Reckless boaters that operate a vessel outside a marked channel and cause intentional prop scarring to seagrasses could see fines up to $1,000. The measure passed in the Florida Senate as the latest legislative session adjourned Friday. The seagrass protection bill (HB 7059) is aimed at protecting aquatic preserves such as Rookery Bay in Naples, and those in the Ten Thousand Islands.

Penalties for damaging seagrass start at $50 for a first violation, $250 for a second violation within one year, $500 for a third violation occurring within 36 months of a previous conviction, and $1,000 for a fourth or subsequent offense.

An original proposal made scarring seagrasses a criminal offense. The final version lessened penalties to non-criminal, favored by marine industry representatives. Boating representatives, environmentalists and state officials collaborated to help create the final measure.

Some environmental groups, such as Audubon of Florida, said the measure is a good first step toward protecting seagrass meadows, but could have gone further by expanding the area under protection, reported the Naples Daily News. A dubious, last-minute amendment to the bill that allows the Cabinet to authorize seagrass mitigation banks was opposed by Audubon.

Seagrasses are vital as habitat for juvenile inshore and offshore fish species.