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&#160; Sea turtles are among the most majestic creatures on our planet. With their gentle nature and graceful movements, they have captivated people for centuries. However, these incredible sea dwellers are facing numerous threats that endanger their very existence. From climate change and pollution to habitat loss and poaching, sea turtles need our help now [&#8230;]

<figure id="attachment_25825" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-25825" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2023/12/2018_Marine_seaturtleHatchling_pixabayTINY-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" class="wp-image-25825 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="a sea turtle hatchling crawls across an empty beach toward the sea during daytime. [credit: pixabay.com, Kanenori]" width="300" height="204" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2023/12/2018_Marine_seaturtleHatchling_pixabayTINY-300x204.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-25825" class="wp-caption-text"><em>[CREDIT: pixabay.com, Kanenori]</em></figcaption></figure>
<p>Sea turtles are among the most majestic creatures on our planet. With their gentle nature and graceful movements, they have captivated people for centuries. However, these incredible sea dwellers are facing numerous threats that endanger their very existence. From climate change and pollution to habitat loss and poaching, sea turtles need our help now more than ever. Let&#8217;s explore how you can make a difference in protecting these magnificent creatures.</p>
<h3>Support Conservation Organizations</h3>
<p>Numerous organizations are dedicated to protecting and conserving sea turtles. These organizations conduct scientific research, implement conservation projects, rescue injured turtles, and work towards strengthening legislation. Consider donating to reputable sea turtle conservation groups or volunteering your time and skills to assist their efforts. Every little contribution can make a significant impact on their work.</p>
<p>Here in Florida, one of the easiest ways to contribute to sea turtle conservation is by participating in the &#8220;<a href="https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/wildlife/sea-turtle/plate">Helping Sea Turtles Survive License Plate&#8221;</a> program.</p>
<h3>Volunteer for Beach Cleanups</h3>
<figure id="attachment_25821" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-25821" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2023/12/2023_Marine_beachCleanup01_unsplashOCGSavingTheOceanTINY-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" class="wp-image-25821 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="a member of OCG Save the Ocean helps clear trash and debris from a beach. [credit: unsplash.com, OCG Save the Ocean]" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2023/12/2023_Marine_beachCleanup01_unsplashOCGSavingTheOceanTINY-300x200.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-25821" class="wp-caption-text"><em>[CREDIT: unsplash.com, OCG Save the Ocean]</em></figcaption></figure>
<p>Marine pollution is a significant threat to sea turtles. They often mistake plastic debris for food, which can lead to injury or even death. Participating in beach cleanups is an excellent way to directly contribute to their well-being. Join local cleanup initiatives or organize one yourself.</p>
<p>By removing trash from shorelines, we can prevent marine pollution and create safer environments for sea turtles and other marine life.</p>
<p>You can learn more about how marine debris impacts wildlife, by visiting <a href="https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/discover-marine-debris/why-marine-debris-problem#:~:text=Many%20marine%20debris%20items%20can,or%20cause%20it%20to%20starve">Marinedebris.noaa.gov.</a></p>
<h3>Practice Safe Boating</h3>
<p>Sea turtles are commonly found offshore, near-shore waters, and in bays, so you should always keep on the lookout for them. Sea turtles have to come up to the surface for air, and they can be difficult to spot from afar. Boat strikes are a serious threat to these marine reptiles, so it is better to go slow, especially if you see one, slow down and steer around them, and stay away at least 50 yards away, if they are closer, you should put your engine in neutral to prevent injury.</p>
<h3>Reduce Plastic Usage</h3>
<p>Plastic pollution is a big concern for sea turtles. They can become entangled in discarded fishing nets and ingest plastic waste, leading to severe health complications. Do what you can to reduce the utilization of single-use plastics in your everyday life. Carry a reusable water bottle, bring your own bags when shopping, and avoid using plastic straws and cutlery. Choose more eco-friendly alternatives and encourage others to do the same. Even small changes can help reduce plastic waste in our oceans. To learn more about this issue, and ways to help, you might want to check this recorded webinar.</p>
<p><iframe title="Beyond the plastic bag Nov 2018" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_qFyfH10TCg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>
<figure id="attachment_25823" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-25823" style="width: 300px" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2023/12/2023_Marine_seaTurtleNest01_ifasTylerJonesRESIZE3000x2000TINY-scaled.jpg"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-25823 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="stakes, yellow tape and a sign delineate and help protect a sea turtle nest on a florida beach. [credit: uf/ifas, tyler jones]" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/files/2023/12/2023_Marine_seaTurtleNest01_ifasTylerJonesRESIZE3000x2000TINY-300x200.jpg"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-25823" class="wp-caption-text"><em>[CREDIT: UF/IFAS, Tyler Jones]</em></figcaption></figure>
<h3>Respect Their Habitat</h3>
<p>If you have the opportunity to visit sea turtle nesting beaches or feeding grounds, be respectful of their natural habitats. Follow local guidelines and regulations to ensure minimal disturbance to nesting turtles or fragile marine ecosystems. Avoid leaving trash behind, follow light regulations during sea turtle nesting season (March to October in Florida), and cover holes after playing on the beach, hatchlings (baby sea turtles) coming out of the nest and on their way to the water can get trapped in those holes and die.</p>
<p>Respecting sea turtle habitats is crucial to maintaining their populations and ensuring their continued survival.  If you come across a sea turtle, keep your distance and do not disturb them.</p>
<p>To learn more about this issue, read my blog, <a href="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2020/09/02/save-turtles-stay-low-long-and-shielded/">Save turtles: stay low, long and shielded</a>.</p>
<h3>Spread Awareness</h3>
<p>Knowledge is a powerful tool, and one of the simplest but most effective ways to protect sea turtles is by spreading awareness. Educate yourself about these magnificent marine animals, their habitats, and the threats they face. Then, raise awareness in your own community by telling your friends, family, and community. Engage in discussions, share informative articles, and use social media to spread the word.</p>
<p>By increasing awareness, we can promote empathy and drive people to take action. To learn more about sea turtle conservation, visit <a href="https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/marine-life/sea-turtles#:~:text=Sea%20turtle%20nesting&amp;text=The%20six%20species%20of%20sea,with%20respect%20to%20marine%20turtles">www.noaa.gov</a>.</p>
<p>Right now, sea turtles are in desperate need of our protection. By spreading awareness, supporting conservation organizations, participating in beach cleanups, practicing safe boating, reducing plastic usage, and respecting their habitats, we can all contribute to their preservation. Our actions today will have a lasting impact on their future and the health of our oceans.</p>


