Project Watershed Plans for Spring Eelgrass Transplants
Plainfin midshipman utilizing the transplanted eelgrass
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Spring - a great time for planting in your garden and in the intertidal/subtidal zones. Once again Project Watershed will be working to restore eelgrass (Zostera marina) habitats by undertaking transplants in areas where the eelgrass is sparse or missing as determined by our coastal nearshore habitat mapping work.
Both an intertidal and subtidal transplant are planned for this year. The subtidal work will take place with divers off just south of Ships Point in an area where Project Watershed undertook some saltmarsh restoration work last year. Two sites are being considered for the intertidal transplant, either Little River or Miracle Beach. Once site selection is confirmed the intertidal transplant will take place, with the help of volunteers, during the low tide window between May 25 and 30. Post-transplant the beds will be seasonally monitored to ensure that the restoration has been effective.