The Florida Wildlife Corridor weaves together rivers, forests, and wetlands, creating vital pathways for wildlife across the state. Crystal River is one of the vital links within the Corridor, where freshwater springs feed into a network that stretches from inland forests to the Gulf. Beneath the surface, eelgrass meadows play a crucial role in the ecosystem – they anchor the riverbed, filter the water, and provide food and shelter for species like manatees, fish, and turtles. Restoring eelgrass is more than bringing back underwater plants; it’s about strengthening the entire corridor and protecting the future of Florida’s natural landscapes. This photo essay will dive into the restoration process of marine grass, joined by Jessica Mailliez, an Environmental Manager at Sea & Shoreline.

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Marine grass restoration in Crystal River involves a detailed process aimed at rebuilding underwater ecosystems. The first step is identifying areas with unstable sediment that prevent seagrass from growing. “We begin by identifying areas where the sediment is too soft to support proper root system development” explains Jessica Mailliez, an Environmental Manager at Sea & Shoreline. “The plants may grow right off the bat in areas that have soft mucky sediment but is not conducive to long term survival.” To tackle this, divers use a specialized hand vacuuming process with an above-water pump system. They spend up to 8 hours a day vacuuming loose sediment to reach the hard, mineralized bottom, which provides a stable foundation for the marine grass to grow. This key step helps stabilize the seabed, which in turn allows the marine grass to stabilize its roots system.

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Once the area is prepared, replanting begins. In Crystal River, teams install about 105 cages per acre, each containing young Vallisneria americana (Eelgrass) plants. “The cages protect the plants as they establish their root systems,” explains Jessica. The plants are spaced strategically to give them room to grow and naturally spread between cages, helping restore the ecosystem. Eelgrass is chosen for its fast-growing, resilient nature, with planting teams using different native Florida ecotypes to maintain genetic diversity. In open-water areas, mechanical planting units help spread the Eelgrass more widely. “Though these planting units have a lower initial survival rate, spreading the plants early on accelerates ecosystem recovery,” Jessica explains.

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The first month after planting is crucial for monitoring progress. Teams check the sites weekly, then every two weeks, and eventually shift to monthly visits. “We look for signs of rate-limiting impacts, like algal blooms, sediment movement, or, recently, a lot of storm damage,” explains Jessica. In areas prone to debris buildup, mechanical maintenance, like removing Lyngbya may be necessary. Long-term success hinges on sediment stability. “After Hurricane Idalia in 2023, areas with solid, restored bottoms fared much better,” Jessica explains. “Even after significant above-ground biomass loss, healthy roots and rhizomes allowed the Eelgrass to recover.”

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In areas where boat propellers have scarred the seafloor, recovery efforts are more intensive. “We use GIS data and RTK machine measurements to assess the depth and elevation of prop scars compared to surrounding Eelgrass beds,” explains Jessica. The team fills these scars with sediment-filled tubes, which help restore the scar’s elevation. “In some cases, simply filling the scars allows the marine grass to propagate over time,” Jessica notes. For more severe damage, such as vessel groundings, the area is first filled, and then sediment tubes are placed to stabilize the site. In certain locations, as many as 4,000-6,000 tubes may be used, with up to 50,000 required in more heavily damaged areas.

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Marine animals, such as manatees and fish, play both a supportive and challenging role in the restoration process. “Everyone loves manatees, and most people enter the environmental field to help something bigger than themselves,” explains Jessica. “Having iconic animals like manatees and sea turtles associated with marine grass restoration helps the public connect with the cause. People may not always understand the importance of marine grasses, but when you say turtles and manatees depend on them, the support grows”. As long as the Eelgrass has a solid base, it’s perfectly fine for these animals to trim the Eelgrass naturally. Fish also help by keeping epiphytic coverage in check, promoting healthy Eelgrass growth. However, the presence of endangered species complicates the restoration process. “Even though our work ultimately benefits them, the regulations around these species are strict, and navigating different agencies with varying rules can be a challenge. Projects can face lengthy delays, and by the time permits are granted, the ecosystem could collapse.

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Over $40 million has been invested in restoring Crystal River, covering over 111 acres of cleaned and replanted waters. While areas like the center of Kings Bay and parts of the downriver system still need attention, much of the restored ecosystem has already shown resilience, weathering hurricanes and other challenges. The project’s success owes much to community involvement—schoolchildren writing letters and volunteers marching to Tallahassee to support the cause. “It’s this strong local support that truly sets this project apart,” says Jessica Mailliez, highlighting the importance of grassroots efforts in driving environmental change.

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A special thanks to Jessica Mailliez, Environmental Manager at Sea & Shoreline, for taking the time to share her expertise and insights into the marine grass restoration process. Her valuable knowledge and willingness to be interviewed has greatly contributed to raising awareness and understanding of our vital ecosystems.

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Garrett Hickman | Photography Intern

Garrett is a Marine Science and Animal studies student, with a minor in Documentary Film at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg. A Floridian from Crystal River, Garrett has always been immersed in the nature coast, at several places throughout the Florida Wildlife Corridor. His deep knowledge and passion for the environment lead him to pursue several outreach positions throughout his career, from environmental education of the public, to education in the classroom, he has always aimed to spread knowledge about Florida’s vital ecosystems. Garrett’s photography over the years has brought him all across the state, capturing images of Florida’s beautiful and crucial ecosystems, aiming to spread a message of conservation.