Replanting eelgrass by manually harvesting seeds.
This process is extremely time consuming, so we are working on more efficient methods (please see our Aquatron page for more information)

Nicolas Winkler Photography

One of our main project goals is to conduct eelgrass restoration and continuously monitor our chosen sites across Nova Scotia. This part of our project would include the collection of eelgrass seeds (or seed bearing shoots) and transporting them to other sites. These seeds or shoots will be replanted in struggling beds or barren areas where eelgrass is known to have historically grown, with the hope that they will take root and produce healthy and happy beds! Seed and shoots will be collected from nearby beds to reduce the transportation of foreign materials. 

We are currently working on a replanting trial in Port Medway, Nova Scotia. This trial is designed to determine the most effective method of replanting eelgrass for the environmental conditions of Nova Scotia. Four common methods were chosen to be tested: individual seed replanting, seed planting in burlap bags, transplanting of shoots, and transplanting of sods. This trial will compare eelgrass growth over a year between the four methods to determine which method is most successful for replanting in Nova Scotia.

Over the course of our project, we plan to have 8 to 10 replanting sites around Nova Scotia. Our hope for this project is that we can facilitate eelgrass replanting in communities, so that they are able to maintain their eelgrass beds on their own.

Replanting Techniques

Seed and Shoot Collection and Processing

Dr. Kristina Boerder collecting eelgrass shoots
Harvested shoots ready for processing
Students Amy and Lauren processing eelgrass shoots
Lauren harvesting eelgrass seeds
Manual harvesting of eelgrass seeds
Manual harvesting of eelgrass seeds

Seed Replanting with Burlap Bags

Eelgrass baggies are easy to plant – you can plant them directly or throw them off a boat or paddle board!
Seeds are mixed with local sediment and spooned into little burlap baggies
Burlap baggies ready for planting!
The burlap baggies will eventually degrade and the shoots will grow through them
Burlap planting is a great way to involve volunteers and members of the public in replanting!

Direct Seed Replanting

Eelgrass seeds are loaded into a syringe and deposited directly into the sediment
Direct seed replanting is a bit more laborious than other methods

Direct Shoot and Sod Replanting

Shoot and sod replanting is one of the best methods to engage the public in eelgrass restoration
Once eelgrass is collected, it is kept submerged until it is planted
The bags of eelgrass are brought to the nearby replanting sites
Each eelgrass shoot is replanted (green side up!)
Participants can play an active role in replanting their local shorelines
Participants of all ages can plant eelgrass