In recent years, elevated water temperatures have resulted in large-scale eelgrass (Zostera marina) diebacks of entire meadows in the lower Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, resulting in a conversion from historically stable, dense meadows to low-density ephemeral ones.
More...In recent years, elevated water temperatures have resulted in large-scale eelgrass (Zostera marina) diebacks of entire meadows in the lower Chesapeake Bay, Virginia, resulting in a conversion from historically stable, dense meadows to low-density ephemeral ones. In contrast, many eelgrass populations in Back Sound, North Carolina appear to be more resilient to warming water temperatures. The objectives of this project are to compare resiliency traits of eelgrass populations in North Carolina and Virginia, identify specific meadows in North Carolina that could serve as seed donor beds, and conduct reciprocal test restoration of North Carolina and Virginia eelgrass seeds. Eelgrass restoration without considering the resiliency of the meadows to climate change no longer appears to be a viable option for long-term success, so reserves, state agencies, and non-profits in both Virginia and Maryland are in need of information and specific criteria in order to restore this iconic species. This project aims to provide the datasets and analyses needed to better enhance the resiliency of Virginia eelgrass populations, with the goal of informing management decisions related to eelgrass, especially restoration.
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