Eyes on Seagrass was built with two goals in mind:
- Generate meaningful scientific data that can be used by researchers and natural resource managers
- Build a community of people who understand and care about seagrass ecosystems enough to protect them.
Previous posts in this series speak to goal number 1. This post will speak to the second: the impact that Eyes on Seagrass has had on the Southwest Florida community and participants.
Seagrass loss is not unique to Charlotte Harbor—it’s a global issue. Coastal systems around the world are seeing declines as water quality, land-use changes, and climate pressures change the conditions these plants depend on. The increase in macroalgae we’ve been discussing is a challenge specific to Southwest Florida. Eyes on Seagrass has steadily grown outward from Charlotte Harbor since 2019 as other organizations recognized the need for more consistent, in-water observations of seagrass and its compatriots.
- 2019—Charlotte Harbor: Florida Sea Grant established the program in Charlotte County in response to local concerns about seagrass loss and increasing macroalgae.
- 2021—National Estuary Programs: The Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Partnership (CHNEP) supported volunteer training in Charlotte Harbor and the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program officially adopted the program.
- 2024—Lemon Bay Conservancy: LBC took over management for Lemon Bay, which had historically existed as part of the Charlotte Harbor Program even though the bay itself straddles Charlotte and Sarasota Counties.
- 2025—Calusa Waterkeepers: CWK expanded the program into Lee County, building capacity in the Caloosahatchee Estuary.
Rather than a single program expanding outward, Eyes on Seagrass has grown more like a shared framework. Each organization involved applies the same core monitoring methods but has enough flexibility to focus on the conditions and questions that matter most in their area. And the network doesn’t stop in Southwest Florida—there are Eyes on Seagrass programs in other parts of the state as well.
In the Panhandle, for example, programs are using the same framework to better understand how freshwater runoff impacts their local seagrass meadows. Their procedure includes water sampling instead of macroalgae sampling. Meanwhile, in the Indian River Lagoon, the program has taken on more of a bio-blitz style format, documenting seagrass regrowth after decades of loss. Keep an eye out for an addendum to this series summarizing results on Florida’s East Coast!
Eyes on Volunteers
Since 2022, Charlotte County Eyes on Seagrass volunteers have contributed close to $30,000 in value (based on the value of skilled volunteer hour according to the Independent Sector). Assuming this value is representative for Southwest Florida, then all Eyes on Seagrass volunteers in Southwest Florida have collectively created a value of $320,000. They contributed as many working hours as five full-time positions. Eyes on Seagrass participants are more than just data collectors, though. In 2023, we surveyed 59 of 97 Charlotte County volunteers 3–6 months after participation to better understand how participating in the program was affecting them.
- 82% identified as seagrass stewards. Before participating, only 26% identified as seagrass stewards.
- 91% of respondents implemented at least one behavior change on behalf of seagrass. Behaviors included:
- Adopting Seagrass Safe boating practices
- Investigating/implementing Florida Friendly Landscaping principles for their yards
- Sharing information with others, including friends, family and peers
- Advocating for seagrass and/or environmental conservation in a political setting
- Participating with other organizations who aim to conserve seagrass or natural resources in general
- 95% of respondents reported personal growth because they participated in the program, including:
- Improved physical and mental health
- Feeling like they can make a difference in their community
- Gaining confidence in using new technology
- High-quality social relationships
- Increased self-esteem
- Reduced stress
- New business/professional contacts
- Improved appreciation and understanding of science
- Recovery from loss, disappointment, or a traumatic event
Taken together, these results point to something deeper than participation in a monitoring program. While volunteers collect data, they are building a stronger connection to the resource they’re studying, and it changes their relationship with it. Along the way, they gain new skills, strengthen social connections, and build confidence in their ability to contribute to the health of their community and environment. What began as a community effort to better understand and protect the Charlotte Harbor Estuary has generated benefits far beyond the research and the harbor.
The next blog post will serve as a deep dive to one of the programs most frequently asked questions: “Can we replant the seagrass we’ve lost?”
A special thank you to Dr. Lisa Krimsky (UF/IFAS Florida Sea Grant) and Arielle Taylor Manges (FDEP/Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves) for their input.
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