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| Seagrass damage from the N-Control |
This week NOAA reported findings from a
5-year monitoring of a patch of seagrass in the Florida Keys Marine Marine Sanctuary. The seagrass was damaged in 2001 when a 45 foot motorboat, the ironically named
N-Control, went aground. The restoration effort included seagrass plantings and the installation of stakes for seabird roosting. The rationale for attracting seabirds is the significant nutrient input provided by their droppings. Indications are that the restored area is recovering faster than if left alone, but it's a slow process. Coverage of the seagrass species in question,
Thallasia testudinum increased from less than 1% to over 12% in the restoration area. T. testudinum coverage in adjacent, undamaged seagrass beds are close to 30%.
Seagrass habitats are impacted by hundreds of groundings annually. State and federal authorities have taken steps to deal with the problem. Damage to seagrass habitats in the Sanctuary carry fines of $100 for incidents less than one square yard, and $75 for each additional square yard up to 10 square yards. Grounded vessls may incur damages of up to $100,000 per day.
