| Radio programs for the week of 10 March 2003 |
For more information: NOAA Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
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Many Floridians--even Florida boaters--never give
seagrass a second thought. State agencies hope to change that by pointing
out the grass's benefits to fish and marine animals, as well as its role
in commercial fishing and tourism. Recognizing Seagrass Importance on
today's Florida Environment.... March is seagrass awareness month in Florida. It's
an effort to make us aware of the important role seagrasses play in
supporting marine life, as well the threats the grass beds face from human
activity. Cheva Heck is with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary... |
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fe30311
There's a million acres of seagrass beds around the Florida Keys and much of it has been scarred by boats running aground. There's a novel effort underway at restoring some of the grass, using bird droppings. Find out more about Feathered-Friend Fertilizer in today's Florida Environment... In an effort to restore boat-scarred seagrass beds in the Florida Keys, scientists are trying a new approach. They're coaxing birds to leave their droppings in restoration areas. Cheva Heck is with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary... |
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fe30312
Scientists are finding new ways of restoring Florida seagrass beds that've been scarred by boat propellers or hulls that've run aground. And while costly, they do seem to be bringing life back to an important natural resource. Restoring Seagrass Beds on today's Florida Environment... Until recently any damage done to seagrass beds in Florida was left to natural healing. A common propeller scar might have taken years--if ever--to recover. But new methods are at work, jump-starting the restoration of seagrass here. Cheva Heck is with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary... |
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fe30313
If you boat in Florida be careful of seagrass beds. That's the message during March as seagrass awareness month. Damage from boats is one of the greatest threats to healthy seagrass beds. We'll hear about Avoiding Seagrass Damage in today's Florida Environment... Seagrasses in Florida's shallow coastal waters are responsible for the livelihood of fish and other marine animals. And they do a lot toward keeping the water clear. State and federal agencies are hoping to both out the importance of seagrass, and how people--especially boaters--can protect it. Cheva Heck is with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary... |
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fe30314
Florida has some of the largest meadows of seagrasses in the entire world. And the grasses play an important role in sustaining life for many fish and marine animal species. We'll take a look at Why Seagrass Matters in today's Florida Environment. All this month is seagrass awareness month in Florida as the state draws attention to a natural resource that literally brings life to fish and marine animals, as well as bringing economic benefit through commercial fisheries, sport fishing and tourism. Cheva Heck is with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary--part of Monroe county's one million acres of seagrass... |