Florida

Florida has approximately 2.2 million acres of seagrasses1. Seven seagrass species are found in Florida. The most common are Halodule wrightii, Syringodium filiforme and Thalassia testudinum. Ruppia maritima, Halophila engelmannii and Halophila decipiens are less common. Halophila johnsonii is found only along Florida’s southeast coast and is listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Seagrasses are found along the coastal areas of Florida state from the Florida-Alabama line to Volusia County on the east coast, just north of the Indian River Lagoon. Florida seagrasses are most abundant in Florida Bay and the Gulf from Tarpon Springs to Apalachee Bay. These two areas contain some of the largest seagrass beds found in continental North America2.

Seagrass-Watch in Florida

To provide an early warning of change, long-term monitoring has been established in Florida (USA) as part of the Seagrass-Watch, Global Seagrass Observing Network (www.seagrasswatch.org). Establishing a network of monitoring sites in Florida provides valuable information on temporal trends in the health status of seagrass meadows in the region and provides a tool for decision-makers in adopting protective measures. It encourages local communities to become involved in seagrass management and protection. Working with both scientists and local stakeholders, this approach is designed to draw attention to the many local anthropogenic impacts on seagrass meadows which degrade coastal ecosystems and decrease their yield of natural resources.

Location

Key Largo

Monitoring: ongoing
Principal watchers: MarineLab (Marine Resources Development Foundation)
Location: Subtidal sites
Site code: KL1, KL2, KL3

Seagrass cover, species composition and canopy height

Cover
Composition
Height

Macroalgae and Epiphyte cover

Algae
Epiphyte

Banner image: Copyright MarineLab, Key Largo