Preserving Our Underwater Meadows: Making a Difference (seagrass Conservation)
There are many things that the community can do to help save seagrasses. Some of these things include:
- Reduce pollution: Pollution is one of the leading threats to seagrasses. We can reduce pollution by using less fertilizer, disposing of hazardous waste properly, and picking up litter.
- Support sustainable fishing: Overfishing can lead to seagrass loss by reducing the populations of fish and other marine animals that help to keep seagrass beds healthy. We can support sustainable fishing by buying seafood from sustainable sources and by participating in catch-and-release fishing.
- Be aware of your boat’s impact: Anchoring and dredging can damage seagrass beds. We can help to protect seagrass beds by being careful when anchoring our boats and by avoiding areas where dredging is taking place.
- Get involved in conservation efforts: There are many organizations that are working to protect seagrasses. We can get involved in these efforts by volunteering our time, donating money, or spreading the word about the importance of seagrasses.
By taking these steps, we can help to protect seagrasses and the marine ecosystems that depend on them.
Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back Supporting Seagrass Conservation
Thanks to the funding from Palm Beach International Boat Show Gives Back, we are pleased to offer an environmentally focused volunteer experience for your team, employees or community group interested in participating in a seagrass restoration project. Individuals receptive to learning about the benefits, and the need, for restoration of sea grass to the local natural environment are appreciated and valued.
Sea grass is the bellwether of health for the Lake Worth Lagoon, and we are passionate about keeping our intracoastal waterways pristine and healthy. Seagrass is often referred to as the lungs of the ocean as it is a vital component to our eco system. Seagrasses, which flourish in shallow water, are the bedrock of coastal marine life. They filter pollutants, act as a nursery to marine life and offer manatees and sea turtles their main food source.
The seagrass restoration experiences are held at Manatee Lagoon where individuals participate in a hands- on activity (no experience necessary). This volunteer experience focuses on creating a seagrass restoration unit that will be planted in the Lake Worth Lagoon.
Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to view the sea grass tanks and seagrass nursery (currently under construction) and receive an overview of the welfare of the water in the Lake Worth Lagoon.
The health of our estuaries reflects the health of marine life populating the waterways. Of course, we have an affinity for the Manatees, but all marine animals benefit from healthy water, rich in oxygen, minerals with a robust food chain to support life at many levels.
