Watch full lecture here, or download pdf of presentation

Unless you have done some exploring, chances are you may have missed an amazing display that unfolds below the surface of the Chesapeake Bay. Despite their inconspicuous nature, submersed aquatic plants pack a punch for affecting the health of aquatic ecosystems and protecting shorelines. They provide fish and shellfish habitat, buffer shorelines, and clean the water. This presentation will take you on a tour of underwater grasses in the Chesapeake Bay, provide an overview of trends, and provide optimism (infused with a dose of caution) for their restoration, recovery and resilience.

SERC's 2017 Bay Optimism lecture series explores environmental success stories, and what's working in conservation in Chesapeake Bay and the lands around it. Evening lectures run every third Tuesday of the month from March through October, in the Schmidt Conference Center, unless otherwise noted. Doors open at 6:30 with light refreshments. Lectures began at 7pm, followed by Q&A. Our evening lectures are free and open to all—no preregistration required!