Long, ribbon-like and a bright pop of green, eelgrass is not only favored by sandcastle builders for a flash of color, but also migrating seabirds.  This perenial saltwater seagrass grows on sandy surfaces or under water and grows upward from a complex, white branching root. That bulb you accidentally squashed on your last jaunt down the beach? That was an eelgrass flower.

Eelgrass is a critical part of water environments for migrating birds because it helps sustain fish and small invertibrates and the leaves themselves are food for a birds like the Brant. Unfortunately, this plant doesn't mix well with oil. Numerous studies published after North and South American oil spills have show that oil affects eelgrass's ability to reduces gas exchange, its photosynthetic rate, and rhizome expansion rates. Certain high levels of oil exposure will even erradicate the plant completely from a habitat. This is terrible for the wildlife that depends on this vital plant, which is why we need to put the chill on Big Oil and prevent any further challenges for birds in the Arctic.

Please support National Audubon’s Raise Your Voice for Arctic Birds by contributing to the cause.

(Photo of Black Brants above eelgrass by Tupper Ansel Blake/USFWS)

Source

Macinnis-Ng, C. M. O., and P. J. Ralph. 2003. In situ impact of petrochemicals on the photosynthesis of the seagrass Zostera capricorni. Marine Pollution Bulletin 46:13951407.