Originally published on Beach Talk Radio on May 3, 2024
Calusa Waterkeeper has announced the start of the “Eyes on Seagrass” pilot program in Lee County, a program developed and managed by Florida Sea Grant in partnership with the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Scientists. The program will monitor and protect seagrass habitats along the coast that are under threat.
Seagrass beds are crucial ecosystems that support a diverse array of marine life, stabilize coastal sediments, and play a significant role in carbon sequestration. However, these invaluable habitats face numerous threats, including pollution, boat propeller damage, and climate change.
The “Eyes on Seagrass” program will empowers community members to become stewards of their local environment by engaging in seagrass monitoring activities. Volunteers will collect data on seagrass health, density, and distribution, providing scientists and policymakers with information for conservation and management efforts.
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