Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
That sounds like a giant mouthful of super science-y stuff, right? It’s actually just a fancy way of saying underwater grass. So all our beautiful eelgrass? YEP! That is submerged aquatic vegetation.
Now, if you’ve spent any time on the water around Hunter Springs or in the canals near Three Sisters Springs, you’ve probably seen some strange contraptions that look like circular cages just hanging out all willy-nilly along the bottom of the water ways. That may have you thinking, what in the world are those? or Why would they lock the grass up, don’t they want it to spread? (Of course we do!)
So what are the cages for?
We promise it’s not a lock down situation (our eelgrass is 100% free range)! The purpose of the Grow SAV Exclusion Devices are to keep the newly planted eelgrass safe from outside variables that may damage or uproot the plants before they have time to properly establish.
Munching Manatees
It’s not a secret that the manatees enjoy dining on our eelgrass, and we love feeding them! The cages simply ensure that the manatees are not feasting on newly planted grass and pulling up their roots. Instead the manatees aim for easily accessed, established eelgrass.
The Swimmer Shuffle
We are taught at a relatively young age to shuffle our feet in the water ( then usually told the terrors of stepping on a stingray). That is not so much a concern in the springs. What is a concern is unknowingly pulling up the eelgrass based on previous knowledge. Have you ever shuffled through your yard? The Grow SAV Exclusion Devices deter this from happening while the eelgrass is still vulnerable.
Anchor Damage
Anchor and prop scars are one of the biggest obstacles we face in the restoration process. The damage caused by irresponsible boating is detrimental to even well established and flourishing eelgrass beds. The Grow SAV Exclusion Cages are a barrier to protect young plants from harms way in an effort to give it the best fighting chance possible.
But are they working?
In short, YES! While it may seem like the Grow SAV Exclusionary Devices are just thrown out randomly, they are actually placed very meticulously. Obviously over the grass, but also measured at certain distances. This allows the grass to send out ‘runners’ and as it grows and spreads it fills in the gaps between the cages. We can say with pride that the fully restored areas are flourishing (well beyond cage removal).
Grass in the pilot project is flourishing!
Grass near Hunter Springs almost covers an adult manatee. (Photo courtesy of Bree LaJoie)
