Understanding eelgrass (Zostera marine) ecology & resiliency in natural & restored beds of San Francisco Bay

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has issued a permit to San Francisco State University under Fish and Game Code Section 2081(a) to conduct scientific research targeting specific fish and aquatic species in San Francisco Bay, including longfin smelt, Chinook salmon, coho salmon, white sturgeon, and Delta smelt. This permit authorizes the controlled capture of these species during year-round sampling activities conducted by the university’s Estuary & Ocean Science Center as part of a broader study on eelgrass ecology and resiliency in both natural and restored beds. Sampling will be carried out using fish traps, beach seines, hoop nets, and fyke nets through December 31, 2028, with all activities strictly limited to the scope and conditions of the permit to ensure minimal impact on protected populations. The project aims to enhance understanding of eelgrass bed health and its role in supporting native fish species within the bay ecosystem. The permit is tied to a research initiative titled Understanding eelgrass (Zostera marina) ecology & resiliency in natural & restored beds of San Francisco Bay, administered by Region 7 - Marine, Monterey of the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Environmental Scientist Dylan Inskeep serves as the primary point of contact for the permitting agency, while Katharyn Boyer is listed as the project applicant representing San Francisco State University. The research is scheduled to span until the end of 2028, with all activities taking place within California waters, specifically targeting eelgrass habitats in San Francisco Bay. The permit reflects a collaborative effort between state wildlife management and academic research to support conservation science through carefully regulated, non-lethal sampling methods.