Coastal embayments along southern New England were once home to expansive eelgrass (Zostera marina) meadows as well as a diverse and abundant assemblage of fish and shellfish populations. These healthy ecosystems fueled vibrant coastal communities. Today, due to a range of human-induced environmental impacts including nutrient loading and overharvesting, many of these areas are now characterized by a loss of seagrass and severe declines in fish and shellfish populations.
