Seagrass beds are a predominant habitat in the shallow waters surrounding Utila.  Turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) is the most common species and forms extensive beds in nearshore areas to depths of about 10 meters.  Two other seagrass species (Manatee grass- Syringodium filiforme, and Shoal grass- Halodule wrightii) can also be found mixed in these beds. 

Together, these seagrasses form extremely important, and largely neglected, habitats that have strong connections with mangroves and coral reefs.  They are also very important for improving local water clarity and quality, and as a rearing ground for juvenile reef fishes.  Eutrophication and coastal development are known to negatively impact seagrass health, and have the potential to reduce its value as a nursery habitat.  Seagrass beds around Utila are being increasingly subjected to such anthropogenic influences.  Our research aims to quantify the extent to which seagrass health and nursery value has been affected by these processes.

The first phase of our research is focused on evaluating the health of seagrass beds around the island.  Indicators of seagrass health such as shoot density, plant height, biomass and productivity are measured and compared between impacted and non-impacted sites.  Our work will also involve a monitoring component where plant characteristics and depth profiles are measured at regular intervals to look for evidence of seagrass health decline or recovery over time.