[CREDIT: pixabay.com, Kanenori]
Sea turtles are among the most majestic creatures on our planet. With their gentle nature and graceful movements, they have captivated people for centuries. However, these incredible sea dwellers are facing numerous threats that endanger their very existence. From climate change and pollution to habitat loss and poaching, sea turtles need our help now more than ever. Let’s explore how you can make a difference in protecting these magnificent creatures.
Support Conservation Organizations
Numerous organizations are dedicated to protecting and conserving sea turtles. These organizations conduct scientific research, implement conservation projects, rescue injured turtles, and work towards strengthening legislation. Consider donating to reputable sea turtle conservation groups or volunteering your time and skills to assist their efforts. Every little contribution can make a significant impact on their work.
Here in Florida, one of the easiest ways to contribute to sea turtle conservation is by participating in the “Helping Sea Turtles Survive License Plate” program.
Volunteer for Beach Cleanups
[CREDIT: unsplash.com, OCG Save the Ocean]
Marine pollution is a significant threat to sea turtles. They often mistake plastic debris for food, which can lead to injury or even death. Participating in beach cleanups is an excellent way to directly contribute to their well-being. Join local cleanup initiatives or organize one yourself.
By removing trash from shorelines, we can prevent marine pollution and create safer environments for sea turtles and other marine life.
You can learn more about how marine debris impacts wildlife, by visiting Marinedebris.noaa.gov.
Practice Safe Boating
Sea turtles are commonly found offshore, near-shore waters, and in bays, so you should always keep on the lookout for them. Sea turtles have to come up to the surface for air, and they can be difficult to spot from afar. Boat strikes are a serious threat to these marine reptiles, so it is better to go slow, especially if you see one, slow down and steer around them, and stay away at least 50 yards away, if they are closer, you should put your engine in neutral to prevent injury.
Reduce Plastic Usage
Plastic pollution is a big concern for sea turtles. They can become entangled in discarded fishing nets and ingest plastic waste, leading to severe health complications. Do what you can to reduce the utilization of single-use plastics in your everyday life. Carry a reusable water bottle, bring your own bags when shopping, and avoid using plastic straws and cutlery. Choose more eco-friendly alternatives and encourage others to do the same. Even small changes can help reduce plastic waste in our oceans. To learn more about this issue, and ways to help, you might want to check this recorded webinar.

