The Hidden Treasure of San Diego Bay: Eelgrass Ecosystems
All across San Diego Bay, the obvious sights capture our attention: the towering Navy carriers, bustling shipyards, and vibrant port facilities. But beneath the shimmering surface lies a critical element essential to the health of the bay—eelgrass. While many may enjoy the scenic beauty of this coastal gem, fewer are aware of the vital role that eelgrass plays in maintaining the bay’s ecological balance.
The Importance of a Healthy Bay
Frank Ursitti, a managing partner of H&M Landing in Point Loma, holds a firm belief that San Diego Bay is among the healthiest along the California coastline. This perspective is significant for those in the fishing industry and for anglers keen on reeling in their next catch. To sustain this health, however, there’s a fundamental component that often goes unnoticed: the eelgrass ecosystem.
The Role of Eelgrass in Bay Ecology
According to Jessica Curran, a marine biologist with Navy Regions Southwest, a thriving eelgrass ecosystem is indispensable for a robust bay environment. Eelgrass acts as the foundation of the food chain in San Diego Bay. Eileen Maher, the Director of Environmental Conservation for the Port of San Diego, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that eelgrass is pivotal in supporting various marine species.
The long, slender blades of eelgrass grow around the bay’s perimeter, typically at depths of 0.5 to 12 feet, although they’ve been recorded as deep as 20 feet. These underwater plants not only filter the water but also absorb carbon, acting as invaluable contributors to a balanced ecosystem.
Eelgrass: A Nursery for Marine Life
The role of eelgrass extends far beyond mere water filtration. As Curran describes, the plant serves as a nursery for juvenile fish and invertebrates—species that eventually mature into larger fish and other marine organisms crucial for recreational and commercial fisheries. Thus, the health of the eelgrass population directly influences the availability and diversity of seafood, impacting both local ecosystems and communities that depend on fishing.
Long-Term Monitoring and Management
The United States Navy and the Port of San Diego have been committed to monitoring the eelgrass populations since the 1990s. This initiative is part of the San Diego Bay Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, a crucial document that maps out how the agencies collaborate to manage and protect bay resources.
Curran highlights that preserving eelgrass not only supports military operations but also enhances environmental stewardship, showcasing a balanced approach to resource management.
Balancing Interests with Environmental Stewardship
Maher discusses the Port of San Diego’s Tideland Trust, which necessitates a careful balance between commerce, recreation, navigation, fisheries, and environmental protection. Currently, San Diego Bay boasts approximately 2,600 acres of eelgrass—about 50% of all eelgrass in Southern California and 17% across the state. This impressive coverage also has environmental benefits; eelgrass beds can sequester a staggering 1.7 million metric tons of CO2, effectively pulling carbon emissions from the atmosphere and storing them in bay sediments.
Expanding Eelgrass Habitats
While the aim is to expand eelgrass habitats, it’s essential to recognize that older eelgrass beds possess greater carbon-storing capabilities. Maher explains that these plants require sunlight to thrive, engaging in photosynthesis to create nutrients. Thus, the health of the eelgrass population is closely tied to the quality of light in their underwater environment.
Protecting Eelgrass During Development
To safeguard these vital ecosystems during development, agencies are actively mapping and monitoring eelgrass growth. Curran explains that by understanding where eelgrass flourishes—and where it doesn’t—they can plan construction and training operations to minimize adverse impacts.
Eelgrass Success Stories
Since the eelgrass monitoring initiatives commenced, there have been encouraging signs of growth and expansion. Curran shares the excitement of recent surveys that have shown eelgrass colonizing areas it previously hadn’t occupied. Such successes highlight the positive outcomes of collaborative conservation efforts aimed at preserving San Diego Bay’s ecological health.
San Diego Bay is not just a picturesque destination; it is a thriving ecosystem where eelgrass plays a crucial role in maintaining marine biodiversity and supporting local fisheries. As efforts continue to monitor and expand these essential underwater habitats, the bay’s hidden treasure remains vital for both the environment and the community.
