Restoration of an eelgrass bed in the Cove of Point-au-Père

The eelgrass beds in the Pointe-au-Père cove have been affected for decades by human activity, which hampers its natural regeneration. A transplantation of eelgrass plants has therefore been proposed to give it a boost and ensure its rehabilitation. A first phase of work was carried out at the end of May 2017, when nearly 15,000 eelgrass plants were transplanted from a donor eelgrass bed in Rimouski Bay, which is known to be in excellent health. A second phase of work is planned for 2018, when the same quantity of eelgrass plants will be transplanted. Eelgrass beds are home to a rich biodiversity, serving as a nursery, hiding place, larder and spawning grounds for many species of fish, crustaceans and molluscs. To restore this habitat is also to ensure the long-term return of a diversified fauna.