New Publication: "Stop the Spread of Dwarf Eelgrass"

Starfish in Pacific EelgrassPacific eelgrass bladesDwarf eelgrass growing in mudflat

Starfish in Pacific Eelgrass (far left). Pacific eelgrass blades (middle). Dwarf eelgrass growing in mudflat (right). Note the narrow blades of the invasive dwarf eelgrass, compared with the relatively broad blades of native Pacific eelgrass. Credit all photos: CSG/A. Eicher

April 14, 2009

Contact: Christina S. Johnson, csjohnson@ucsd.edu, 858-822-5334

A new educational brochure, "Stop the Spread of Dwarf Eelgrass," is now available through California Sea Grant and the California Department of Fish and Game.

The brochure explains the value of native eelgrass meadows, the ecological problems posed by invasive dwarf eelgrass and ways to distinguish dwarf eelgrass from native seagrasses such as Pacific eelgrass, widgeon grass and surfgrass.

Dwarf eelgrass today covers thousands of acres of rare coastal wetlands in the Pacific Northwest. It is, though, a relative newcomer to California, first discovered in 2002 in Humboldt Bay.

Report sightings to:

California Department of Fish and Game
619 Second Street
Eureka, CA 95501
E.: kramey@dfg.ca.gov
T.: (707) 445-5365

California Sea Grant Extension
2 Commercial Street, Suite 4
Eureka, CA 95501
E.: scschlosser@ucdavis.edu
T.: (707) 443-8369

The California Department of Fish and Game and California Sea Grant Extension are working to find and rid our coast of new infestations. The danger, however, is that people will unintentionally introduce dwarf eelgrass to new locations by dispersing its seeds, which can easily mix with mud and stick to boat hulls, boots and gear.

A major goal of "Stop the Spread of Dwarf Eelgrass" is to encourage people in shallow bays and estuaries to rinse mud and debris from boats, kayaks, canoes, boots and gear before moving to a new site. People are also encouraged to report suspected sightings of dwarf eelgrass to the contacts provided in the brochure.

To download a printable PDF of the brochure, visit California Sea Grant at http://www.csgc.ucsd.edu/BOOKSTORE/COMP_PUBLICATIONS/ comp_pub_Dwarf_Eelgrass.html or California Department of Fish and Game at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/dwarfeelgrass