Surf Grass – Oregon Conservation Strategy

Photo Credit: Gregory Krutzikowsky, ODFW

Overview

Species Common Name Surf Grass
Species Scientific Name Phyllospadix spp.

Ecoregions

Nearshore

The Nearshore ecoregion includes a variety of habitats ranging from submerged high-relief rocky reefs to broad expanses of intertidal mudflats in estuaries and hosts a vast array of fish, invertebrates, marine mammals, birds, plants, and micro-organisms. This ecoregion encompasses the area from the outer boundary of Oregon’s Territorial Sea to the supra-tidal zone, and up into the estuaries.

Special needs

Surf grass occurs only in rocky intertidal and very shallow rocky subtidal habitat.

Limiting factors

Substratum availability and seed dispersal are among factors limiting the distribution of surf grass.

Data gaps

The spatial distribution of Phyllospadix has been mapped for the entire Oregon coast (Shorezone). Data gaps include information about spatial and seasonal variability in biomass and the ecological role of sea grass beds.

Conservation actions

Observe restrictions on harvest. Monitor the status of surf grass at index sites.

Key reference or plan

Pacific Coast Groundfish Essential Fish Habitat