Marine Biology Commons^™

Distribution And Abundance Of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation In 1984 And 1985, James D. Simons, Robert J. Orth

VIMS Books and Book Chapters

Communities of submerged aquatic vegetation (SA V) are an integral part of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. They provide an important habitat for many species, either as a food source or as protection from predators, i.e., as a nursery. By reducing currents and baffling waves, they allow for deposition of suspended material. In addition, they bind sediments with their roots and rhizomes to prevent erosion of the underlying material. They are important in nutrient cycling through both the absorption and release of nitrogen and phosphorus.