Recent Trends of Zostera marina (Eelgrass) in a Highly Eutrophic Coastal Lagoon in the Mid-Atlantic Region (USA)

Spatial and temporal characteristics of Zostera marina (eelgrass) in the Barnegat Bay-Little Egg Harbor Estuary are compared before (2004-2011) and after (2012-2013) major fertilizer legislation (Fertilizer Law A2290) was enacted in New Jersey (USA) to reduce nutrient inputs from fertilizers to water bodies in the state. A significant decrease of Z. marina biomass and areal cover occurred in this eutrophic estuary between 2004 and 2011 concomitantly with increasing nitrogen and phosphorus loading from the watershed. The rate of decline in aboveground and belowground biomass was significantly sharper during 2004-2006 than during 2008-2010. In 2010, Z. marina biomass dropped to a very low level (mean aboveground biomass = 7.7 g dry wt m−2; mean belowground biomass = 27.0 g dry wt m−2), persisting through the last sampling period (October-November) in 2013. Biomass and areal cover of Z. marina decreased even further after Fertilizer Law A2290 was enacted in January 2012, with the lowest values recorded from August to November each year. These low values are the result of ongoing eutrophication of the system. More seagrass monitoring and research are necessary in future years to determine if the fertilizer law will have a positive effect on Z. marina condition in the estuary over the long term.