Dwarf Eelgrass
Zostera noltii
Photo: iNaturalist: (c) Frédéric ANDRE, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Frédéric ANDRE
Overview
Zostera noltii is a species of seagrass known by the common name dwarf eelgrass. It is found in shallow coastal waters in north western Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea and Aral Sea and on islands in the Atlantic off the coast of northwest Africa. It is an important part of the intertidal and shallow subtidal ecosystems of estuaries, bays and lagoons.
Dwarf Eelgrass faces significant threats from coastal development, pollution, and climate change impacts that are degrading its shallow marine habitats. Rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, and water quality deterioration from agricultural and urban runoff are causing population declines across much of its range. The species' vulnerability is heightened by its dependence on specific intertidal conditions that are increasingly disrupted by human activities.
Habitat
Dwarf Eelgrass inhabits shallow intertidal and subtidal waters of estuaries, lagoons, and sheltered coastal areas with muddy or sandy substrates. It typically grows in waters less than 4 meters deep, forming dense meadows in areas with moderate salinity and gentle water movement.
Other threatened species in Zosteraceae
Threatened in Algeria
Frequently asked questions
Why is Dwarf Eelgrass classified as Vulnerable?
Where does Dwarf Eelgrass live?
What are the main threats to Dwarf Eelgrass?
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