2004: A mechanical harvest boat was utilized to increase the efficiency
and amount of reproductive material collected. From May 24 to June 4,
2004, seeds were collected from donor beds in the Little Annemessex River.
In nine cutting days the mechanical harvester collected approximately
71.92 L of eelgrass reproductive material. In 2004, the portion of
reproductive material transported to Piney Point for seed extraction
yielded 15.12 million seeds. After the seed processing and storage process
was complete, 7% of the collected seeds (or 1,058,400 seeds) were viable
2005: Reproductive material was harvested from the Little Annemessex River
and the mouth of Acre Creek (Big Annemessex River) from May 23 to June 8,
2005. The harvest machine collected approximately 109.5 L of eelgrass
seeds from 21.6 acres of eelgrass beds yielding 12 million seeds. After
the seed processing and storage process was complete, 20% of the collected
seeds (or 2,527,000 seeds) were viable for broadcast.
Eelgrass reproductive shoots harvested mechanically by specially designed
boat between mid-May to mid-June.
Harvested material is transferred to DNR collection boat
Eelgrass being brought aboard DNR boat where it is collected in a
Blue crab in harvested eelgrass material.
Bay grasses are an important habitat!
Mature eelgrass seeds still in reproductive shoots
Eelgrass reproductive shoot.
Harvested eelgrass material bagged for either:
1. Immediate distribution to restoration sites for dispersal
via the seed bag method. Go to planting page to read
more about seed bag dispersal method.
2. Boat transport to Piney Point Aquaculture Facility for seed processing (see below)
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Eelgrass Seed Processing at Piney Point Aquaculture Facility
Maryland DNR has established equipment at its Piney Point Aquaculture Facility
to process collected eelgrass seeds. (Learn More about the
Piney Point Aquaculture Facility).
Reproductive shoots are processed and held in large tanks at the Piney Point
facility until the seeds drop from the reproductive shoots (July to early
August). Seeds are separated from shoot material and stored in large tubs until
they are broadcast into the field in October.
Large holding tanks
Seeds being separated from reproductive material
Eelgrass seeds that have been separated
from reproductive shoot material
Seeds being collected from final holding
tank for broadcast in the field
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Next: Read about eelgrass seed planting
DNR Home > Bays & Streams >
SAV Home > Potomac Project
> Seed Collection