Eco-Art Competition 2022

Seagrasses are vital to coastal ecosystems. Specifically, a genus of various species commonly known as eelgrass. My work highlights the importance of planting eelgrass by displaying the amazingly diverse ecosystem that the plant can support. From phytoplankton to fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, the many species depicted all rely on eelgrass to survive. Some of the many dependent organisms portrayed include: shrimp, hermit and blue crabs, parchment tube worms, comb and moon jellyfish, nudibranchs, clams, fish, as well as a plethora of plankton. Eelgrass forms the foundation of a productive marine food web; it stabilizes seafloor sediments, harbors juvenile organisms, and even reduces coastal erosion by reducing wave energy. The fact is that the presence of eelgrass will largely determine the future of oceanic life. However, eelgrass beds across the globe have been destroyed both intentionally and unintentionally by humans. By planting eelgrass, humanity can begin to restore seafloor habitat and bring back declining species. The restoration of eelgrass is particularly important to me because of what it truly represents: a movement towards a healthy and beneficial environment for all. A movement that starts by planting a seed. We all want to enjoy the ocean and preserve its wealth of life, and planting eelgrass is one step in the right direction. In terms of my work, I isolated part of the page from the rest in order to show the benefits that eelgrass provides by juxtaposing two realities. I contrasted the two potential environments with a colorful versus a muted color palette and illustrated lively organisms adjacent to barren remains. Furthermore, I added a note of human influence by painting in fishnets, hooks and lines, as well as general garbage. My work will ultimately affect viewers by instilling a regard for eelgrass. It will bring awareness to eelgrass’s universally important role.