Running aground not only damages reefs and seagrass meadows, it also damages boats.
NPS photo
Below the crystal clear water of Biscayne Bay lies an important and fragile world of seagrass meadows. This ecosystem is significant to the health and vitality of the park and wildlife. Seagrasses help stabilize sediments on the bay bottom and keep the water clear. They provide nurseries for shrimp, lobster and many fish, and ideal grazing for manatees, turtles, urchins and other sea creatures.
Seagrass meadows and coral reefs may be damaged extensively by watercraft. Propeller scars provide visible reminders of this. It can take years for seagrass to recover or it may never grow back at all. Running into the meadows and reefs also damages or destroys boats. Attempting to power out of the seagrass often pulls sediment into engine cooling systems and blows large holes in the meadows.
With your help and care, the wonderful resources of the park will be around, in all their splendor, for future generations to enjoy.
