Overview
Eelgrass, which should not be confused with seaweed, is a plant species which is important for a variety of ecosystem functions. These include foraging, nursery habitat for fish and invertebrates, and spawning surfaces for key species in the region such as the Pacific Herring. Such is the importance of perennial flowering plant, large scale projects involving eelgrass are underway along the west coast of British Columbia.
Our Work
Balanced has been working with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA) to monitor an eelgrass bed that was established as part of compensation measures for large scale developments. In 2021 a monitoring survey of the eelgrass bed at Maplewood mudflats showed that the plant species had become well established in the area and that marine communities are utilising the grass bed.
Results
In May 2022 Balanced transplanted eelgrass for the City of Powell River prior to the installation of a new outfall pipe. Balanced and Foreshore assessed the site area that would be affected by the pipe and our biologists determined an appropriate area to move the eelgrass to. New methods to plant the eelgrass were tested out and the eelgrass will be monitored following construction works and in a year to see if the transplant was a success.
