Eelgrass meadows are critical coastal ecosystems, helping to tie down sediments, improving water clarity and providing a habitat for marine animals like fish, scallops, crabs and lobsters. Julie Simpson is working with several partners to conduct a study to quantify the carbon storage of eelgrass beds in Massachusetts. By understanding the role that eelgrass ecosystems play in preparing for and mitigating the effects of climate change we can better make the case for securing protection and restoration resources .