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Background and Information

The Florida Seagrass Conservation Information System is a database of Florida seagrass conservation projects. This article describes the history of the database and discusses searching for a project.

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In response to increasing recognition of the importance of seagrasses to the marine environment, researchers in both public and private organizations are conducting numerous conservation projects throughout Florida. To provide a data-sharing resource of value to the seagrass conservation community, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWC-FWRI) contracted with Muller and Associates in the spring of 2001 to gather conservation project information from seagrass researchers. These project leaders provided details such as summaries, recommendations, and the names of the agencies involved. The Florida Seagrass Conservation Information System, an updatable collection of these conservation projects, is the product of this input. In partnership with the local Web development company, DataGlyphics, we have been able to develop a Web-based database as a resource for scientists working on similar projects and for anyone seeking information on conserving this extremely valuable habitat.

To allow users easy access to the specific information they need, we have provided two methods for searching for projects: an interactive map to Search by Region and a Criteria Search page to find projects based on chosen characteristics. Since there are currently more than 180 projects in the database, we have included in the search results page a brief project description field that allows users to determine whether they want more information on a specific project. Details, including contact information, are accessible by clicking on the project name. To help project leaders making changes to an existing project, we have developed the article Editing Instructions. The article titled Submitting Instructions provides assistance to those adding a new project to the database.

Three examples of the many different types of projects designed to conserve seagrasses include the following:

• Mitigation, which attempts to reduce the impact of a construction project on seagrasses by enhancing a nearby area of seagrass
• Protection, which may include enforcing a no-motor zone to protect seagrasses from propeller scarring, or installing mooring balls to prevent damage to seagrasses from anchors
• Restoration, which tries to reverse known damage to a patch of seagrass

For a list of more types of conservation projects, please see the article titled Field Descriptions. Other research projects that strive to increase the knowledge available on seagrass biology and ecology are also common. While their results may be applied to seagrass conservation, their main purpose is not concentrating on a specific conservation issue; therefore, these projects are not included in this database. FWC-FWRI has many such projects. They can be found in the article titled Research and Monitoring Projects.

We always welcome feedback on ways to enhance the database. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for improvements, please contact us at seagrass@MyFWC.com.