The Captiva Island Yacht Club (CIYC) will host “Seagrass is Disappearing … and Why it Matters” on Feb. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to noon featuring Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) staff.
SCCF Marine Laboratory Research Associate Amy Oxton will present current findings on macroalgae and its potential role in the loss of seagrass in Southwest Florida’s waters. The program will explain why healthy seagrass is essential to marine ecosystems, water quality and overall health of the coastal environment.
Oxton is a Fort Myers Beach native with degrees in natural resource conservation and fisheries and aquatic sciences from the University of Florida. Her graduate work focused on blue-green algae toxins in juvenile blue crabs. Oxton later worked on field projects from Wisconsin to Puerto Rico before returning to teach marine science in Southwest Florida.
The program is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are requested.
To RSVP, call 239-472-4133, ext. 1, or email reservations@captivaIYC.net.
Parking is limited, so carpooling is recommended.
The Captiva Island Yacht Club is at 15903 Captiva Drive, Captiva.