Eelgrass meadow (IMAGE) University of California - Santa Cruz Caption Eelgrass meadows sustain critical ecosystem functions ranging from coastal protection and sediment stabilization to providing food and shelter for many species of fish and invertebrates. Credit Photo by Melissa Ward Usage Restrictions For use only with news coverage of this research License Original 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.