Sarasota Bay’s “Eyes on Seagrass” Program
SARASOTA, Fla. — Five years ago, the Sarasota area faced a significant algae bloom, leading the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program to establish a new initiative focused on understanding the vital role of seagrass in water quality.
The Importance of Seagrass
Seagrass plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, providing habitat for various species, including manatees and fish like gag grouper, which are essential to the local fishing industry. Ryan Gandy, executive director of the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, emphasizes community involvement in monitoring this important natural resource.
Citizen Science Program
The Eyes on Seagrass Citizen Science Program engages volunteers in gathering essential data to improve water health. Over the past five years, 70 volunteers have participated, covering 42 monitoring stations across Sarasota County.
Data Collection Process
Volunteers utilize depth poles to measure water depth and deploy safety dive flags. They then lay out a 50-meter transect and snorkel, collecting data every ten meters. They analyze seagrass species and algae presence using quadrats, essentially taking a snapshot of the bay’s health.
Monitoring for Algal Blooms
To anticipate future algae blooms, the program conducts studies twice a year, in April and July, while maintaining ongoing monitoring efforts year-round.
Get Involved
For those interested in contributing to the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program’s efforts, more information can be found on their website.
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