Girl Scouts Investigate Life in a Protected Seagrass Meadow

June 17, 2025

Wading into the shallow waters of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a group of Girl Scouts gathered to explore one of the ocean's most important—yet often overlooked—blue carbon habitats: the seagrass meadow. Guided by rangers at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and outreach staff from the sanctuary, the scouts used a seine net, a technique that dates back to ancient times, to discover the tiny creatures that call the seagrass home.

Led by Science and Outreach Coordinator Lindsey Crews and Park Services Specialist Drew Martin, the scouts and their families from Miami-Dade County spent the morning observing juvenile fish, shrimp, crabs, and other invertebrates that were carefully released after collection (activities conducted under FWC special activities license). Through hands-on discovery and close observation, the scouts learned how seagrass meadows serve as nursery grounds for marine life and play a vital role in maintaining a healthy ocean.

One of the Girl Scouts who participated in the workshop, Eliana Ruiz, said that she really enjoyed finding fish with the net. "I got to see different types of them [fish] and how they interact together in the environment. This experience was really fun for me."

To cap off their adventure, the troop embarked on a snorkel tour with John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park concession, a certified Blue Star operator recognized for advancing responsible reef tourism and education.

By immersing youth in place-based learning, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is helping the next generation gain a deeper understanding of ocean ecosystems and the importance of stewarding them. This work is supported under Section 301(c)(1) and (2) of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act, which authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to support public outreach and education efforts that increase awareness, understanding, and appreciation of the marine environment.