadows that serve as habitats and nurseries for a wide array of marine organisms. These meadows provide essential shelter and food sources for numerous species, including fish, invertebrates, and waterfowl. Additionally, the dense underwater canopy created by eelgrass beds helps to stabilize sediments, mitigate wave energy, and prevent erosion of coastlines.
The leaves of eelgrass are long and narrow, typically ranging from 30 to 120 centimeters in length. They have a characteristic bright green color and are typically flattened and ribbon-like with a grooved and rounded shape. The leaves are attached to the plant's rhizomes, which anchor the eelgrass to the substrate. The flowers of eelgrass are small and inconspicuous, often hidden among the leaves. These flowers reproduce through hydrophilous pollination, meaning they are pollinated underwater.
Unfortunately, eelgrass ecosystems are vulnerable to various threats, including pollution, coastal development, climate change, and physical disturbances such as dredging or boat propeller damage. Such disturbances can result in the decline or loss of eelgrass habitats, which can have significant ecological consequences. Efforts are underway worldwide to conserve and restore eelgrass meadows to preserve the valuable habitats they provide.
