Exploring Environmental Interconnectedness and Stewardship via the Eyes on Seagrass Program – Cyber Tech

For Holly, engagement in these packages represent past “volunteering”; it’s an integral a part of her each day routine. She  integrates monitoring actions into her schedule, guaranteeing constant assortment of salinity information. By her sustained involvement, notably in citizen science initiatives like salinity monitoring, Holly grew to become acquainted with the Eyes on Seagrass program. This rekindled her environmental passions from her undergraduate analysis years. 

“I’m excited to contribute in any method I can, and I’m thrilled to reconnect with the science that I missed and cherished,” says Holly.

The participation in this system additionally affords  firsthand perception into how localized information can reveal dynamic environmental adjustments, such because the impacts between salinity and seagrass well being.

“For me it’s all linked. Sure seagrasses desire and tolerate a spread of salinity. As salinity fluctuates, it impacts the expansion of the grass and with no comparatively steady salinity, you’re not going to have the grasses that present the idea of the ecosystem for the entire vertebrates and invertebrates that all of us prefer to see and depend on, just like the horseshoe crabs. Seagrass offers not solely the habitat for different organisms nevertheless it helps maintain our waters clear and wholesome.” 

Holly’s influence goes past her particular person efforts. By sharing her experiences and information with the general public, she conjures up others to affix the trigger. 

“I’m at all times sharing and inspiring others to take part in all of the tasks,mhoping to broaden information and engagement Many of those tasks are accessible to anybody. All it takes is a little bit of endurance and attentiveness. Every bit of data we accumulate is efficacious to scientists and the setting.”  

Native Water High quality Organizations Weave Eyes on Seagrass into Programming

Holly’s enthusiasm for citizen science is shared amongst people like Codty Pierce and David Schutz, each actively engaged in water high quality monitoring efforts with their respective  organizations. Lately, they participated within the Eyes on Seagrass Coaching occasion in Southwest Florida, held in Charlotte Harbor. Their objective is to boost consciousness and promote the seagrass surveying inside their communities.

Picture by Codty Pierce.

David Schutz works with Heal Our Harbor, Inc. a corporation led by scientists and educators, devoted to restoring and preserving the Charlotte Harbor watershed. Eyes on Seagrass is one among many citizen science packages that David and his program participates in, alongside Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch. 

“Seagrass acts as a producer, harnessing power from the solar and changing it right into a usable type for all different organisms within the ecosystem. If we lose seagrass, we basically lose the first meals supply for quite a few organisms, resulting in ecosystem collapse. It’s essential that we monitor seagrass, accumulate information, and analyze tendencies,” says David.

“With my background in science, it feels pure, however the technique of accumulating this information could be easy for anybody. Civilians can simply contribute by attending a coaching session; there may be additionally a video coaching that can quickly be accessible to volunteers keen on turning into a part of this vital undertaking.”

As for Codty Pierce, he’s affiliated with Calusa Waterkeeper, a corporation dedicated to safeguarding the Caloosahatchee River & Estuary in Southwest Florida. Their focus consists of monitoring dangerous algal blooms, fecal indicator micro organism, and purple tide – all of which may considerably have an effect on seagrass. 

“In Lee County, fecal micro organism and stormwater runoff are outstanding points we’re taking a look at. Sampling outcomes present occurrences of significant fecal micro organism contamination in our waterways,” says Codty. Along with Calusa Waterkeeper’s monitoring priorities, Codty is set to include seagrass into Lee County’s water high quality issues, with the intention of doubtless initiating a pilot program for Lee County. 

Bruce Wojcik (image left) at 2024 Eyes on Seagrass coaching in Charlotte Harbor. Picture by Florida Sea Grant.

All Fingers on Deck Working to Protect Seagrass for Future Era

Alongside David and Codty, Bruce Wojcik actively seeks engagement in participatory science initiatives, recognizing the invaluable alternatives they provide for each the setting and contributors.

Bruce, a retired ecologist, and his spouse, a retired biologist, reside in Punta Gorda, initially from Michigan. Each have discovered participation within the Eyes on Seagrass program to be rewarding for themselves and their neighborhood .

“As retired scientists, it’s rewarding to proceed contributing and to interact others in these actions. Deepening our understanding of our pure setting instills a way of possession and accountability. When folks really feel linked to one thing, they’re extra inclined to guard and nurture it for the long run,” says Bruce. 

“Our objective has been to make sure these alternatives endure for future generations. We’ve aimed to contribute to preserving the native setting and educating others about its significance.”

By citizen science, people like Holly, Codty, Dave, Bruce and numerous others enrich our understanding of the setting but in addition empower communities to take motion in defending and preserving our planet’s treasured assets.