NAHANT — The town is gearing up to educate community members about the importance eelgrass has on the environment with an informational panel being installed at Tudor Wharf to give residents a better understanding of what eelgrass is, and the dangers that climate change and pollution pose.
President of the local nonprofit S.W.I.M., Vi Patek, led the charge to educate residents on the issue and advocated for it to be installed for the public to see. The nonprofit has worked since 1984 to protect regional beaches, waters and land from pollution and other harm, according to the mission statement on its website.
Patek spoke with The Daily Item and elaborated on why the mission was important to her.
“Eelgrass is like the lungs of the ocean,” Patek said. “It’s like a nursery for every living thing in the sea, so creatures can lay eggs, or animals can hide. It’s very important for producing baby fish, lobsters and more.”
It’s also commonly defined as a flowering plant that lives underwater, producing pollen and seeds that resemble grains of rice, with leaves that can grow up to six feet, according to an informational flyer released by S.W.I.M.
Eelgrass — or Zostera marina, as it’s referred to by its scientific name — is the dominant seagrass species throughout the northeastern United States. It can form meadows in shallow bays up to 15-25 feet.
Patek described how the rising temperature of water can threaten eelgrass.
“The amount of eelgrass has been shrinking along the east coast. The water’s getting too warm, and eel grass needs sun to grow underwater,” Patek said. “And if the water isn’t clear, or if it becomes polluted, it does not succeed and the eelgrass cannot grow.”
Pollution also plays a part in the issue as it can affect the clarity of coastal water, preventing more sunlight from reaching the eelgrass. According to S.W.I.M., the pollution is typically caused from excess nitrogen from fertilizers, sewage, and runoff from streets, lawns and farmland.
She said seeing a sign posted at Fisherman’s Beach in Swampscott that talks about eelgrass inspired her to launch the initiative for the community.
“I thought it’d be nice if Nahant had one like that, and I inquired with the Open Space Committee, and from there we went to the Select Board, which was very supportive,” Patek explained.
The Select Board initially voted for the installation during its meeting on Aug. 6. The informational panel will be funded by the nonprofit and installed by the Department of Public Works, though no date has been set for installation.
According to Patek, the information panel will be roughly $400 to procure and install.
Interim Town Administrator Alison Nieto said she hopes it will become another informational resource for the community to better understand the issue.
