$1.5 million

The Long Island Sound Eelgrass Restoration Program RFP

NEIWPCC, in cooperation with the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) National Estuary Program and its partners, is inviting proposals to develop and initiate a long-term and large-scale eelgrass seed dispersal restoration program. Eelgrass meadows are identified as a priority habitat for conservation and restoration in the LISS Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for their wide-ranging ecosystem benefits.

The purpose of this program is to advance the restoration of eelgrass meadow habitat in Long Island Sound by employing a long-term, large-scale, and evidence-based approach that is adaptable in the face of a changing climate. The program aims to increase eelgrass meadow extent and density by expanding acreage adjacent to well-established meadows as well as explore establishing new meadows where suitability is high. A priority of the project is to increase gene flow and genetic diversity by using seeds from multiple populations in the restoration areas. Proposals should also incorporate capacity building efforts for seed-based restoration work by forging collaborative partnerships in both New York and Connecticut.