Seagrass beds focus of new MPA bill awaiting Florida governor's signature

Florida’s west coast is home to vast seagrass beds where fishing, scalloping, and ecotourism form the backbone of coastal economies.

Some 400,000 acres of those beds moved a critical step closer to protection during the Florida legislative session when lawmakers approved bills to create the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve off the coasts of Citrus, Hernando, and Pasco counties. The legislation now awaits signature by Governor Ron DeSantis (R).

https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2020/03/11/florida-poised-to-protect-gulf-of-mexicos-largest-seagrass-bed