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The 2024 Nekton Index results are in! This report card for populations of fish and select invertebrates in Tampa Bay shows that nekton communities remained relatively stable throughout 2024.
The bay is split into four segments for the index: Old Tampa Bay, Hillsborough Bay, Middle Tampa Bay, and Lower Tampa Bay. In 2024, three of the four segments were in a cautionary, or yellow, status. The fourth, Lower Tampa Bay, was in a “stay the course”, or green, status, which reflects high diversity and abundance of species.
Since 2023, there were slight declines in the statuses in Old Tampa Bay and Middle Tampa Bay and an improvement in the status of Lower Tampa Bay. Lower Tampa Bay has the highest seagrass coverage since 1988, possibly contributing to its higher score. Although its score in the index decreased in 2024, the lowest scores recorded for Hillsborough Bay were during colder months and in areas without seagrasses. In other words, at both times and places we’d expect less nekton.
Want to see the status of our fish and invertebrate populations improve? Help restore their habitat! On December 20, you can Give-A-Day for the Bay by installing “oyster rag pots” in the Manatee River. Oyster reefs not only improve water quality, but they also create habitat for other species. Learn more about the volunteer event on our website. Can’t make it? Keep an eye on our calendar of events for future opportunities.
| | Results of the 2024 Nekton Index at individual sites (colored circles) and by segment (colored polygons). The status of a site or segment is shown by color: green indicates "stay the course", yellow indicates "caution", and red indicates "on alert". Learn more about these statuses on our website. | | |
TBEP Has a New Science Communication Coordinator
Tampa Bay Estuary Program welcomed Michelle McEachern (Mick-ECK-urn) in late October after the previous Science Communication Coordinator, Carly Jones, departed for a new position at the University of Tennessee. Michelle brings over eight years of experience communicating science and engaging with audiences on ecological topics including complex conservation and management efforts, like Everglades restoration.
Although she now resides just over the Florida-Georgia line, Michelle is no stranger to Tampa Bay. An Eckerd college graduate, Michelle earned her degree in marine science and environmental studies while immersed in Tampa Bay's ecosystems. After graduating, she moved to South Florida where she spent 12 years working–and living–in the Everglades. Most recently, Michelle worked for the U.S. Geological Survey as a public affairs specialist covering the bureau’s Ecosystems Mission Area.
After 15 years away, Michelle is very excited to roll up her sleeves and dive back into all things Tampa Bay. She will use her unique background and the skills she’s mastered along the way to engage the people of Tampa Bay and beyond and inspire them to be good stewards of the watershed.
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TBERF-funded Project Honored With Hillsborough Planning Award
Congratulations to Ecosphere Restoration Institute and the Tampa Electric Company for receiving an Award of Outstanding Contribution for the Newman Branch Creek Living Shoreline and Tidal Creek Restoration Project! Presented by Plan Hillsborough, the award recognizes groups and projects that use outstanding design and planning to improve the quality of life in our community.
The Newman Branch Creek Living Shoreline/Tidal Creek Restoration Project—funded, in part, by the Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund—restored 550 feet of eroded creek bank using nature-based shoreline stabilization techniques and removed nonnative vegetation from 8 acres of upland habitat. “I was thrilled to hear that this project was bestowed with this award as it achieves multiple benefits ranging from, shoreline stabilization, generating ecosystem services, and it provides an example for nearby waterfront residents on what these living shorelines can look like,” said Ecosphere President Tom Ries.
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Tampa Bay Debris Derby
It’s back! The Tampa Bay Debris Derby returns December 6, 2025 at E.G. Simmons Park. Compete for the title of “Debris Derby Heavyweight Champion” and to take home exciting prizes all while helping to keep the waters of Tampa Bay healthy.
Sponsored by Power-Pole, Tampa Bay Waterkeeper, Skinny Water Culture, Ocean Aid 360, and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, this annual trash collection tournament makes cleaning up hundreds of pounds of garbage from the bay fun and rewarding.
