UC Marine Council

Seagrasses and related aquatic vegetation have declined extensively in the U.S. and worldwide in recent years due to habitat degradation and reduced water quality. More importantly, over 90% of coastal wetlands have been destroyed in many regions of California. In light of this decline and the recognized importance of eelgrass populations to the overall health of coastal systems, there is a significant need to understand patterns of genetic variation in these populations. This information is critical to assessing the ecological interactions among eelgrass and its associated species. Furthermore, due to the priority of these systems for restoration and conservation projects, research examining the role of genetic diversity in ecosystem function is vital to ensure the success of these attempts and the future health of Z marina populations. To address these goals, I will evaluate patterns of genetic variation within and among eelgrass populations. This information will then be incorporated into experiments examining the linkages between genetic diversity, community structure, and ecosystem function. Ultimately, the results of these experiments can be utilized to plan and evaluate eelgrass restoration efforts.