You can help to protect important marine ecosystems through safe boating practices. In Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, seagrass beds provide home and food to a number of marine organisms, from fish to manatees. These seagrass beds also help trap sediment particles and even filter nutrients from stormwater runoff and industrial waste out of the water column before those compounds reach sensitive habitats like coral reefs! However, when boating, you can damage this important habitat. You may have seen the damage yourself in zig-zag lines in the sand amongst seagrass meadows where propellors have dislodged seagrass from the ocean floor. Help protect this valuable natural resource by avoiding boating in shallow seagrass beds. If you do find yourself in a shallow seagrass bed, stop immediately and tilt your engine, then pole or push your boat into deeper water. Pufferfish like this one in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary will thank you!