This data shows the area (in hectares) of the largest intertidal seagrass (Zostera noltii) bed in St Aubin’s Bay. The measurement is made annually from the Government of Jersey’s aerial Island-wide photo, although some years the nature of the photo means that the area cannot be captured. There are two other areas for which seagrass data is collected (Grouville Bay and St Catherine’s Bay) but the St Aubin's site provides the most regular and reliable data. 

Seagrass is a marine plant which is sensitive to disturbance and changes in the local environment relating to salinity, sea chemistry light and nutrients. For this reason, seagrass is widely used as an indicator of coastal water quality and general environmental quality. Seagrass also plays an important role in local and global carbon budgets through the storage of carbon in its root systems.