Calling all boaters! The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program and Sarasota County are looking for teams to help sample macroalgae and seagrass from April 15 - 30th. Volunteers can pick any time during this window to sample site(s) in Sarasota Bay. All gear and training will be provided. All you need is a mask, snorkel, and your smart phone or a pen.

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 and seagrass coverage. The program was expanded from Charlotte Harbor to cover Sarasota Bay in 2021 in response to a data gap in macroalgae monitoring. During a two-week window in April and July, participants travel to various locations throughout Sarasota Bay to collect information on macroalgae and seagrass coverage. Results are then integrated into Sarasota Bay Ecosystem Health Report Card.

How To Participate

Step 1: Find a friend with a boat (maybe you are that friend!) and have ONE PERSON register your team using the link below. You can pick your site preference during registration. We will then email you which site(s) you have.

Step 2: Pick up your sampling gear at a prearranged time from either:

• SBEP office downtown (111 S. Orange Ave. Suite 200W, Sarasota)
• Sarasota County Building (1001 Sarasota Center Blvd, Sarasota).

Step 3: Watch the instructional video and read the info on the SBEP website (see link below) to learn how to sample and record your data.

Register by April 1st to receive a free t-shirt!

Complete information and online registration available at the link below: