Eelgrass (Zostera spp.) thrives in protected coastal waters with sandy or muddy bottoms. This fast growing plant plays a crucial role in the estuary's ecosystem by providing food and shelter to a variety of animals, including juvenile fish and crabs. Eelgrass is so important to so many animals that its abundance is a good indicator of the overall health of the bay. Young salmon find safety from predators and a gourmet food selection in eelgrass beds as they make their way to the ocean. Black Brant, small migratory geese, flock to Netarts Bay in the winter to feed almost exclusively on the abundant eelgrass beds found here.

Common Loon
Western Grebe
Horned Grebe
Great Blue Heron
Brown Pelican
Double-crested Cormorant
Black Brant
American Widgeon
Greater Scaup
Common Goldeneye
Bufflehead
Red-breasted Merganser
Western Gull
Belted Kingfisher

Estuaries are among the earth's most productive, diverse and economically important ecosystems. For these reasons, estuaries have been, and continue to be, magnets for human development. Today there are more people living in coastal areas, and on the shores of Netarts Bay, then ever before. In fact, the majority of the earth's population now lives within 10% of land defined as "coastal". One of the results of this increased use of coastal areas has been the destruction of approximately 215,000,000 acres of estuarine habitat worldwide.

Netarts Bay remains one of the least disturbed estuaries on the Oregon Coast, and our ability to manage and conserve this ecosystem before it is irreversibly altered is crucial. Federal, state and county agencies, and local citizens are currently working together on land use planning and management, water quality improvement and habitat restoration projects to help protect this unique place and other estuaries along the Oregon Coast. Volunteer your help.