NARRAGANSETT—Coastal zones throughout Narragansett Bay and along
Rhode Island’s southern coast boast a rich tapestry of plants
and animals living together, sharing the successes and
challenges of the underwater environment. Habitats for species
such as scallops and groundfish rely upon protection from
eelgrass, and a new study from the University of New Hampshire
aims at augmenting the knowledge base of eelgrass restoration,
already developed by organizations such as The Nature
Conservancy and Save The Bay. UNH professor Dr. Frederick Short
has recently completed a report on the status and survivability
of eelgrass meadows in the coastal waters of Narragansett Bay
and southern Rhode Island. The study, sponsored by The Nature
Conservancy (TNC), identifies the main challenges to eelgrass
ecosystems, and provides a guide for future research which will,
in turn, be crucial in developing better commercial fishing
opportunities and improve water quality. “Eelgrass populations
in Rhode Island waters have declined si