Seagrass Bed Information
Seagrass Coverage
Assess the density of seagrass in the area. Use the following categories:
Sparse
Seagrass covers less than 30% of the seabed.
Photo Credit: Dr. Keith Hiscock
Moderate
Seagrass covers 30% to 70% of the seabed.
Photo Credit: Johan Holmdahl
Dense
Seagrass covers more than 70% of the seabed.
Photo Credit: trekandshoot
Seagrass Species Present
Identify all species of seagrass you see in the area. Check all that apply:
Shoal Grass (Halodule wrightii)
Narrow, flat blades that typically grow in shallow waters.
Photo Credit: iNaturalist Guatemala
Manatee Grass (Syringodium filiforme)
Cylindrical, spaghetti-like blades found in deeper areas.
Photo Credit: Seascout, Flickr
Turtle Grass (Thalassia testudinum)
Broad, flat blades, often forming dense meadows.
Photo Credit: James St.John
Widgeon Grass (Ruppia maritima)
Fine, branching blades, tolerates low salinity.
Photo Credit: Donald Cameron
Star Grass (Halophila engelmannii)
Small, elliptical leaves, forms sparse patches.
Photo Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission
Paddle Grass (Halophila decipiens)
Oval-shaped leaves, found in sandy sediments.
Johnson's Seagrass (Halophila johnsonii)
Smallest leaves, grows in small, localized areas. (Protected Species)
Photo Credit: earth.com
Seagrass Health Assessment
Select the condition of the seagrass bed based on its appearance:
Healthy
Seagrass appears green, with no visible damage or threats.
Photo Credit: Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Management Board
Fair
Some discoloration or signs of stress (e.g., brownish blades).
Photo Credit: Financial Times
Poor
Significant discoloration, sparse growth, or visible damage.
Photo Credit: Steve Reynolds
Visible Threats
Check all threats you observe in the area:
Presence of Algal Bloom
Large amounts of green, brown, or red algae growing over or near the seagrass.
Photo Credit: SeaGrant
Boat Scars or Propeller Damage
Linear scars or uprooted seagrass from boats.
Photo Credit: John Kipp
Pollution
Any trash, debris, or contaminants (e.g., plastic, chemicals).
Photo Credit: ZUMA Press/Alamy Stock Photo
Large Amounts of Uprooted Seagrass
Seagrass floating or displaced from the seabed.
Photo Credit: theoutershores
Other
If you notice additional threats, describe them in the text box.
Photo Credit: Government of Bermuda Department of Environmental and Natural Resources
Environmental Measurements
Water Depth at Low Tide (in feet)
Measure the water depth at the seagrass bed during the lowest tide.
Photo Credit: fishfinders.info
Method
Use a measuring stick, sonar, depth gauge, or approximate based on visual observation.
Example: Enter "2.5" for 2.5 feet.
Photo Credit: kileman
Photo Credit: Cassie Gurbisz
Sediment Type
Identify the type of seabed sediment where seagrass is growing. Use the dropdown to select one of the following:
Sand
Granular particles, typically pale or tan in color.
Photo Credit: Wild Tobago
Mud
Fine, silty sediment that may feel soft or sticky underfoot.
Photo Credit: Pond5
Shell
Comprised of broken shells or coral pieces.
Photo Credit: pzAxe
Mixed
A combination of sand, mud, and shell.
Photo Credit: Aspect Surveys
Water Clarity
Observe and assess how clear the water appears at the site:
Clear
Bottom fully visible; water appears transparent.
Slightly Murky
Bottom visible but slightly hazy.
Murky
Bottom partially visible; water is cloudy.
Very Murky
Bottom not visible; water appears opaque.