Sea Grass Declines Continue, Restoration In Process

On Wednesday the manager of the Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserve visited the University of West Florida to speak on the decline of sea grass in the coastal area.

Manager Shelley Alexander said that between the 1950’s and the 1990’s, 50 percent of sea grass in the coastal waters has disappeared, and almost all has gone from Pensacola bay.

Sea grass is a plant that grows under water, providing food and shelter for fish and other animals.

“Sea Grasses are a habitat that’s very important for fish and shellfish as forging and protection and breathing grounds,” Alexander said.

There are four aquatic preserves which Alexander manages, Yellow River Aquatic Preserve, Rocky Bayou Aquatic Preserve, Ft. Pickens Aquatic Preserve and St. Andrews Aquatic Preserve.

In order for sea grass to grow, 20 percent of the sun absorbed by the ocean, needs to be able to reach to sea grass in order for it to receive the proper amount of nutrients to continue surviving. The clearer the water is the more sunlight reaches the sea grass enabling it to grow.

“We had sea grass down to Six meters in 1950, but in 1952, the depth of the sea grass is limited to only two feet,” Alexander said. “So everything below two feet is nonexistent.”

The sea grass decline is not a new issue. Since the 1960’s, sea grass population has been declining and has seen little recovery over the years.

Water clarity is a major factor in the growth of sea grass, but that is not the only issue. Over fishing, extremely shallow waters, and propellers from boats are among the main issues of sea grass growth and disappearance.

Florida law states that any activity other than leisure activities such as motor boats, kayaking, snorkeling and swimming in a sea grass preserve, will result in a $1000 fine. This is the first year, after many years of trying, that this has been instated.

A sea grass restoration project has begun in Florida. Units have been transplanted to help stabilize scars from boat propellers. They also consist of Halodule Wrightii, a fast growing pioneer species, and are enhanced with quality sediments.

For more information on sea grass and other environmental issues around the gulf coast, visit www.EmeraldCoastKeeper.org to join a non-profit environmental group and start finding ways to help.