Scarring of Florida’s Seagrasses: Assessment and Management Options
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Abstract
The Florida Marine Research Institute (FMRI) investigated the distribution of scarred seagrass beds in the shallow marine waters of Florida’s coastal counties. Aerial photography was used to locate seagrass scarring. Aerial surveys were then conducted in 1992–1993 to confirm the location of scarred seagrasses. We did not attempt to distinguish among the different specific causes of seagrass scarring. During aerial surveys, observations of scarred seagrasses were recorded on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration nautical charts and U.S. Geological Survey quadrangle maps. Scarring intensity was categorized as light, moderate, or severe. Areas with substantial scarring recognizable on 1:24,000-scale photography were delineated on the maps with polygons, which were assigned a scarring intensity. Polygons categorized as light contained less than 5 percent scar ring, those categorized as moderate contained 5–20 percent scarring, and those categorized as severe contained more than 20 percent scarring. The information acquired in this survey was incorporated into the FMRI’s Marine Resources Geographic Information System (MRGIS), which produces maps and tabular products so that geo graphically based data can be effectively disseminated to resource managers, appropriate regional and county governments, and other interests (e.g., conservation groups and private citizens).