Seagrass communities are among the most productive ecosystems in the world and monitoring this habitat has quickly become one of the best methods to determine the overall health and condition of the aquatic environment. The flowering underwater grasses are found in estuaries, lagoons and shallow, open shelves along Florida’s coastline.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection helps protect natural resources like seagrasses which are an invaluable component of Florida’s coastal waters. “Seagrass habitat provides a variety of functions that contribute to a healthy and viable marine ecosystem,” said DEP Secretary. “These valuable underwater grasses are one of the many natural resources that Floridians and visitors can work together to protect and preserve now and for future generations.”

Florida is home to seven species of seagrasses. Recreational divers, snorkelers and fishing enthusiasts from around the world visit Florida’s coastal areas to experience the state’s world-class marine resources. A single acre of seagrass may support as many as 40,000 fish and more than 70 percent of Florida’s recreational and commercial fisheries depend on these underwater gardens for part of their lifespan. Healthy seagrasses protect young fish and shellfish, coral reefs and other marine wildlife, including sea turtles, manatees and wading birds and contribute to Florida’s multimillion-dollar recreational and commercial fishing industry.

Florida has 41 established aquatic preserves whose mission is to safeguard this essential marine resource. The following tips for boaters can help to protect the state’s fragile seagrass community:

• Know the waters where you plan to boat.
• Use current nautical charts of the area.
• Use marked channels where they exist and stay in deep water.
• When in doubt about the depth, slow down and idle. Make sure the bow of the boat is down and the motor is trimmed or tilted up.
• Know the tides. The greatest range of tides occurs during a full-moon and new-moon. Use extra caution when boating on a low tide.
• If you do run into a seagrass flat, stop immediately and tilt your engine.

Port Charlotte: Population 46,000 (2000). This is the most populated area in unincorporated Charlotte County.   Port Charlotte continues to recover after severe damage by Hurricane Charley in 2004.

Sarasota: Population:  52,000 (2005). The County seat of Sarasota County, Sarasota is known for its arts, theater, music, film, beautiful beaches, and dining opportunities. Popular sites are Sarasota Bay and its outlying barrier islands, including the world renowned sandy beaches of Lido and Siesta Keys.

Tampa: Population:  382,000 (2007).  Tampa is the County seat of Hillsborough County.  With the third largest population in Florida, the Greater Tampa Bay Area is home to over 4 million residents.  Ranked "5th Best Outdoor City" in the US by Forbes magazine, Tampa is perfect for those who enjoy a humid, subtropical climate.  But, be cautious during storms in this "Lightning Capital of North America."  Major economic contributors include the service, tourism, agriculture, retail, finance, insurance and real estate industries. As Florida's largest tonnage port, Tampa's port is 7th largest in the nation - handling half of all commerce that passes through state.  In fact, Tampa's port handles over 19 million tons of petroleum products annually!  The highest point in Tampa is 48 feet.

Regional Attractions:  University of South Florida.  Busch Gardens Africa.  Florida Aquarium.  Mote Marine Laboratory.  Marie Selby Botanical Gardens. Three-week Sarasota Music Festival.

FWC 2007. "Where to Fish," by Rich Abrams, in Fishing Lines: An Angler's Guide to Florida's Marine Resources, 6^th Edition.  Dan Ellinor and Michelle Owen (editors).  Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Division of Marine Fisheries Management.