The summer Eyes on Seagrass citizen science program runs July 6th - 21st!

The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is looking for volunteers with boats to help survey sites in Sarasota Bay. All training and gear will be provided.

What is Eyes on Seagrass?

The Eyes on Seagrass Program is a bi-annual citizen science event in partnership with Florida Sea Grant, Mote Marine Laboratory, and Sarasota and Manatee counties to measure macroalgae (i.e. seaweed) and seagrass coverage. The program was started in Charlotte Harbor and expanded in 2021 to cover Sarasota Bay in response to a data gap in macroalgae monitoring. During a sampling window in April and July, participants travel to various locations throughout Sarasota Bay to collect information on macroalgae and seagrass. Results are then integrated into the Sarasota Bay Ecosystem Health Report Card.

Frequently asked Questions

• Do I need a boat to participate?
  Most likely yes (or team up with someone who has a boat). Almost all of the sites are reachable only by boat.
• Can I participate if I've never done it before?
  Yes! Anyone can participate! We will have in-person training. You can also read the sampling instructions and watch the training video to learn how it's done. Students can earn community service hours for participating.
• How deep are the sites?
  Seagrass grows in shallower areas in our bay. Sample sites typically are between 2ft and 5ft deep.