How does it work? Collect trash from anywhere in Tampa Bay, either by water or land. You’ll earn one raffle ticket for each bag of trash or large item weighed in, which can be used for prizes provided by our amazing sponsors. The more trash you collect, the more chances you have to win! Last year, our generous sponsors provided over $20,000 worth of prizes and this year their contribution is just as impressive!
Spots are limited so gather your team and sign up now! Learn more about the event on our website.
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King Tides and Sea Level Rise
The highest high tide of the year happened the morning of November 9 for Tampa Bay. Did you notice any coastal flooding while going about your business that day?
Known as king tides, the tides from September to December are more extreme with higher highs and lower lows than other times of the year. The high tides during this period give us a preview of what our coastlines will look like as sea level rise progresses. They also give us an opportunity to understand the coastal communities and ecosystems that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
To help everyone prepare, scientists use computer modeling to predict how our coastlines will change with continued sea level rise. These “projections”, as they are called, come in many forms, but often show different possible futures based on the predicted amount of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere by a given year. They can also be tailored to specific regions.
In fact, in June of this year, the Tampa Bay Climate Science Advisory Panel updated recommended projections for the Tampa Bay region. By using the same local projections, scientists and community managers can work together more cohesively with a more detailed understanding of the potential impacts in our area.
How we choose to respond to the impacts of climate change is no easy feat. That’s where you come in!
You can help scientists “ground-truth” climate change predictions and community managers understand and plan for future impacts. Take photos of high and low tides during king tides and contribute them to the King Tides Project, an international effort to document and study king tides, by posting them on social media and using the hashtag #kingtides.
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Media Recommendation
Tomorrow’s Catch: Securing Our Future Fisheries is a new digital series from the American Fisheries Society that takes viewers behind the scenes of the science and stories shaping the future of our waters. The series spans topics from watershed restoration to invasive species management and showcases the people and innovations that help fisheries and the communities that rely on them continue to thrive.
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Hillsborough County Hiking Spree | Nov 1 - Mar 31
The 10th annual hiking spree has begun! Get out and hike at least eight trails in Hillsborough County to participate and earn rewards.
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The Big Cleanup Clearwater | Nov 14 - 22
Clean up your favorite park with Keep Pinellas Beautiful at Clearwater's largest community-wide cleanup event.
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Our Water, Our Future: A Vision for Florida's Coastlines |
Nov 19
Join local experts, including TBEP Assistant Director, Maya Burke, for an evening of learning about their vision for Florida’s coastlines.
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Pints of Science: Water! What is it good for? | Nov 19
Hear from leading experts in water reuse during an evening of science, innovation, and engaging conversation dedicated to water.
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Green Infrastructure Workshop | Nov 20
This online workshop will feature expert speakers, a review of the Pinellas County Stormwater Manual, and practical guidance to help you implement green infrastructure in your upcoming projects.
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Connecting Community and Science for Florida's Future |
Dec 3-4
Join scientists and the public to celebrate Florida’s coastal and estuarine ecosystems, including tours, aquarium visits, and boat rides.
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Tampa Bay Debris Derby | Dec 6
Join us to clean trash from Tampa Bay! The more trash you collect, the more tickets you earn. Raffle tickets can be used for prizes provided by our amazing sponsors.
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Give-A-Day for the Bay: Oyster Rag Pot Installation | Dec 20
Make lasting memories this holiday season by helping to create an oyster reef in the Manatee River to enhance local oyster habitat and promote coastal resilience.
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Florida State Fish Art Content | Feb 28
Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can compete in this free contest to win state and national honors and prizes. The contest is open until February 28, 2026.
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The mission of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program is to build partnerships to restore and protect Tampa Bay through implementation of a scientifically sound, community-based management plan.
TBEP is a partnership of Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco and Pinellas counties; the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and Clearwater; the Southwest Florida Water Management District; the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
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