The first step in seed-based eelgrass restoration is the collection of seeds. Eelgrass reproduces sexually and vegetatively so not all eelgrass plants produce seeds that can be used for restoration.
Reproductive shoots are easy to detect.
They grow much longer than non-reproductive shoots and they are also more branched. Divers need only collect the upper portions of the plants as seeds are located higher up on the stems. When the diver is ready, the plants are brought to a waiting boat, where they will be kept in the shade until transported to shore. A screen allows everything but the bulkiest matter to drain from the tank into a filter bag. The smaller vegetative matter and seeds are filtered again until only seeds and small debris are left in the second barrel.