Exploring Environmental Interconnectedness and Stewardship through the Eyes on Seagrass Program – Technologist

For Holly, engagement in these programs constitute beyond “volunteering”; it’s an integral part of her daily routine. She  integrates monitoring activities into her schedule, ensuring consistent collection of salinity data. Through her sustained involvement, particularly in citizen science initiatives like salinity monitoring, Holly became acquainted with the Eyes on Seagrass program. This rekindled her environmental passions from her undergraduate research years. 

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

The participation in the program also offers  firsthand insight into how localized data can reveal dynamic environmental changes, such as the impacts between salinity and seagrass health.

“For me it’s all connected. Certain seagrasses prefer and tolerate a range of salinity. As salinity fluctuates, it impacts the growth of the grass and without a relatively stable salinity, you’re not going to have the grasses that provide the basis of the ecosystem for all of the vertebrates and invertebrates that we all like to see and rely on, like the horseshoe crabs. Seagrass provides not only the habitat for other organisms but it helps keep our waters clean and healthy.” 

Holly’s impact goes beyond her individual efforts. By sharing her experiences and knowledge with the public, she inspires others to join the cause. 

“I am always sharing and encouraging others to participate in all the projects, hoping to expand knowledge and engagement Many of these projects are accessible to anyone. All it takes is a bit of patience and attentiveness. Every piece of information we collect is valuable to scientists and the environment.”  

Local Water Quality Organizations Weave Eyes on Seagrass into Programming

Holly’s enthusiasm for citizen science is shared amongst individuals like Codty Pierce, David Schutz and Bruce Wojcik, all actively engaged in water quality monitoring efforts with their respective  organizations. Recently, they participated in the Eyes on Seagrass Training event in Southwest Florida, held in Charlotte Harbor. Their goal is to raise awareness and promote the seagrass surveying within their communities.

Image by Codty Pierce.

David Schutz serves as the treasurer for  Heal Our Harbor, Inc. , an organization led by scientists and educators, dedicated to restoring and preserving the Charlotte Harbor watershed. Their work extends to studying the invasive and nuisance green algae, Caulerpa, and its ecological impact on Charlotte Harbor and seagrass ecosystems. Eyes on Seagrass is one of many citizen science programs that David and his program participates in, alongside Florida Horseshoe Crab Watch. 

“Seagrass acts as a producer, harnessing energy from the sun and converting it into a usable form for all other organisms in the ecosystem. If we lose seagrass, we essentially lose the primary food source for numerous organisms, leading to ecosystem collapse. It’s crucial that we monitor seagrass, collect data, and analyze trends,” says David.

“With my background in science, it feels natural, but the process of collecting this data can be straightforward for anyone. Civilians can easily contribute by attending a training session; there is also a video training that will soon be accessible to volunteers interested in becoming part of this significant project.”

As for Codty Pierce, he is affiliated with Calusa Waterkeeper, an organization committed to safeguarding the Caloosahatchee River & Estuary in Southwest Florida. Their focus includes monitoring harmful algal blooms, fecal indicator bacteria, and red tide – all of which can significantly affect seagrass. 

“In Lee County, fecal bacteria and stormwater runoff are prominent issues we are looking at. Sampling results show  serious fecal bacteria contamination in our waterways,” says Codty. “In addition to Calusa Waterkeeper’s monitoring priorities, I am determined to incorporate seagrass into Lee County’s water quality considerations, with the aim of potentially initiating a pilot program for Lee County.”

Bruce Wojcik (picture left) at 2024 Eyes on Seagrass training in Charlotte Harbor. Image by Florida Sea Grant.

All Hands on Deck Working to Preserve Seagrass for Future Generation

Alongside David Schutz, Bruce Wojcik serves as the secretary for Heal Our Harbor. In addition to their involvement in the Eyes on Seagrass program, Bruce consistently seeks engagement in participatory science initiatives, acknowledging the significant benefits they provide for both the environment and participants.

Bruce, a retired ecologist, and his wife, a retired biologist, reside in Punta Gorda, originally from Michigan. Both have found participation in the Eyes on Seagrass program to be rewarding for themselves and their community .

“As retired scientists, it’s rewarding to continue contributing and to engage others in these activities. Deepening our understanding of our natural environment instills a sense of ownership and responsibility. When people feel connected to something, they’re more inclined to protect and nurture it for the future,” says Bruce. 

“Our goal has been to ensure these opportunities endure for future generations. We’ve aimed to contribute to preserving the local environment and educating others about its significance.”

Through citizen science, individuals like Holly, Codty, Dave, Bruce and countless others enrich our understanding of the environment but also empower communities to take action in protecting and preserving our planet’s precious resources.