Apr 25, 2016

Eelgrass (Zostera marina and Z. pacifica) is recognized as an important ecological resource in nearshore open coast areas, shallow bays, and estuaries throughout coastal California. Access to regional maps and related monitoring reports for eelgrass is crucial to monitor the extent of eelgrass habitat and how it is changing over time, evaluate the effects of coastal development projects on eelgrass habitat, and inform interested stakeholders and the public about eelgrass distribution. A system for tracking changes in the distribution and abundance of eelgrass may inform the effectiveness of ongoing conservation and restoration efforts. 

 

EcoAtlas displays eelgrass survey data along the coast from Humboldt Bay to San Diego Bay and information on over 60 eelgrass mitigation projects. Eelgrass surveys recently provided by NOAA-NMFS and uploaded to EcoAtlas include: Mendocino Coast (2014-2015), Tomales Bay (2015), Drakes Estero (2005), San Francisco Bay (2014), Santa Monica Bay (2015), and Santa Cruz Island (2015). 

For more information, visit the Eelgrass Project page.

Other Contributors: 
Adam Obaza, NOAA/NMFS
Bryant Chesney, NOAA/NMFS
Programs and Focus Areas: 
Environmental Informatics Program