[CREDIT: UF/IFAS, Tyler Jones]
Respect Their Habitat
If you have the opportunity to visit sea turtle nesting beaches or feeding grounds, be respectful of their natural habitats. Follow local guidelines and regulations to ensure minimal disturbance to nesting turtles or fragile marine ecosystems. Avoid leaving trash behind, follow light regulations during sea turtle nesting season (March to October in Florida), and cover holes after playing on the beach, hatchlings (baby sea turtles) coming out of the nest and on their way to the water can get trapped in those holes and die.
Respecting sea turtle habitats is crucial to maintaining their populations and ensuring their continued survival.  If you come across a sea turtle, keep your distance and do not disturb them.
To learn more about this issue, read my blog, Save turtles: stay low, long and shielded.
Spread Awareness
Knowledge is a powerful tool, and one of the simplest but most effective ways to protect sea turtles is by spreading awareness. Educate yourself about these magnificent marine animals, their habitats, and the threats they face. Then, raise awareness in your own community by telling your friends, family, and community. Engage in discussions, share informative articles, and use social media to spread the word.
By increasing awareness, we can promote empathy and drive people to take action. To learn more about sea turtle conservation, visit www.noaa.gov.
Right now, sea turtles are in desperate need of our protection. By spreading awareness, supporting conservation organizations, participating in beach cleanups, practicing safe boating, reducing plastic usage, and respecting their habitats, we can all contribute to their preservation. Our actions today will have a lasting impact on their future and the health of our oceans.

Sea turtles are among the most majestic creatures on our planet. With their gentle nature and graceful movements, they have captivated people for centuries. However, these incredible sea dwellers are facing numerous threats that endanger their very existence. From climate change and pollution to habitat loss and poaching, sea turtles need our help now […]

Protecting Sea Turtles: Six Things You Can Do to Make a Difference

Where is the Seagrass? The Extension Office has received several calls from boaters with a concern about the changes in large seagrass areas that seem to be “gone”, showing only sandy patches where it used to be a good seagrass ground. Also, they report a great abundance of sea urchins in the same areas. &#160; [&#8230;]

