Boating impacts to seagrass in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park, Florida, USA: links with physical and visitor-use factors and implications for management

Recreational motor boating significantly impacts seagrass ecosystems in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park, by causing widespread propeller scarring. Geospatial analysis revealed that scarring is most severe in shallow depths, near navigational channels, and in heavily trafficked boating areas. Modeling identified high-probability scarred zones, some of which may face increased damage if management strategies are implemented without careful planning. The study underscores the need for adaptive boating-management strategies, such as education campaigns, improved signage, enforcement efforts, non-motorized zones, or temporary closures, to mitigate these impacts. These findings provide actionable insights for protecting seagrass in shallow water systems, both before and after damage occurs.

Hallac, D. E., Sadle, J., Pearlstine, L., Herling, F., & Shinde, D. (2012). Boating impacts to seagrass in Florida Bay, Everglades National Park, Florida, USA: links with physical and visitor-use factors and implications for management. Marine and Freshwater Research, 63(11), 1117–1128. https://doi.org/10.1071/mf12025