As waves roll into grass beds, the movement is slowed and energy is dispelled, protecting shorelines from erosion. During the growing season, Bay grasses take up and retain nitrogen and phosphorus, removing excess nutrients that could fuel unwanted growth of algae in the surrounding waters. Like a forest, field or wetland, a grass bed serves as habitat for many aquatic animals. Microscopic zooplankton feed on decaying Bay grasses and, in turn, are food for larger Bay organisms. Minnows dart between the plants and graze on tiny organisms that grow on the stems and leaves.
Small fish seek refuge from larger and hungrier mouths.
Shedding blue crabs conceal themselves in the vegetation until their new shells have hardened. Thus, grasses are a key contributor to the energy cycling in the Bay. Bay grasses are a valuable source of food, especially for waterfowl. In the fall and winter, migrating waterfowl search the sediment for nutritious seeds, roots and tubers. Resident waterfowl may feed on grasses year-round.