This non-technical planning document is intended to provide a
conceptual framework for the development of a coordinated,
statewide seagrass management initiative, while recognizing,
supporting, and building on the accomplishments of local
programs.
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This article is excerpted from the introduction of Florida
Seagrass Management Plan: "Effective local seagrass management
programs are currently underway in several areas of Florida,
primarily in subtropical portions of the peninsula (e.g., Indian
River Lagoon, Florida Bay, Sarasota Bay, and Tampa Bay). In
addition, a number of federal, state, and local government agencies
conduct regularly scheduled mapping and monitoring of seagrass
habitats within their jurisdictions. However, the state of Florida
does not yet have a coordinated statewide program for managing its
seagrass resources. This report recommends a series of steps that
could be taken to initiate a coordinated, cooperative, multi-agency
program. The plan outlined herein provides a framework for
quantitative management goals for the five distinct regions of the
state that currently possess extensive seagrass resources. It also
provides recommendations regarding the state's potential role in
developing the following:
- Consensus-based seagrass management strategies at the regional
and statewide level
- A methodologically consistent, statewide seagrass mapping and
monitoring program
- A schedule for reporting regional and statewide status and
trends information
- A schedule for assessing the state's management strategies and
the progress made toward achieving the adopted management
goals
- A management-oriented, statewide seagrass research program
- A statewide, public outreach program focused on seagrass
management and conservation
The process of developing a statewide seagrass management
program should not be allowed to impede or delay progress in the
local areas where effective community-based programs are already in
place. The statewide program should review and, if appropriate,
adopt existing seagrass management goals and strategies developed
by local stakeholder groups. A primary purpose of the statewide
program should be to provide increased support for-and greater
statewide consistency in the implementation of-the various
components of seagrass management. To avoid unnecessary duplication
of effort, the program should build on accomplishments at the local
level and work cooperatively with local management programs. It is
assumed that the statewide management program will be guided by a
statewide management plan. The plan should be a "living document"
that is revisited every 4 to 6 years, as statewide summaries of
seagrass status and trends are updated and reported to the public.
Of necessity, this initial planning document focuses on basic
procedural issues, providing a brief overview of Florida's existing
seagrass resources and a list of recommendations for the
participating organizations to consider as they work to initiate a
consistent, coordinated statewide management effort."
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