<h6>Where is the Seagrass?</h6>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="wp-image-1415 size-medium alignright lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/taylorco/files/2021/11/015153-300x200.jpg">The Extension Office has received several calls from boaters with a concern about the changes in large seagrass areas that seem to be “gone”, showing only sandy patches where it used to be a good seagrass ground. Also, they report a great abundance of sea urchins in the same areas.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>In consultation with numerous specialists from the Big Bend Seagrass Aquatic Preserve (BBSGAP)( <a href="https://floridadep.gov/rcp/aquatic-preserve/locations/big-bend-seagrasses-aquatic-preserve">https://floridadep.gov/rcp/aquatic-preserve/locations/big-bend-seagrasses-aquatic-preserve</a>), University of Florida, and Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS), and FWC agents, they agree a series of events might produce this seagrass loss situation:</p>
<ol>
<li>Days with long negative tides that exposed large areas of seagrass that desiccated under the air and sun,</li>
<li>Extreme cold weather during the last months that also affected seagrass leaves.</li>
<li>Environmental conditions promoted a population explosion of sea urchins. They graze (feed) on seagrass leaves to the point where leaves coverage might be completely gone.</li>
</ol>
<h6>Good news</h6>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-1412 alignleft lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="seagrass sign" width="200" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/taylorco/files/2021/11/seagrass-sign-200x300.jpg">Despite this situation, there is good news. Dr. Savanna Barry (<a href="https://www.flseagrant.org/faculty-and-staff/savanna-barry/">https://www.flseagrant.org/faculty-and-staff/savanna-barry/</a>) states: &#8220;Overall, turtle grass is extremely resilient and can survive 100% defoliation as long as conditions go back to being good soon after the event that caused them to drop leaves (low salinity, desiccation, grazing). However, two total defoliations (from desiccation and again from urchins) could be a bad combo. Especially for grass that is near the northern extent of its range in winter. However, if there are still live rhizomes below the surface, there is a good chance that they can recover even from two defoliation events&#8221;.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>This type of event has been recorded for the area in the past. Scientists have seen the seagrass recover from it. Scientists and agencies are aware of the situation and will keep an eye on this to follow up in the seagrass recovery. How fast will it recover? We don&#8217;t know as it depends on numerous environmental variables. However, we are lucky to be in a pristine and well-preserved area. We will post more information about this situation. Thank you to all those boaters, visitors, and local captains who reported this issue!!</p>


Where is the Seagrass?
The Extension Office has received several calls from boaters with a concern about the changes in large seagrass areas that seem to be “gone”, showing only sandy patches where it used to be a good seagrass ground. Also, they report a great abundance of sea urchins in the same areas.
 
In consultation with numerous specialists from the Big Bend Seagrass Aquatic Preserve (BBSGAP)( https://floridadep.gov/rcp/aquatic-preserve/locations/big-bend-seagrasses-aquatic-preserve), University of Florida, and Nature Coast Biological Station (NCBS), and FWC agents, they agree a series of events might produce this seagrass loss situation:
Days with long negative tides that exposed large areas of seagrass that desiccated under the air and sun,
Extreme cold weather during the last months that also affected seagrass leaves.
Environmental conditions promoted a population explosion of sea urchins. They graze (feed) on seagrass leaves to the point where leaves coverage might be completely gone.
Good news
Despite this situation, there is good news. Dr. Savanna Barry (https://www.flseagrant.org/faculty-and-staff/savanna-barry/) states: “Overall, turtle grass is extremely resilient and can survive 100% defoliation as long as conditions go back to being good soon after the event that caused them to drop leaves (low salinity, desiccation, grazing). However, two total defoliations (from desiccation and again from urchins) could be a bad combo. Especially for grass that is near the northern extent of its range in winter. However, if there are still live rhizomes below the surface, there is a good chance that they can recover even from two defoliation events”.
 
This type of event has been recorded for the area in the past. Scientists have seen the seagrass recover from it. Scientists and agencies are aware of the situation and will keep an eye on this to follow up in the seagrass recovery. How fast will it recover? We don’t know as it depends on numerous environmental variables. However, we are lucky to be in a pristine and well-preserved area. We will post more information about this situation. Thank you to all those boaters, visitors, and local captains who reported this issue!!

Where is the Seagrass? The Extension Office has received several calls from boaters with a concern about the changes in large seagrass areas that seem to be “gone”, showing only sandy patches where it used to be a good seagrass ground. Also, they report a great abundance of sea urchins in the same areas.   […]

Where is the Seagrass?

