Seagrass scarring is caused by boats entering shallow waters, causing the propeller to come into contact with seagrasses. This creates damage as the propeller slashes into the bottom, where crucial root systems are.
Recovery and growth of seagrasses in these scarred areas takes years, and if the damage is repeated, the seagrass bed may never completely recover. In south Florida, over 30,000 acres of seagrass have been scarred by boat propellers.