While seagrasses can be damaged by random and unpredictable
natural phenomena, following several simple steps can prevent
the damage caused by humans. Each species of seagrass recovers
from damage at a different rate, but in general, recovery can
take anywhere between a few months to several years. Injuries to
leaves and stems are less detrimental than damage to the
underground root system, from which seagrasses may not be able
to recover. As Florida's population grows, the number of boats
on the water also increases. The negative effects of careless
boating on seagrasses are becoming more pronounced, especially
in nearshore communities and popular boat access areas. When a
boat's propeller cuts through seagrasses, it fragments the bed
and can restrict the movement of the species found in that
habitat. This loss is detrimental to not only the animals that
depend on seagrasses, but to the economy of the area and the
state of Florida. The institute's 1995 publication, Scarring of
Florida's Seagrasses: Assessmen