Methods:

Phase I: Small-Scale Eelgrass Pilot Plantings

Initial plantings, during the first year, will be of small scale (< 1 acre total) to determine the most suitable sites for the larger scale plantings during phase II and III. Adult eelgrass shoots will be collected from several Long Island Sound (LIS), Peconic Estuary and/or South Shore Estuary Reserve eelgrass meadows. Collecting will involve non-destructive gathering of uprooted shoots resulting from natural disturbances (e.g., storm events). These shoots will be maintained at Cornell Cooperative Extension's greenhouse in Southold until sufficient numbers are gathered for planting. The results of Phase I plantings will provide the data necessary to select sites most suited for large-scale planting (Phase II).

Phase II: Large-Scale Eelgrass Plantings

The results of the preliminary plantings (Phase I) will provide the basis for site selection and large-scale plantings (Phase II). We expect to select a subset of 2 to 3 sites for more intense plantings utilizing both transplants and seeds. Broadcast seeding will follow the methods used in the Peconic Estuary involving gathering mature reproductive shoots from extant meadows during July-August. Collections will include seeds from the Peconic Estuary, Long Island Sound and/or South Shore Estuary Reserve. After collection, reproductive shoots will be transported to the greenhouse and placed in holding tanks to allow for natural seed release. Ripe seeds will be broadcast at planting sites at a rate of 100-250 m2 in September or October. Eelgrass planting plots will be monitored at least monthly to determine percent survival and germination. Monitoring involves the use of SCUBA gear, underwater digital video equipment and quadrant methods. Initially, survival percentages will be compared to the number of shoots deployed. Once established, survival and spread are measured relative to unit area using scaled quadrants.

Phase III: Bay Scallop Plantings

In year three, we will continue to monitor the Phase II plantings for survival and shoot density. The most successful eelgrass planting sites will then be the focus of bay scallop enhancement. At selected sites a total of approximately 200,000 bay scallops (average size, 35 mm) will be planted. Planting will take place (April) with scallops that have over wintered and are ready to spawn. Care will be taken to ensure that all scallops are dispersed directly into established vegetation to minimize the risk of predation. Eelgrass planting plots will be monitored at least monthly to determine percent survival and germination. Monitoring involves the use of SCUBA gear, underwater digital video equipment and quadrant methods. Initially, survival percentages will be compared to the number of shoots deployed. Once established, survival and spread are measured relative to unit area using scaled quadrants. We will also use SCUBA survey methods with quadrants to determine scallop densities within eelgrass beds and use SPAT collectors to quantify spawning and recruitment success. Spawning success will be assessed by deploying spat collectors adjacent to the planting sites during June/July. Success will be determined based on the number of bug scallops observed on the eelgrass blades and each spat collector.