Eyes on Seagrass

Eyes on Seagrass is a citizen science volunteer monitoring program that has taken place in upper Charlotte Harbor and Lemon Bay since 2019. It was started by former Florida Sea Grant Charlotte County Extension Agent, Captain Betty Staugler, in response to angler concerns of increasing algae growth in Charlotte Harbor in 2019. Macroalgae, or seaweed, first appeared consistently in Charlotte Harbor starting in 2012 and has more recently been connected to local seagrass loss. Seagrass populations have been declining worldwide for a variety of reasons. Charlotte Harbor specifically saw a 23% loss in seagrass coverage between 2018 and 2021, which was troubling given how important seagrasses are both ecologically and economically in Florida. They act as a food source and habitat for many commercially and recreationally important fishery species, enhance water clarity, stabilize shorelines, and sequester carbon and nitrogen. The primary reason for seagrass die-off is increased nutrient levels in our waterbodies. Algae take up nutrients and grow faster than seagrasses, so when nutrients are readily available algae grows at rates that shade seagrasses and limits the amount of light required for them to do well.

Eyes on Seagrass methods were developed with close collaboration with scientists from UF to ensure that that the data collected by volunteers could be utilized in health assessments used by natural resource managers. Each spring and summer, volunteers are provided training and equipment necessary to survey preselected sites in upper Charlotte Harbor and Lemon Bay. Participants collect information on seagrass health, sediment, algae presence, and water quality.

2024 UPDATES

SUMMER SEAGRASS SURVEYS WILL TAKE PLACE July 22^nd-August 5^th.

This summer we will be visiting different sites than we have in the past.

Starting this year, we will be sending volunteers to sites monitored by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves (CHAP) in the summer. FDEP/ CHAP monitor these sites annually starting in August and visiting their sites will allow us to compare volunteer collected data to state agency collected data. Our hope that this will further legitimize the data that you help collect and allow it to go further in scientific and regulatory processes.

These sites are located in Charlotte and Lee Counties. We are excited that Lee County will start participating with Eyes on Seagrass this summer because of the Calusa Waterkeeper Ranger program. However, their involvement should not prevent you from surveying south of the Charlotte County line if you so wish. It's all one waterbody and our collective goal is cover as many sites as possible!

All volunteer teams will need to register this summer, even if you participated in the Spring!

We use registration to collect everyone’s sampling preferences. There will be an option for Spring 2024 volunteers to bypass information they have already provided. It will be helpful to have the following information available before completing the survey:

• Names & emails of your teammates (if applicable)
• An idea of which new sites you’d like to sample
• How you plan to get to your site (boat, kayak or wading)
• Your plans for attending training this summer

In-Person Training

Due to lack of interest from untrained volunteers, in-person training has been canceled for July 20th, 2024. However, there are supplementary materials required to participate this summer. Please visit the Extension office during business hours or make other arrangements to pick up waterproof datasheets, a laminated summer field map or a whole kit if necessary. All these resources are also available below.

 Equipment & Procedure Changes

In a never-ending pursuit to maximize your experience as a volunteer, we again adjusted the 50-meter transect before surveys in the Spring. This year we will use knotted and flagged paracord and an extension cord reel. Please note that the training video linked below was created before this change.

We will also not be collecting algae for further processing this summer! Only weighing it. Since you will no longer be required to drop your algae sample off the same day as your survey, we would appreciate if you would rinse and dry your sampling kit before returning it—and your datasheet—to it.

VOLUNTEER RESOURCES & INFOMRATION

Eyes on Seagrass Training Video

Field Procedures

Check List

Field Guides

Spring Site Maps

Summer Site Map

Datasheet

Liability Form

Once in late Spring (usually April) and once in Summer (usually July), volunteers will be asked to form sampling teams of at least three and survey their chosen sites within a defined two-week window. Sites only need to be surveyed once within the two-week sampling periods, and teams may participate in any combination of sampling events—Spring, Summer, or both!

Sampling teams will be responsible for transportation to their assigned sites via boat, kayak, canoe, paddleboard or wading from shore as well as personal snorkeling equipment—masks, fins, water shoes and gloves. Individuals are welcome to attend training but are not guaranteed connection to a team for sampling. Those who have never participated in the program should attend in-person training ahead of their first outing. Online instructional videos will be made available to repeat volunteers or those who can’t attend training. 

Seagrass occurs locally in depths of 2-6 feet. While this a program is designed with volunteer enjoyment in mind, it should be noted that collecting data on the water can be as tiring as it is fun. Consider having at least one person in your sampling team that is a strong swimmer. You will be asked to complete a liability form and photo release before receiving your sampling equipment. 

FAQ’S

I am a returning volunteer. Am I required to attend in person training?

In person training is never required for returning volunteers, although we do recommend it as a refresher and to help build community. We made changes to our lesson plan in 2024 you won’t want to miss! This year, we will be publishing an e-learning training module that will be required for new all volunteers starting in 2025. The course will include the liability form—preventing you all from having to sign it year over year—and allow in person training to be more interactive. Upon completing the course, you will receive a certificate. Volunteers will have access to the course material going forward but will not be expected to complete it every year.

Will I receive equipment if I come to in-person training, or do I have to return to collect my equipment?

Equipment will be distributed at in person training. But there will be an opportunity for those that do not come to training to pick up survey kits before sampling begins.

What if I need to pick up equipment outside of business hours?

A member of Florida Sea Grant will be available at Centennial Park during business hours. If you need to connect outside of business hours, please call us to make arrangements. We are familiar with the nature of collecting field data and recognize that it may be a short lead time but try to provide us with as much advanced notice as possible.

Can I participate with my children?

Eyes on Seagrass is accessible to anyone who wishes to participate, including children. However, parents/legal guardians are responsible for their participation. Sites take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to survey based on your skill level, and you are welcome to commit to as many (or as few) sites fit your needs. Participation in surveys is also not required to attend training, although it’s worth noting that training is tailored to adults.