Assessing the condition of seagrass, sea urchins, and scallops The UF/IFAS Extension Agent and a certified scientific volunteer diver visited the area between Piney Point and Grassy Island to assess the condition of seagrass, sea urchins (https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/codes/food-bait-invertebrates/variable-urchin/) and scallops following the concern of local boaters. To compare the survey results, the team visited 2 sampling [&#8230;]

<h6>Assessing the condition of seagrass, sea urchins, and scallops</h6>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-1389 alignleft lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="" width="300" height="200" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/taylorco/files/2021/11/41842853922_7058eb04fa_o-300x200.jpg">The UF/IFAS Extension Agent and a certified scientific volunteer diver visited the area between Piney Point and Grassy Island to assess the condition of seagrass, sea urchins (<a href="https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/codes/food-bait-invertebrates/variable-urchin/">https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/codes/food-bait-invertebrates/variable-urchin/</a>) and scallops following the concern of local boaters. To compare the survey results, the team visited 2 sampling stations defined by the Big Bend Seagrass Aquatic Preserve or BBSGAP (SMAR25, coordinates N 30.07035 W -84.07165, and SMAR22, coordinates N 30.05926 W -84.05395), which they monitor on a regular basis. Using 50 meters transect and a 0.25 m2 quadrat we collected data on sediment type, total seagrass coverage and composition, epibiota density, seagrass blades height, and urchin and scallop density (count) every 10 meters.</p>
<h6>Survey</h6>
<p><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="alignright wp-image-1400 size-medium lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==" alt="diver surveyor " width="240" height="300" data-src="https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/taylorco/files/2021/11/014875-240x300.jpg">The survey determined a Braun-Blanquet (B&amp;B) density value of seagrass of 2.0, with sediment type mainly composed by sand/shell, <span style="font-size: 1em">gravel, fine sand/mud. The average of total seagrass coverage was 5-10%, with only one with 0-5% and one with 10-15% coverage. Predominant seagrass species was Turtle grass (</span><em style="font-size: 1em">Thalassia testudinum</em><span style="font-size: 1em">), and some presence of Manatee grass (</span><em style="font-size: 1em">Syringodium filiforme</em><span style="font-size: 1em">). Epibiota (organisms growing on seagrass blades) was none too low on most of the samples. Blade’s height was 8 to 14 cm for Turtle grass and 10 to14 cm for Manatee grass. Sea urchin counts averaged 13.3 urchins/m2 for the two sampling sites. With a minimum of 4 urchin/m2 to a maximum of 20 urchin/m2. No scallops were counted during the survey.</span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Previous reports by the BBSGAP (<a href="https://floridadep.gov/rcp/aquatic-preserve/locations/big-bend-seagrasses-aquatic-preserve">https://floridadep.gov/rcp/aquatic-preserve/locations/big-bend-seagrasses-aquatic-preserve</a>) indicated an average total grass of 4.5 in the B&amp;B scale (50-75% coverage) for the area while the current survey findings are a 2.0 in the B&amp;B scale (5-25% coverage), which means a reduction of 2.5 points in the B&amp;B scale or a decrease between 75% and 60% of seagrass coverage. Sea urchins counts in the Steinhatchee area ranged from 5 to 60 urchins/m2 between 2018 and 2020. Reports from the FWRI (Florida Wildlife Research Institute) in previous years found more sampling stations with no scallops and more stations with high densities. This means that scallops are distributed in patches.</p>
<h6>Survey Conclusion</h6>
<p>The survey concludes there is an evident decrease of about 70% on seagrass coverage of an area estimated at about 3 nm2. Causes of the decrease in coverage might be attributed possibly to cold weather and the high abundance of sea urchins grazing on seagrass.</p>
<p>Also, that seagrass roots (rhizomes) seem to be in good conditions, and after a dormant period during Fall and Spring, they start re-growing and reach normal coverage levels.</p>
<p>Third, sea urchin abundance increased possibly due to an important cohort recruitment which will likely be reduced over time.</p>
<p>Fourth, the surveyed area, which is regularly used by boater as scallop harvesting grounds, show a high reduction in scallop. This might possibly be because scallops are seagrass-dependent, and the reduction of seagrass coverage exposed scallops to natural predation.</p>
<p>Finally, previous years have reported a patch-like distribution of scallops so boaters might need to find suitable seagrass areas to harvest scallops during the open season.</p>


