Protect and Restore Our Bays Together

As Seagrass Awareness Month comes to a close, let’s take a moment to appreciate the many ways seagrass sustains our ecosystems! From protecting shorelines to supporting marine life, these underwater plants are essential for a thriving bay. #seagrassawarenessmonth #seagrass #sasjbep #standrewbay #stjosephbay

Small but tough, mud crabs are common residents of our bays, often hiding within oyster reefs, seagrass beds, and marshes. We frequently spot them during Vertical Oyster Garden monitoring, as they make their homes among the oysters! There are several species in the Florida Panhandle including the White-fingered or Harris Mud Crab and the Flatback Mud Crab. These little crabs have strong claws, often larger on one side, which help them crack open oysters and barnacles. Mud crabs play an important role in the estuarine ecosystem, both as predators and prey for larger fish, birds, and even other crabs. Next time you're exploring the shoreline or checking your VOG, keep an eye out for these little crustaceans! Photo Credit: Paulius Vaitiekūnas
#wildlifewednesday #mudcrab #sasjbep #standrewbay #stjosephbay #standrewbaywatershed #estuaryprogram #verticaloystergarden

Our watershed is home to a variety of lakes, each with unique characteristics and ecological importance. From coastal dune lakes to the Sandhill Lakes and Deer Point Lake, our freshwater reservoir, these water bodies support diverse wildlife, provide drinking water, and play a key role in our local hydrology. Swipe through to explore some of the lakes within the St. Andrew Bay Watershed! #watershed #sasjbep #standrewbaywatershed #standrewbay #stjosephbay #lakes