On Collier County beaches, particularly Seagate, beachgoers have been puzzled by a filamentous material resembling spaghetti. Many expressed concerns about its safety but were reassured by Professor James Douglas from Florida Gulf Coast University, who identified it as manatee grass. This material, bleached by the sun, often confuses beach visitors because it looks vastly different from its original form. Douglas explained that the presence of this sea grass could indicate both healthy growth and possible die-off events in the ecosystem, leading to excess blades washing ashore. Despite initial concerns, beachgoers found the phenomenon intriguing, with many not letting it ruin their day. Douglas noted that this “sea spaghetti” is a common food for manatees and turtles.
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