Healthy Eelgrass (IMAGE) Virginia Institute of Marine Science Caption Eelgrasses are critical to coastal ecosystems. They provide habitat and nursery grounds for fish and blue crabs, serve as food for animals such as turtles and waterfowl, clear the water by reducing wave action, absorb excess nutrients, and reduce shoreline erosion. Credit © J. Lefcheck/VIMS. Usage Restrictions One-time use only. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.