Are there areas of our community where seagrass can be disturbed my beach goers that do not have a boat? What are some ways that we can ensure we are keeping Seagrass healthy from the shore?

Q:

Are there areas of our community where seagrass can be disturbed my beach goers that do not have a boat? What are some ways that we can ensure we are keeping Seagrass healthy from the shore?

A:

• From Dottie Byrone, ALCoE Deputy Director

This is a great question. You will typically find seagrass on the calmer side of our bays (think north side of Dauphin Island). Like walking on your lawn, beachgoers walking in seagrass beds do not really cause much damage. But make sure you shuffle your feet so you don’t step on a stingray!

If you are enjoying the beach with your kayak or paddleboard, avoid dragging it over shallow seagrass areas. Like a boat, get out and float it across while you pull it. And don’t dig your paddle into the sediment which can damage the root and rhizome structures.

Other than that, I always advocate for putting on a mask and snorkel and swim over the seagrass to see all the life these habitats support. I always see something new and cool when out working.

In general, if we all work to reduce pollutants (like fertilizer), dispose of our trash properly, so, it doesn’t end up in our waters, and support education and conservation of this important habitat, you are doing your part to protect our seagrass beds.