This grant funds the Richardson Bay Regional Agency (RBRA) to undertake the Accelerating Ecosystem-Scale Habitat Stewardship in Richardson Bay Project, consisting of restoring 6 acres of eelgrass through traditional eelgrass shoot transplantation and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) eelgrass seeding, post-implementation ecological monitoring, and workforce development in Richardson Bay in Marin County.
Richardson Bay historically sustained expansive, healthy eelgrass meadows that provided essential nursery habitat for Pacific herring, salmonids, Dungeness crab, and other estuarine species. Over time, however, these meadows were fragmented and damaged by human caused disturbances, especially anchor scouring from vessels and the accumulation of derelict gear and marine debris, which left eelgrass vulnerable to environmental stressors such as shifting sediments, changes in water depth, and inconsistent sunlight reaching the bay floor.
The project consists of implementing a coordinated, multipartner eelgrass restoration approach that integrates innovation with established restoration strategies over 6 acres in Richardson Bay.
