Gulf of Mexico Seagrasses

Seagrasses are keystone species in the Gulf of California ecosystem. Seagrass beds provide food and breeding habitat for fish, and shellfish and are essential to support migratory bird as well as marine mammal and sea turtle populations. They also buffer coastal habitats against storms and enhance water quality.

For more information, see:

• Seagrass Habitat in the Northern Gulf of Mexico: Degradation, Conservation and Restoration of a Valuable Resource. USGS Gulf of Mexico Program Office. 2004. Free Download
• Seagrass Communities of the Gulf Coast of Florida: Status and Ecology. USGS Gulf of Mexico Program Office. 2004. Free Download

Collection icon: Mixed grassbed by Heather Dine, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.