Key Biscayne’s Seagrasses

Key Biscayne’s Seagrasses

Seagrasses and associated algal communities provide essential habitat (i.e., food, refuge) for fish and invertebrates and play key ecosystem and societal roles in maintaining water quality by trapping sediments and up-taking nutrients.

Seagrass beds composed of three species, manatee grass, shoal grass, and turtle grass are abundant in shallow nearshore habitats around Key Biscayne where they can be visited and enjoyed by swimmers, kayakers, and boaters.

The organisms commonly found in and around seagrass beds range from very small fish such as seahorses to marine mammals like dolphins.

One of the main threats to seagrass habitats in Key Biscayne and elsewhere is the physical damage caused by careless boaters that run aground or cause significant propeller scarring.

Protection of these habitats is essential for the sustainability of marine resources in our region.