Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV), encompassing both freshwater macrophytes and saltwater seagrasses, serves as a powerful natural infrastructure tool for enhancing water quality and biodiversity. The presentation “Harnessing Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) as a Natural Infrastructure Tool for Water Quality & Biodiversity” investigates how SAV can be engineered into hybrid green/gray infrastructure and restoration projects across freshwater and saltwater systems. SAV can be utilized as a tool to address environmental challenges. Incorporating SAV establishes natural processes to stabilize sediment, dampen wave energy, and improve water clarity, creating vibrant ecosystems for marine and freshwater species, from invertebrates to fish, enhancing ecological resilience.

The presentation will explore SAV’s integration into innovative stormwater and water quality projects, such as constructed wetlands, resilient coastal systems, and urban waterfront restorations in both freshwater (e.g., lakes, rivers) and saltwater (e.g., estuaries, coastal zones) environments. By combining green infrastructure (e.g., SAV plantings) with gray infrastructure (e.g., breakwaters), hybrid systems optimize ecological and engineering outcomes. The session will detail the biomechanical and ecological interactions behind SAV’s success and offer practical guidance for implementation and communication. Learn how to leverage SAV within the Engineering With Nature (EWN) framework to design resilient, sustainable solutions that improve water quality, support biodiversity, and address climate-driven challenges like flooding and habitat loss in both freshwater and saltwater ecosystems. 

The Network for Engineering With Nature_® (EWN) invites you to the N-EWN Knowledge Series: A Continuing Education Series about Engineering with Nature—Harnessing Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) as a Natural Infrastructure Tool for Water Quality & Biodiversity, presented by Nicholas Muzia, PE, Principal Engineer & Design Build Manager at Sea & Shoreline. This 1-hour Zoom webinar will take place October 16, 2025 at 12:30pm ET.

For previously recorded seminars, please visit the N-EWN Seminars page.