How can you help protect seagrasses?




As seagrass scientists, it’s our job to provide outreach and education to the public about the importance of this valuable marine ecosystem. But ultimately, it starts with you! 

The easiest way to protect seagrasses is by preventing damage in the first place. Responsible boating practices not only can save the life of your passengers, but also seagrasses. Propeller scarring is an important cause of damage to seagrass beds. When a boat’s propeller cuts through the seagrass, it fragments the bed and is detrimental to its growth and to the numerous organisms that rely on it for food, shelter, and protection. It can take months or even years to fully recover.

  Regulations can now hold boaters accountable on a state and federal level for costs related to assessing damage, restoring habitat, and long-term monitoring of the restored area. In addition, if you are a coastal property owner, work in a coastal town or just happen to love manatees there are other important things you can do to protect seagrasses, like reducing the amount of fertilizer used on your lawn and even more importantly, supporting responsible watershed management. Florida’s recreational and commercial economy depend on full, healthy seagrass meadows.

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