Research Product

Seagrass habitats in the Gulf of Mexico have declined precipitously during the past 50 years. Most habitat losses can be attributed to effects of coastal population growth and accompanying municipal, industrial, and agricultural development. Although proximate causes of local declines can sometimes be identified, the majority of habitat loss has resulted from widespread deterioration of water quality. Restoration and preservation of these important habitats depend foremost on improving scientific understanding of the complex causal relationships between anthropogenic stress and seagrass ecosystem persistence, and on developing scientifically based management programs for seagrass conservation. In January 28-29, 1992, approximately 60 researchers, State and Federal regulators, and environmental managers met at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Florida, to address monitoring strategies, research programs and mapping of submerged aquatic vegetation resources in the Gulf of Mexico. This report summarizes the results of the workshops, emphasizing the recommendations of participants in an attempt to guide development of a comprehensive seagrass conservation program in the Gulf of Mexico.