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Seagrasses


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Seagrasses are flowering vascular plants that live completely submerged in shallow oceanic and estuarine waters. [NALT]

Species of embryophytes living in marine coastal waters. Flowering plants (angiosperms) that colonised the sea. They are the only flowering plants that can live under seawater and are not related to seaweeds. [AGROVOC]

Publications


Biodiversity as a Tool to Boost Seagrass Restoration Success

C. Spengler, Jamila Roth, and Laura K. Reynolds

This publication reviews the importance of seagrass, major threats to seagrass, and ways in which seagrass species diversity and genetic diversity can positively impact seagrass management and restoration. Written by C. Spengler, Jamila Roth, and Laura K. Reynolds, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences, March 2024.

Climate Change: Effects on Salinity in Florida’s Estuaries and Responses of Oysters, Seagrass, and Other Animal and Plant Life

Ashley R. Smyth, H. Dail Laughinghouse, Laura K. Reynolds, Edward V. Camp, and Karl Havens

Florida’s economically important estuaries could be heavily impacted by sea-level rise and altered river flow, both caused by climate change. The resulting higher salinity, or saltiness of the water, could harm plants and animals, alter fish, and bird habitat, and reduce the capacity of estuaries to provide such important services as seafood production and the protection of shorelines from erosion. This publication contains information for stakeholders, students, scientists, and environmental agencies interested in understanding how changes in salinity impact Florida’s estuaries.

Tapegrass, Eelgrass, or Wild Celery (Vallisneria americana Michaux): A Native Aquatic and Wetland Plant

Mohsen Tootoonchi, Lyn A. Gettys, and Jehangir H. Bhadha

A UF/IFAS numbered peer reviewed Fact Sheet. Published by Natural resources operations and Invasive Species

Responsible Boating Protects Seagrass Meadows

Savanna Barry, Ana Zangroniz, and Joy Hazell

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for General Public audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Ecotourism and Agritourism