Community science effort opens across the lagoon in May

Edgewater residents who spend time on the Indian River Lagoon, including nearby Mosquito Lagoon waters, have a chance to contribute directly to environmental monitoring this month. UF/IFAS Extension is promoting the “Eyes on Seagrass” blitz, a month-long community science effort running from May 1 through May 31 to document where seagrass is present — and where it is not — across the Indian River Lagoon system.

The project matters locally because Edgewater sits next to one of the most important estuarine systems in Florida. Boaters, anglers, kayakers and other residents who regularly get out on the water can submit observations using an online form or the Survey123 mobile app. Participants are asked to photograph the seafloor and answer a few questions about conditions at the site. Organizers say reports showing an absence of seagrass are just as valuable as reports showing healthy beds.

Why seagrass matters to Edgewater waters

Seagrass is a foundational part of lagoon health. According to the UF/IFAS post, these underwater grasses provide habitat for juvenile fish and other small animals, help stabilize bottom sediments and serve as a food source for manatees and other wildlife. When seagrass declines, the effects ripple through the broader ecosystem that supports recreation, fisheries and wildlife viewing in and around Edgewater.

The article notes that seagrasses in the Indian River Lagoon have declined sharply over roughly the past 15 years, largely because algae blooms reduce water clarity and block the sunlight seagrass needs to survive. Excess nutrients from leaking septic systems and fertilizer are identified as major contributors to those blooms. At the same time, organizers say there have been anecdotal reports of increased seagrass in parts of the lagoon over the past two years, making this year’s mapping effort especially useful.

How residents can take part safely

Participants can report sightings through bit.ly/ReportSeaGrass either in a web browser or through the Survey123 app. The app may be especially useful for people on the water in areas with weak cell service because it can save entries for later submission. Organizers recommend taking an overhead photo showing about a 3-by-3-foot area of the bottom, and a second close-up image if seagrass is present to help with identification.

Residents are also urged to move carefully in shallow water, where seagrass often grows. The guidance included in the post advises boaters to travel slowly and trim up engines when necessary to avoid damaging grass beds. For Edgewater-area users of Mosquito Lagoon and connected waters, that is a practical reminder as more people head out during warmer weather.

What the data could help inform

The information collected is expected to help guide future monitoring and restoration work. UF/IFAS says the reports can improve understanding of the current range of seagrass and provide useful information to agencies and organizations involved in restoration. That could help direct attention to areas where recovery is happening and places where conditions remain poor.

For Edgewater readers, this is the kind of regional environmental effort with direct local relevance: it focuses on waters residents use every day, relies on public participation, and could shape future lagoon restoration decisions. Anyone planning time on the water in May can turn a routine trip into a useful data point for one of the area’s most important natural resources.