Zostera marina, eelgrass, about to be transplanted

Zostera marina, eelgrass, about to be transplanted. These plants were harvested from Damerion Marsh by the mouth of the Great Wicomico River. Submerged aquatic vegetation is a critical habitat that stabilizes sediments, oxygenates water and provides habitat. Historically the Chesapeake Bay had over 600,000 acres of SAV, now there is approximately 69,000 acres.

Photo Location: St. Mary’s City, St Mary’s County, Maryland
Photo Date: September 1997