Eelgrass reproduces both by rhizomes and by seeds. The latter, with their capability for wide and rapid spreading, are very important in the reestablishment of eelgrass beds in denuded areas. Seeds are produced along the margins of the leaves, and are dispersed when the blade breaks off. Since the blades float, the attached seeds can be carried for long distances until they finally disintegrate, dropping the seeds to the bottom.
We constructed “drift buoys” to track surface currents in upper Frenchman Bay. We discovered that there is a net out-going current flowing from west to east. This understanding of current direction has informed site selection for eelgrass restoration in Frenchman Bay.