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Shore Plants and Seagrasses | 45

Identifying Pacific Seaweeds

Seagrasses

Seagrasses are flowering plants that have adapted to the marine environment. These plants form ecologically and energetically important meadows in the lower intertidal and upper subtidal regions. Studies by Paul G. Harrison (University of British Columbia), Peter McRoy (University of Alaska) and Ron Phillips (Seattle University) have defined the importance of these plants to animal populations inhabiting and visiting these meadows. For example, seagrasses have a level of productivity approaching that of an intensely managed Puerto Rico alfalfa field (see Seaweed Productivity, p. 253).

Zostera (eelgrass) p. 46

Phyllospadix (surfgrass) p. 47

Surfgrass bed at low tide in Pacific Grove, CA.