Locals know about eelgrass. They have seen eelgrass blades flow in and out gracefully with the changing tide, step over piles of these amazing aquatic plants washed up on the shoreline, and they have likely noticed the abundant life drawn to the vast eelgrass beds in Netarts Bay.

A flowering aquatic plant, eelgrass is considered to be a foundation or habitat forming species. Eelgrass plays an important role in bays and estuaries. These plants provide homes for other animals, act as a nursery for many different fish and invertebrates, and is a food source as well. From birds to seals, these beds are a vital piece of our bay.

Unlike many neighboring bays in Oregon, Netarts Bay is home to thriving native eelgrass beds. Eelgrass is easily impacted by humans. The introduction of invasive eelgrass species, dredging, boat activity, aquaculture techniques, and nutrient runoff from land all impact native eelgrass populations. Join us as we discuss these amazing aquatic plants, threats to them, impacts from the loss of eelgrass beds in estuaries, and how Netarts bay populations are changing.

Dr. Tony D'Andrea will be join us for his final presentation of the year. He will discuss efforts by ODFW's Shellfish & Estuarine Assessment of Coastal Oregon (SEACOR). SEACOR conducts field surveys of Oregon estuaries to assess bay clam populations, map estuarine habitats, and inform the public of the findings. Results of these surveys have been used to manage bay clam fisheries, update estuarine inventories of important habitats such as native eelgrass (Zostera marina), and to better understand bay clam ecology and habitat requirements.