Graphic by Bill Goodwin

When you’re boating in the shallow waters of the Florida Keys or the backcountry, stay clear of the many seagrass flats.

Even at high tide, your boat’s propeller can create a dredged prop scar in the seagrass community that lies beneath you. Photograph by Harold Hudson

The destruction to a seagrass flat caused by a boat in 10 seconds can take up to 10 years to heal.

Repeated scarring in the same area may even prevent the seagrasses from ever growing back.

Aerial photographs show that entire bank tops may be eroded due to propeller scars and blow-outs. Photograph by Curtis Kruer

Seagrass losses have a direct, long-term economic impact on recreational and commercial interests in the Florida Keys. Photograph by Harold Hudson

A thriving multi-million dollar bonefish and tarpon flats fishing industry depends upon healthy intact seagrass meadows. Photograph by Heather Dine

The estimated value for pink shrimp harvested in the Dry Tortugas is 13 million dollars per year. As juveniles, pink shrimp inhabit the grassbeds of Florida Bay. Photograph by Heather Dine

Seagrasses are also ecologically important. They serve as feeding grounds for spiny lobsters, wading birds and many fish that are commonly seen at the coral reef. Photograph by Heather Dine

Even some endangered species depend upon seagrasses for survival. West Indian Manatees and green sea turtles are some examples. Photograph by Bill Keogh

Seagrass communities serve other functions, too. They: help maintain water clarity by trapping sediments stabilize the bottom sediments with their roots and rhizomes serve as food to many marine animals Photograph by Heather Dine

Damage to seagrasses from boat groundings are offenses subject to: both federal and state fines and penalties costs associated with restoration of damaged habitat and long-term monitoring Photograph by Harold Hudson

Prevent Damage to Seagrasses by: Familiarizing yourself with local waters where you plan to boat Using up-to-date nautical charts Staying in deep water and using marked channels when they exist Slowing the boat down when in doubt about the depth of the water Photograph by Heather Dine

If you do run aground or are in shallow water you should: STOP. Turn your motor OFF! Do not attempt to power off. Trim your motor UP! Walk or pull your vessel to deeper water.

Contact the US Coast Guard on VHF radio channel 16 or The Florida Marine Patrol at Dial FMP ( ) *FMP on a cell phone is a free call. Photograph by Heather Dine

Photograph by Curtis Kruer Monroe County has: nearly 1.5 million acres of seagrasses the largest amount of damage to seagrasses than any county in Florida an economic and ecological interest in protecting seagrass communities

By Proclamation of Monroe County Mayor Shirley Freeman March 2000 has been declared SEAGRASS AWARENESS MONTH Photograph by Heather Dine

“The seagrass community of south Florida is the largest seagrass meadow in the world and has helped create the world class fishing of the Florida Keys.”“The seagrass community of south Florida is the largest seagrass meadow in the world and has helped create the world class fishing of the Florida Keys.” J. Fourqurean, WQPP, 1999 Photograph by Heather Dine

Seagrasses ARE ALIVE!!! Let’s keep it that way. Photograph by Bill Keogh

Please Care, Be Aware….. Damage to seagrasses can last for many years. Help us protect this valuable natural resource.

This presentation was brought to you by the Seagrass Outreach Partnership Florida Keys Guides Association Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Florida Park Service Florida Department of Environmental Protection Save the Manatee Club Monroe County Extension 4-H Program University of Florida Sea Grant College Program

For more information on how you can prevent destruction of this important resource, contact one of the Seagrass partners or call (305) extension 44.