EAC and CERI Eelgrass Mapping Project

The Ecology Action Centre (EAC) is partnering with the Community Eelgrass Restoration Initiative (CERI) on an eelgrass mapping project, and we are inviting participants from across Nova Scotia to take part. Whether you love spending time in water, enjoy exploring nature, or just want to learn more about this incredible plant, you can participate by sharing your valuable information on eelgrass!

The EAC started this project in 2020 with the purpose of contributing to a province-wide map of eelgrass meadows. This map was created to complement monitoring work currently being conducted by government, academic researchers (CERI included), and other non-profit and community groups. CERI has now partnered with the EAC and will be assisting in running this project with the goal of contributing more data to their research as well as the EAC’s. Eelgrass is an important species that assists in erosion control and also provides habitat to many beloved marine species (lobster, cod, flounder, shrimp, and more!) so this research will be important as we move forward with our protection efforts of multiple species, not just eelgrass.

Who/what is CERI? CERI is a collaborative project between the FOME lab at Dalhousie University and the Confederacy of Mainland Mi’kmaq. We are conducting research through Etuaptmumk (a Two-Eyed seeing approach) and are working closely with local communities to incorporate historic and current knowledge on eelgrass meadows. Our goal is to establish replanting and restoration sites while keeping in mind how eelgrass may be affected by climate change. We are engaging communities to help with seed harvesting and replanting and are now asking for your help as well! Help us identify eelgrass meadows around Nova Scotia so we can continue our work in protecting this incredible marine plant.

Please stay tuned for more information on our website. less ↑