Hobbies And Interests
Restore Seagrass Beds
Restoring seagrass beds is most effectively achieved by replanting. Small, 2-inch sprouts are planted along the bottom of the ocean where conditions are viable for seagrass growth. The growth of young sprouts can be stimulated by the addition of bird droppings. High in phosphorous, these droppings provide vital nutrients for the sprouting seagrass. The best way to attract birds to your seagrass beds is to provide them with perches. Seagrass grows in shallow water, so stakes can be driven into the ocean bed and left as perches for birds to sit on. Bird stakes can be made from PVC piping, bamboo or other recycled materials. The stake must be fashioned into a T shape so that birds have a place to sit.
Restrict Boating
Seagrass beds grow in shallow water and most often fall victim to outboard motors. Boat motors tear up the grass and wreck the seagrass beds. Cordoning off areas where seagrass is recovering, restricting boating to narrow channels or banning boating altogether are all ways of giving the seagrass a chance to recover. Post signs that inform boaters of the need to lift their motors out of the water, or of areas where boating access is prohibited. If the seagrass population continues to dwindle, consider getting volunteers or conservation officers to enforce restrictions.
Education
Seagrass is vital to the health and welfare of aquatic ecosystems. Educating boaters, fishermen and local residents as to the importance of the seagrass will help them to be aware of the need to conserve this vital natural element. Seagrass reduces the size of waves and prevents soil erosion while encouraging the growth of fish populations. The people who use the stretches of beach along which seagrass grows need to be made aware of its importance so that they can take steps to use boating channels and reduce the influx of harmful fertilizers, pollutants and garbage. Educate the local community by establishing a website that informs them of the important role seagrass plays; hand out pamphlets; have talks at schools and local town meetings; and write articles for local papers.
Petition Local Government
Get your local government to set aside money to help with the protection and reestablishment of seagrass beds. Local governments need to create marine sanctuaries that are free of fishing and boats where marine populations can establish themselves and create safe breeding areas. If your local government does not have a fisheries management program in place, ensure that they create one and that the conservation of seagrass is included in the program. Volunteer to help your local government raise awareness of, and funds for, seagrass bed conservation.
Support Conservation Groups
Volunteer or donate to your local wildlife conservation groups who look after seagrass beds. Conservation groups help educate people on the importance of seagrass beds to the ecology of your area. Conservation groups help to monitor pollution and prevent dangerous chemicals from reaching our oceans. They also help to restore seagrass beds through planting and enforce the laws that protect our natural environment.