Lemon Bay Coastal Seminar:
Saving Seagrass to Save the World
Featuring Dr. Jim Fourqurean
We are thrilled to welcome national expert Dr. Jim Fourqurean for our February 5th installment of the Lemon Bay Coastal Seminar Series. As a Distinguished University Professor and Associate Director of the Institute of Environment at Florida International University in Miami, Dr. Fourqurean has spent decades studying the critical role seagrass meadows play in our global ecosystem.
Seagrasses are often called the “lungs of the sea,” but they are also one of our most potent weapons against climate change. Dr. Fourqurean’s research highlights Blue Carbon—the carbon dioxide captured and stored by the world’s ocean and coastal ecosystems.
- Carbon Sequestration: Seagrasses can store carbon in their roots and the soil up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests.
- Water Quality: These meadows act as natural filters, trapping sediments and absorbing excess nutrients to keep Lemon Bay clear.
- Biodiversity: They serve as vital nurseries for the fish, shrimp, and crabs that define Florida’s coastal economy.
Despite their importance, seagrasses are under threat. Join us to learn about the current state of Florida’s seagrass beds and what can be done to protect these “hidden forests” for future generations.
Reporter Angela McPhillips, from the Boca Beacon, interviewed Dr. Fourquarean in advance of his visit this week. You can read her very informative Spotlight article at this link: bocabeacon.com/in-the-spotlight-dr-jim-fourqurean/
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, February 5, 2026
- Location: Cape Haze Community Center, 180 Spyglass Alley, Placida, FL 33946
- 5:30 PM: Refreshments & Socializing
- 6:00 PM: Presentation & Q&A
Admission is free and open to the public. Come learn how saving our local seagrass is a vital step toward saving the world.
Photo credit: Steven Lutz/GRID-Arendal. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/