Get your feet wet during Sarasota County's winter seagrass survey

Sarasota County is seeking volunteers for its seagrass survey program that collects data on local seagrass, algae, water clarity and depth from locations throughout Sarasota's bays.

Seagrass is vital to maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems, improving water quality, stabilizing shorelines and providing food and cover for a variety of wildlife.

"Seagrass is directly responsible for bringing in millions of dollars into our economy through recreational and commercial fishing activities," said Amanda Dominguez, Sarasota County Water Resources Environmental Specialist. "The seagrass survey is one of our most popular volunteer activities because you get to be out on the water enjoying the summer weather while helping to protect one of the most important assets in our community."

All program volunteers for the summer seagrass survey must attend a training class that includes hands-on training in the water. The session will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 4 (rain date is Sunday, Aug. 5) at the Turtle Beach Community Center, 8918 Midnight Pass Road, Sarasota.

Volunteers should bring swimwear and water shoes. Participants with their own watercraft and GPS system are strongly encouraged, and those who do not have them will be paired with those who do.

For more information, contact the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000, or visit the Sarasota Environmental Aquatics (SEA) Team pages on the Water Atlas.