Assessing the condition of seagrass, sea urchins, and scallops
The UF/IFAS Extension Agent and a certified scientific volunteer diver visited the area between Piney Point and Grassy Island to assess the condition of seagrass, sea urchins (https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/codes/food-bait-invertebrates/variable-urchin/) and scallops following the concern of local boaters. To compare the survey results, the team visited 2 sampling stations defined by the Big Bend Seagrass Aquatic Preserve or BBSGAP (SMAR25, coordinates N 30.07035 W -84.07165, and SMAR22, coordinates N 30.05926 W -84.05395), which they monitor on a regular basis. Using 50 meters transect and a 0.25 m2 quadrat we collected data on sediment type, total seagrass coverage and composition, epibiota density, seagrass blades height, and urchin and scallop density (count) every 10 meters.
Survey
The survey determined a Braun-Blanquet (B&B) density value of seagrass of 2.0, with sediment type mainly composed by sand/shell, gravel, fine sand/mud. The average of total seagrass coverage was 5-10%, with only one with 0-5% and one with 10-15% coverage. Predominant seagrass species was Turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum), and some presence of Manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme). Epibiota (organisms growing on seagrass blades) was none too low on most of the samples. Blade’s height was 8 to 14 cm for Turtle grass and 10 to14 cm for Manatee grass. Sea urchin counts averaged 13.3 urchins/m2 for the two sampling sites. With a minimum of 4 urchin/m2 to a maximum of 20 urchin/m2. No scallops were counted during the survey.
 
Previous reports by the BBSGAP (https://floridadep.gov/rcp/aquatic-preserve/locations/big-bend-seagrasses-aquatic-preserve) indicated an average total grass of 4.5 in the B&B scale (50-75% coverage) for the area while the current survey findings are a 2.0 in the B&B scale (5-25% coverage), which means a reduction of 2.5 points in the B&B scale or a decrease between 75% and 60% of seagrass coverage. Sea urchins counts in the Steinhatchee area ranged from 5 to 60 urchins/m2 between 2018 and 2020. Reports from the FWRI (Florida Wildlife Research Institute) in previous years found more sampling stations with no scallops and more stations with high densities. This means that scallops are distributed in patches.
Survey Conclusion
The survey concludes there is an evident decrease of about 70% on seagrass coverage of an area estimated at about 3 nm2. Causes of the decrease in coverage might be attributed possibly to cold weather and the high abundance of sea urchins grazing on seagrass.
Also, that seagrass roots (rhizomes) seem to be in good conditions, and after a dormant period during Fall and Spring, they start re-growing and reach normal coverage levels.
Third, sea urchin abundance increased possibly due to an important cohort recruitment which will likely be reduced over time.
Fourth, the surveyed area, which is regularly used by boater as scallop harvesting grounds, show a high reduction in scallop. This might possibly be because scallops are seagrass-dependent, and the reduction of seagrass coverage exposed scallops to natural predation.
Finally, previous years have reported a patch-like distribution of scallops so boaters might need to find suitable seagrass areas to harvest scallops during the open season.

Assessing the condition of seagrass, sea urchins, and scallops The UF/IFAS Extension Agent and a certified scientific volunteer diver visited the area between Piney Point and Grassy Island to assess the condition of seagrass, sea urchins (https://myfwc.com/research/saltwater/codes/food-bait-invertebrates/variable-urchin/) and scallops following the concern of local boaters. To compare the survey results, the team visited 2 sampling […]

Seagrass, sea urchin and scallop survey in Taylor County

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Protecting Sea Turtles: Six Things You Can Do to Make a Difference

Where is the Seagrass?

Seagrass, sea urchin and scallop survey in Taylor County

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