The Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve is the largest property in the reserve system in the United States. It is home to hundreds of species of birds as well as many species of large terrestrial and aquatic mammals. The reserve itself is subject to a myriad of environmental stressors as well. This region of California is highly agriculturized, and as such, large amounts of fertilizers and pesticides drain into the slough every year. The mouth of the slough is also home to a large power plant that will soon discharge thermal waters into the slough itself.

As part of the reserve's efforts to maintain the health and diversity of the present estuarine ecosystem, several research studies are underway, many of which are geared towards the baselining of the present environmental status of the slough ecosystem. Part of one of these studies involves the use of hyperspectral remote sensing to both map and possibly determine the health of important slough vegetation species. One of these species is Zostera marina or Eelgrass.

Pictures of both emergent and submergent Eelgrass

The monitoring of eelgrass distribution is important for several reasons including:

• Critical habitat for juvenile fish and invertebrates
• Vulnerable to turbidity and erosion
• Once widespread, today eelgrass is confined to small patches
• Restoration is now underway, therefore baseline monitoring is critical