Zostera 'die-back'

Zostera spp was formerly widespread on mudflats in the estuaries of north west Europe. In the early 1930s a dramatic decline in the distribution and abundance of the species occurred throughout the area. This was attributed to a 'wasting disease'. Whatever the reason the loss of the Zostera beds had potentially serious consequences for the birds (notably grazing ducks and geese such as the brent goose), which rely on them for food during the winter.