Population genetics of eelgrass (Zostera marina) to inform conservation planning

Funding period: 2022-2025

Lead: Nick Jeffery

Total GRDI funding: $68,264

Eelgrass beds form critical nearshore habitat that provides important ecosystem services, however they are susceptible to disturbance related to both natural stressors and human activities. Genetic diversity can provide important inference for the resilience and productivity of eelgrass beds and, in particular, it can detail how connectivity and isolation may underpin the ability of these beds to respond to catastrophic loss and climate change. Despite the importance of eelgrass and its associated ecosystem function for conservation planning in Canada, a comprehensive analysis of genetic diversity and population structure had not been undertaken. Here, we addressed this gap by undertaking a genomic analysis of eelgrass beds in Northwest Atlantic (including Atlantic Canada and northeast USA) with particular focus on the Eastern Shore Islands Area of Interest. With this baseline genomic resource, an better understanding of the population structure and resilience of this important species is being provided.