TIMES RECORD • February 6, 2025
Largely hidden from sight, eelgrass, or Zostera marina, plays a vital role in coastal environments. It shields shorelines from erosion, removes nitrogen through respiration and provides habitat for dozens of juvenile species, from lobsters to bay scallops. In Maine, more than half of native eelgrass has receded, drawing scientists’ attention. Many factors have contributed to this, including stormwater pollution, warming waters and invasive green crabs munching on the grass beds. However, there are still many unknowns.