![Why Is Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Deseignated As Essential Fish Habitat? Why Is Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Deseignated As Essential Fish Habitat?](/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/articles/2023/queen-conch-photo-credit-noaa-landscape.jpg?itok=3xn213ee)
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Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) includes aquatic grasses (seagrasses) and attached macro-algae. SAV is highly valuable habitat since it provides numerous important ecological functions that are difficult to replace; yet it is especially vulnerable to coastal development and water quality degradation.