Nova Scotia is lucky to still be home to some extensive, intact, and healthy eelgrass meadows. These meadows are protecting our shorelines, storing carbon, and providing countless benefits for our water quality and fish friends!
Over recent years however, there have been reports from anglers, paddlers, surfers, fishermen, and beachgoers of eelgrass disappearing along Nova Scotian shores.
Why is seagrass conservation important?
Eelgrass, like all seasgrasses worldwide, provides a number of what we call ecosystem benefits.
We are losing our eelgrass beds worldwide, so conservation efforts are more important than ever before. Though restoration in the water is far more costly than restoration on land, it can be done with the proper resources. The complicated and expensive nature of marine conservation is exactly why we need to take action now to preserve what we have to limit how much restoration needs to be done in the future.
The loss of eelgrass meadows would lead to a decline of Kataq and other significant species. This would negatively impact Mi’kmaw cultural, social, and economic life and disconnect future generations from invaluable knowledge and traditional practices.
How can we conserve eelgrass?
There are plenty of ways to conserve eelgrass, some as easy as being aware of local meadows and educating those around you! Some other ways to protect eelgrass on a grander scale include:
- Work with and consult Mi’kmaw communities to develop best practices using the principles of etuaptmumk (two-eyed seeing)
- Legally protecting shorelines where eelgrass is present and remediating them whenever possible
- Be mindful when boating around meadows and eliminate the use of anchors. Don’t boat over shallow areas where your boat could rub up against eelgrass and stay in the deeper channels
- Advocate for safer coastal development projects to minimize coastal runoff
- Reduce use of damaging fertilizers and herbicides
- Participate in restoration projects and volunteer with local initiatives!