News Ecosystems

This seagrass is taking over the Chesapeake Bay. That’s good and bad news

A new study shows how seagrass meadows are changing — and how they can be restored

An underwater photo of wispy widgeongrass

Wispy widgeongrass (pictured) may offer a safe home for tiny crustaceans, but the more luxuriant eelgrass is better for juvenile crabs, fish and other larger creatures.

Will Parson/Chesapeake Bay Program

By John Carey

- More than 2 years ago

On the U.S. mid-Atlantic seaboard, efforts to restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay over the last 10 years have faced a mysterious challenge — massive booms and busts of the seagrass meadows that provide crucial habitats for juvenile blue crabs, black sea bass and scores of other creatures.