Our Mission

Protecting Tampa Bay’s Waters, One Scholar at a Time

At Seagrass Scholars, our mission is to educate, inspire, and empower the next generation of environmental stewards through hands-on learning and marine conservation initiatives. We believe that fostering a deep connection between youth and their coastal environment is key to preserving Florida’s marine ecosystems for future generations.

Why Seagrass Matters

Seagrass meadows are the foundation of a thriving marine ecosystem, providing:

Habitat and Nursery Grounds

Shelter for marine life, including fish, manatees, and sea turtles.

Water Quality Improvement

Filtering pollutants and stabilizing sediment.

Carbon Sequestration

Absorbing carbon dioxide and helping combat climate change.

Erosion Protection

Protecting shorelines from storm surges and coastal erosion.

Yet, seagrass is disappearing at an alarming rate due to pollution, boat damage, and climate change. Through education and action, we can reverse this trend and protect these essential habitats.

How We Fulfill Our Mission

Education & Awareness

We provide engaging, science-based programs that bring marine conservation to life. Through school partnerships, workshops, and field experiences, we equip students with knowledge about seagrass ecosystems, marine biodiversity, and environmental stewardship.

Hands-On Conservation

We believe learning is best done in the field. Our Seagrass Stewards program allows students and volunteers to participate in restoration efforts—planting and monitoring seagrass beds to help restore Tampa Bay’s underwater meadows.

Community Engagement

Seagrass Scholars works alongside local schools, environmental organizations, and government agencies to promote conservation efforts. We host cleanups, eco-tours, and outreach events to involve the community in protecting Florida’s waters.

Inspiring the Next Generation

We’re cultivating a passion for marine science in young minds by offering mentorship, hands-on research opportunities, and environmental leadership training. By investing in today’s youth, we create tomorrow’s conservationists.

A Message from Our Founder

"Seagrass Scholars was born from a deep love for Florida’s waters and a belief that education is the most powerful tool for conservation. As someone who has spent years exploring our coastlines, I’ve seen firsthand how human impact has threatened these fragile ecosystems. But I’ve also seen the incredible power of young minds when they’re given the opportunity to learn, engage, and take action.

My goal is to not just teach environmental science, but to create experiences that spark a lifelong connection to our oceans. Every child who plants a blade of seagrass, kayaks through a thriving estuary, or watches a dolphin swim past has the potential to become an advocate for our waters.

Together, we can make a difference—one scholar, one seagrass meadow, and one small step at a time.”

— Katalin Espey, Founder & Executive Director