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.
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.
The state has at least 84 square miles of blue carbon reservoirs, which store at least 1.7 million tons of carbon in the soil and vegetation. That much carbon is equal to the annual emissions of 1.25 million passenger cars.
Warming water is threatening to undo decades of efforts aimed at improving aquatic habitat in the Chesapeake region, from headwater streams to the open water of the Bay itself.
