Eelgrass beds are shrinking along Maine's coastline, threatening ecosystems

Eelgrass, a vital coastal plant that helps prevent erosion and store carbon, is disappearing from Maine's waters, worrying scientists about its impact on climate and marine habitats.

Murray Carpenter reports for The New York Times.


In short:

  • Eelgrass stabilizes shorelines, filters water, and offers habitat for marine species like lobsters and bass.
  • The Maine Department of Environmental Protection found a 60% decline in eelgrass since 2005, with some areas losing all eelgrass.
  • Climate change, invasive species, and storms are stressing eelgrass beds, while their carbon capture potential draws growing attention.

Key quote:

"There are so many things that are important about eelgrass, but you can’t see it unless you’re scuba diving or have an underwater camera."

— Cheyenne Adams, Maine Department of Environmental Protection.

Why this matters:

Eelgrass plays a crucial role in fighting climate change by sequestering carbon and protecting coastlines. As its decline accelerates, the loss could harm ecosystems and exacerbate coastal erosion.

An Indian woman wearing jewerly and a sash dancing next to a river

India's harvest festivals under climate strain

As people across India celebrate traditional agrarian spring festivals, climate change has become an unwanted guest at the table.

A view of St. Marks Square in Venice with floodwaters covering it

Venice is threatened by rising sea levels. Will the city be forced to relocate?

Scientists warn that no adaptation measure can sustain Venice as rising sea levels threaten to swallow the city.
A wildfire on a hillside at night

From Maui to LA, wildfires burn more at night due to climate change

Wildfires are lasting later into the night and starting earlier in the morning because human-caused climate change is extending the hotter and drier conditions that feed them.

A pile of ice with the sun shining through it with a penguin standing at the top

Diving robots help crack the mystery of Antarcticas' vanishing sea ice

Ten years ago, Antarctica's sea ice suddenly and dramatically declined. Scientists now blame a "very violent release" of deep, pent-up heat.
A silhouette of an energy worker next to an oil dril

‘Get rid of MAHA’: Trump alliance cracks as climate denialists turn on RFK Jr.’s movement

At Heartland’s climate conference, fossil fuel allies warn MAHA chemical rules could threaten oil, exposing a rift in Trump’s base.

A row of wind turbines at dusk installed on rolling hills

Largest US renewable project begins generating electricity

SunZia has quietly begun sending enormous amounts of wind power to California as President Donald Trump works to thwart the wind industry.

A solar panel installed on a pole imprinted with the Cuban flag

As Cuba’s grid fails, solar power becomes a lifeline

The Trump administration’s fuel blockade against Cuba has resulted in widespread power outages and gas shortages, but also a surge in solar installations.

From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.