What is climate change’s role in seagrass die offs in South Florida waters?

Miami Herald, June 30, 2025

Seagrass off the Florida Keys. Photo by Peter Clark.

Below the sparkling, turquoise waters of Florida Bay are plants that don’t always get the credit they deserve. South Florida’s seagrasses filter water, absorb carbon dioxide, house small marine life and feed manatees — a primary source of food that has, giving them the endearing name of “sea cow.”

“Without the seagrasses, the fish wouldn’t be there, the shrimp wouldn’t be there. All the other groups of animals and plants that are dependent on these foundation communities,” said Florida Atlantic University coastal marine ecologist and climate change professor Marguerite Koch.

But as important as seagrass is for Florida and its ecosystem, it has some serious threats including climate change, pollution, development, dredging and boating... [CONT'D] Steve Davis, the Everglades Foundation’s chief science officer, said restoration of the natural water flow through the Glades could help build seagrass resilience for Florida Bay. Stormwater and plumping projects in the Everglades and a plan to retain water in a giant planned reservoir are ways to push more water south and lower the salinity, he said. Many previous restoration projects, including adding bridges along Tamiami Trail, are all designed to improve the flow south.

“We know more fresh water coming off the Everglades to the bay is for its benefit,” Davis said.

Read the full Miami Herald article here: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/climate-change/article309486530.html

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