DELAWARE'S UNDERWATER GRASSES
Underwater grasses, also known as submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), bay-grass, or seagrass, are plants that live underwater in shallow areas of bays, rivers, streams and ponds. These plants have roots, stems, leaves, and flowers just like the plants you see on land, but they grow completely underwater. In Delaware, these plants may be grouped into two categories, freshwater and brackish species.
FreshwaterÂ
This group of SAV typically grows in waters with very little salt in them. Salinity levels range from 0 to 5 parts per thousand (ppt) in freshwater to oligohaline regions of ponds, rivers, and streams. This category has the most variety of plant types. Common ones include wild celery (Vallisneria americana), coontail (Ceratophyllum demersum), pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.), or invasives like hydrilla (Hydrilla verticillata).
BrackishÂ
This group of SAV is typically found in bays closer to the ocean and has saltier waters with salinity levels above 5 parts per thousand (ppt). Fewer seagrass species live in this region with the most common in Delaware being widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima) and sago pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata).
Learn more about how to identify SAV, the types of SAV, macroalgae, and where they are found across the state.
SAV BENEFITS
Small habitats with big impacts...
Freshwater mussel in SAV bed.
Underwater grasses are super important for keeping our waters clean and full of life! These awesome plants give food and shelter to ducks, fish, crabs, and other animals, helping them live and grow. They also clean the water by soaking up nutrients and catching dirt, which helps cut down on pollution. Their strong roots hold the soil in place, stopping erosion. One of the coolest things about underwater grasses is how they trap carbon dioxide, storing it in the plants and soil. They can actually store twice as much carbon as rainforests, which helps fight rising seas! In short, underwater grasses are like nature's superheroes, keeping ecosystems healthy and protecting the planet!
Graphic: Brittany Haywood, Delaware Sea Grant, Jane Thomas, Annie Carew, Integration and Application Network (ian.umces.edu/media-library)
Collaborative Restoration Projects
Efforts are underway to create healthy submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) beds in Delaware. Plant material is collected, and the seeds are processed using machine known as a "turbulator" before being planted in promising growth locations within our Inland Bays.
Professional Development Training
We educate professionals to recognize common SAV, enhancing their knowledge and preparing them for effective monitoring.
Public Outreach
We engage in public outreach events, engaging with the public to educate our communities about the importance of SAV ecosystems.
Monitoring
We are creating a monitoring protocol tailored for Delaware that will help us identify the species present and their locations throughout the state.