Conserving Seagrass in the Laguna Madre

Recreational boaters, anglers, and hunters are the past, present and future of seagrass conservation in Texas. The Nature Conservancy is working in partnership with individuals and organizations to keep seagrass beds intact and protect Texas’ precious natural resources.

Why is seagrass important?

© TPWD/Chase Fountain

Seagrass is the foundation of life in the Gulf of Mexico. Underwater meadows of seagrass in the bays and estuaries of the Laguna Madre serve as nurseries for shrimp and shellfish, as well as sport fish like redfish and speckled sea trout prized by anglers. Sea turtles, crabs and migratory waterfowl also depend on seagrass to thrive.

In pursuit of their sport, anglers, hunters and recreational boaters are threatening seagrass and unwittingly damaging wildlife populations. Boat propellers can cause damage by destroying seagrass beds and scarring the bay floor. This not only damages the plants but destabilizes bay bottoms and sediments, which inhibits seagrass growth and impacts wildlife habitat.

The declining quantity and quality of these seagrass habitats now represent the greatest threat to wildlife, recreation and the economy along the Gulf Coast. Seagrass is a critical element in the gulf’s fisheries and anglers along the Gulf Coast generated $1.3 billion in economic activity in 2001 (source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department).  

© TPWD

How can we conserve seagrass?

A program developed by The Nature Conservancy and partners will enable recreational boaters in this area to help protect seagrass for future generations through voluntary navigation of marked boat lanes. Partners include the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Coastal Conservation Association, the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and its Seagrass Working Group.

What can you do to help?

There are a number of voluntary actions anglers, hunters and other boaters can take to help protect seagrass.

1) When moving fast in the upper Laguna Madre, make sure to follow and stay within the marked preferred access lanes (boat lanes).
2) Obey no wake zones.
3) When not within the preferred access lanes (markers), be sure to Lift, Drift, Pole or Troll.

Lift your propeller
Drift into the shallows
Use a push pole or trolling motor to get from place to place

3) If you see another boater causing damage to seagrass beds, please ask them to slow down in the marked areas or Lift, Drift, Pole or Troll.

How do I Use the Map?

New signs in the Upper Laguna Madre between the JFK Causeway and Pita Island identify deep-water lanes where boats can run safely and avoid running in the shallow water where seagrass grows. The map below provides an aerial view of these areas.

Using the new boat lanes in the upper Laguna Madre is voluntary for boaters who want to help save seagrass for wildlife and coastal enthusiasts. Nearly 10 miles of lanes will be marked, protecting over 5,000 acres of seagrass beds. Plans are underway to expand this project to protect seagrass in other parts of the Gulf of Mexico.

Map prepared by The Nature Conservancy. View a larger map.

Additional Information and Resources

Coastal Bend Bay & Estuaries Program
Coastal Conservation Association
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service