To Hit Oyster Restoration Targets, TBEP & Partners Lean on a New Habitat Suitability Index
Evidence of Tampa Bay’s once abundant oyster beds and their importance to the livelihood of the region’s indigenous populations can be seen in the numerous mounds of shells—also known as middens—scattered along the shorelines of Tampa Bay. Through observation over the years, we’ve come to recognize the role oysters fill as ecosystem engineers. In other words, they build reefs, providing critical ecosystem services to our coastal communities and safe havens for other invertebrates and small fish. They even increase water clarity by filtering the water around them. And of course, they fill an important spot on the food chain as sustenance for fish and birds.
Before we understood their importance, Tampa Bay’s oysters were diminished in the mid-1900s due to dredge and fill construction, altered freshwater flows, and a loss of adequate substrate (a hard surface oysters can grow upon) as dredged shell was used to create roads. This sparked an increased implementation of oyster restoration projects by many partners in the Bay beginning in the early 2000s. More recently, oyster restoration has seen additional support as an effective component in the creation of “Living Shorelines.” The need for continued oyster restoration is reflected in TBEPs new Habitat Master Plan Update, which established a target of creating 50 more acres of oyster reefs in the next decade.
But with a target that’s three times greater than the oyster restoration in Tampa Bay over the past 20 years, hitting it will require strategically identifying locations within the bay that have the best chance for restoration. The success potential of oysters is defined by environmental factors including sediment type, salinity, and depth, while existing seagrass beds and boating channels help identify areas that are less suitable. The new Habitat Suitability Index (HSI) turns these factors into data layers, creating a mapped scoring system to indicate the best possible locations for oyster restoration.
To learn more about how the HSI was made or to view the suitability map, head over to the Tampa Bay Wateratlas website or reach out to TBEP Ecologist Gary Raluerson.
Meet the TBEP Team
We’re not sure if you’ve heard, but the TBEP team has seen a few new faces in recent years. Head over to our new website’s “Who We Are” page to get to know the team and learn a bit about what makes each TBEP staffer unique.
Center for Watershed Protection's Virtual Coastal & Island Conference Set for Nov. 16-17, 2020
Manatee County Referendum to Protect Water Quality, Water Resources, and Fish and Wildlife Habitat
On Nov. 3, 2020, Manatee County voters will have the opportunity to approve a referendum that will secure dedicated funding in the County to protect water quality, water resources, and fish and wildlife habitat. A recent Bradenton Herald article discusses the merits of the referendum, and also highlights several perspectives from area residents and organizations -- including the nonprofit Kids for Clean Water. The measure is consistent with the actions and activities identified in our 2017 CCMP Update.
This year’s Bay Mini-Grant application process saw an abundance of new faces, fresh ideas and inspiring strategies to enhance community participation in the restoration and protection of Tampa Bay. We’d like to take a second to thank each and every applicant for their hard work and encourage folks hearing about the program for the first time to stop by our“Apply For A Grant” page for more info. After all, it’s never too late to start thinking about your own Bay Mini-Grant proposal.
In Its 10th Year, St. Pete Science Fest Went Full Steam Ahead
True to its name, The St. Petersburg Science Festival embraced the power of experimentation this year, applying an innovative and virtual approach to connecting our community to the wonders of STEAM. By the end of its two day event, 3,345 students registered from 47 schools plus homeschooling. 1,300 STEAM kits were distributed to schools & 200 to families. The festival’s new website served 20 live demonstrations with up to 91 concurrent computers watching!
You and your family can enjoy this year’s incredible content anytime by visiting st.petescifest.org.
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November 14th Give-A-Day For The Bay with Keep Pinellas Beautiful
