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Eelgrass in the Great Bay Estuary (Photo: Ru Morrison) 2017 Eelgrass Distribution Report The recently released report on eelgrass distribution for the year 2017 indicates an overall decrease of 8.5% in acreage of eelgrass habitat in the Piscataqua Region Estuary, which includes the Great Bay, the Piscataqua River, the tributaries that flow into the estuary, as well as areas in Portsmouth Harbor, Sagamore Creek, and the Atlantic Coast. Two areas that increased from the previous year include Little Bay (from 0.0 to 3.6 acres) and Odiorne Point (from 0.8 to 1.0) beds. Year to year changes must be interpreted carefully as there are many factors that can influence eelgrass in the short term. The long-term trend from peak coverage in the mid-1990s to the current year shows a steady decrease in eelgrass health with acreage amounts staying relatively stable since 2009. Experts convened for the recent State of Our Estuaries Report agreed that further decreasing nitrogen levels in the estuary will most likely improve eelgrass health, and that other factors are also influencing eelgrass decline (including the 2006 Mother’s Day storm, sedimentation, outbreaks of wasting disease and warming waters). The Report emphasizes that in situations with multiple stressors, managers should consider addressing any factors they can to improve the ecosystem’s ability to respond to stress. Download the latest report HERE. This project was funded, in part, by NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management under the Coastal Zone Management Act in conjunction with the NHDES Coastal Program. |
