Application and assessment of a nutrient pollution indicator using eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) in Barnegat Bay-Little Egg Harbor estuary, New Jersey

► We use a 'Nutrient Pollution Indicator' (NPI; Lee et al., 2004) in a lagoon estuary. ► NPI is the ratio of nitrogen content to area normalized leaf mass in eelgrass. ► Nitrogen content, area normalized leaf mass, and NPI values varied seasonally. ► NPI did not vary with the north-south nitrogen loading gradient in watershed. ► Estuarine eutrophication status is not reflected by NPI values.