DMF's Eelgrass Restoration and Monitoring

An important aspect of fisheries management is protecting critical fish habitat. Therefore the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) monitors eelgrass and protects it throughout the Commonwealth.

Overview

Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is a seagrass that grows in shallow, coastal waters. It makes important nursery habitat for different marine species. Our eelgrass team restores eelgrass in coastal areas of Massachusetts! They also monitor eelgrass for health and growth. We provide expertise and leadership in issues related to eelgrass.

Long-term Monitoring of Eelgrass

Monitoring eelgrass habitat is important. Monitoring helps us learn more about eelgrass, so we can respond to eelgrass-related issues. DMF is a partner in 2 seagrass monitoring programs—iSeaGrass and SeagrassNet.

iSeaGrass is a web app we made with MassBays. Citizen and professional scientists use it to collect data on seagrass. We have been a part of iSeaGrass since 2020. The app is used on a smartphone or tablet.

Interested in participating in iSeaGrass? To get involved with this coordinated effort, email Forest Schenck, or discuss with your local watershed organization or MassBays.

SeagrassNet is a global seagrass monitoring program. It currently monitors 126 sites in 33 countries. SeagrassNet helps preserve seagrass by increasing knowledge and awareness of this resource. We have been a part of SeagrassNet since 2008. The monitoring site in Salem Sound is one of 3 of these sites in Massachusetts (Duck Harbor Beach and Pleasant Bay are the others). In Salem Sound, our divers collect data on seagrass growth, coverage, disease, and invaders. We also monitor light level, temperature, and salinity. For more information regarding SeagrassNet, email Forest Schenck.

Additional Resources

iSeaGrass survey locations map

Download iSeaGrass on iOS

Download iSeaGrass on Android

Collect information on iSeaGrass

Download data from iSeaGrass

iSeaGrass Standard Operating Procedure

Visit SeagrassNet

Eelgrass Mapping

We use underwater cameras, depth finders, and side-scan sonar to map eelgrass. We look at how much the eelgrass changes each year to determine if losses or gains in eelgrass are long-lasting.

Additional Resources

Eelgrass Survey Guidelines, 2010 (TR-43)

Salem Sound Mapping 2017

Duxbury Bay Mapping 2016

Eelgrass Restoration

We restore eelgrass to damaged areas. Our eelgrass team replanted eelgrass in Salem Sound after the HubLine pipeline installation. They also replanted eelgrass in Boston Harbor 2004–2007. A second phase of restoration took place 2010–2012 to cover other areas in the Harbor Islands region.

Additional Resources

Boston Harbor Eelgrass Restoration, 2009 (TR-37)

Boston Harbor Eelgrass Restoration, 2010 (peer-reviewed)

Hubline (Hub3, 2010-2016) Eelgrass Restoration Final Report, 2018

Conservation Mooring Projects

Eelgrass has been declining in Massachusetts for many reasons. One big reason is boat moorings. Traditional block and chain moorings scar eelgrass beds as the chain drags along the ocean bottom when the attached boat moves. Seagrass-friendly moorings are available but are rarely used in Massachusetts. We are working with MassBays to test new seagrass-friendly moorings and monitor how well they protect seagrasses.

Additional Resources

Conservation Moorings in Eelgrass (poster), 2011

Conservation Mooring Recommendations

Standard Operating Procedures

• The Burlap Disc Method: planting and monitoring eelgrass (Zostera marina)
• Using the TERFS (Transplanting Eelgrass Remotely with Frames System) methods to plant eelgrass (Zostera marina)
• The Horizontal Rhizome Method: planting and monitoring eelgrass (Zostera marina)
• Monitoring eelgrass (Zostera marina) in a reference bed
• Monitoring eelgrass (Zostera marina) at SeagrassNet site Salem Sound MS 45.1