SEAGRASS: The general objective of seagrass monitoring research in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) is to measure the status and trends of seagrass communities to evaluate progress toward protecting and restoring the living marine resources of the Sanctuary. To reach these goals, four kinds of data are being collected in seagrass beds in the FKNMS: Learn more >>

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Rainforest

It grows in long meadows and is home to loads of creatures, including fish, dugongs and green turtles

The plant is so important that scientists have described it as a "rainforest under the sea"

Seagrasses grow in shallow waters, where boats are often moored. The chains from buoys and the boats' anchors are destroying the plants

WHY SHOULD WE RESTORE SEAGRASS BEDS?

Entire species of sea creatures could be wiped out if we fail to stop a vital marine plant from being eroded, scientists have warned. A report by the United Nations shows that 15% of the world's seagrasses have disappeared in the past 10 years

Scientists' Statement on Protecting Seagrass Many creatures - from manatees to sea horses - need seagrass to survive

Plant loss puts sea life in peril


	Seagrass is the only marine plant with roots and flowers.

	*Invertebrates*
	Invertebrate fauna living in seagrass habitats represents a diverse group.Seagrasses provide a rich source of food for invertebrates, primarily in the form of epiphytes

	*Birds*
	Large numbers of birds utilize seagrass beds, especially wading birds searching for food. The three common feeding modes of birds are waders, swimmers, and plungers

Reptiles

Several species of sea turtles reside in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, including the including the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). The main food of this sea turtle is Thalassia testudinum, commonly referred to as turtle grass. The American crocodile (Crocodylus acutus) occurs in the shallow waters of Florida Bay and the northern Florida Keys. Although it is unknown to what extent the crocodile utilizes seagrasses, they are known to feed in these areas.