Submerged aquatic
vegetation beds are comprised of rooted plants, such
as eelgrass and widgeon grass, which grow on shallow bay
bottoms below the spring low-tide mark. These grassy
beds provide vital refuge for juvenile fish and
lobsters. The plants also trap sediments and use
nitrogen from the water column, thereby improving water
quality.
Scallop on eelgrass
Photo: Peter Auster, UCONN
Diver planting eelgrass, St. Thomas Pt, L.I.
Photo: Cornell U. Cooperative Extension of Suffolk Co.
