For immediate release:

Contact: Chris Verlinde

Santa Rosa County Marine Extension Agent

(850) 623-3868 or from the South end of the county

(850) 939-1259, ext. 1360

2^nd Annual Seagrass Awareness Celebration

March 16^th, 2002

Shoreline Park South, Gulf Breeze

9:00 am until 2:00 pm

Come out to the Seagrass Awareness Celebration and learn more about these exciting habitats. We will have touch pools, seine and cast net demonstrations, kayak rides, hermit crab races, nature walks, seagrass, 4-H and responsible boating information, games and prizes, craft activities, food and more!

Governor Bush has proclaimed March as Seagrass Awareness Month! You are probably wondering why a whole month is dedicated to seagrass awareness?

Seagrasses are flowering plants that produce oxygen through photosynthesis, have leaves, stems, and roots. They live submerged under the water. Just as the grass in your front yard provides habitat for worms, rodents, birds, and insects, seagrasses offer the same protection for marine life. Seagrasses serve as a significant part of the marine food chain; therefore they are some of the most productive communities on the planet. Without seagrass beds, and the habitat they provide, we may not have the diversity or populations of marine life that depend on these areas.

Why are seagrasses important to water quality, birds, marine mammals, and commercial and recreational fishing? The roots, rhizomes and leaves trap sediments from the water column, reducing turbidity (sediments in the water), which contributes to water clarity. The small organisms that live on and around seagrasses filter dissolved nutrients out of the water, promoting water quality. Waterfowl and wading birds feed directly on the seagrasses or on fish that live within the leaves. Endangered species such as manatees and green sea turtles depend on seagrass leaves for their food. As the leaves of the plants break off and decompose, they provide food for the microscopic organisms at the bottom of the food chain. These small organisms are food for juvenile fish, shrimp and crabs, which are food for larger prey. Seagrass beds are often known as “nursery” areas for juvenile fish, shrimp, and crabs. Some researchers estimate that as much as 90% of commercial and recreational fish spend some time of their lives in seagrass beds! Seagrass beds are not only important to wildlife, but are also important for economic and recreational purposes.

Extension Service programs are open to all people without regard to race, color, sex, age, handicap or national origin.