[Wikipedia] Wetlands, Wildlife: This plant and the epiphytic algae attached to the floating leaves can be an important part of the diet for selected herbivorous waterfowl species, but not important for predatory waterfowl that eat fish or invertebrate animals. In many areas, wetlands restoration begins with the recovery and protection of this plant.[10] By being planted in tandem with Zostera marina in sections unsuitable for Zostera, R. maritima can synergistically assist in wetland restoration and combating climate change. (link added by Mary Ann Machi)