Just hooked a bird? Don't panic.
Hooking a pelican (or any seabird) can be stressful, often resulting in a knee-jerk reaction like cutting the line. While that might seem like the quickest fix in the heat of the moment, that line stays with the bird, causing entanglement, which can lead to starvation and dehydration.
Scroll to the bottom of this email
to watch YouTube user and Sarasota fisher Fixin’ To Fail demonstrate how to properly (and calmly) handle a hooked bird.
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Kerry will be working with partners to support habitat restoration, design research and monitoring projects, and identify relevant ecological indicators for success. Previously, as a marine fisheries research scientist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Kerry spent 18 years studying fish community dynamics and how different life stages of fish use estuarine and coastal habitats. Kerry holds a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Florida State University and an M.S. in Biology/Coastal Zone Studies from the University of West Florida. Kerry spends her free time camping, kayaking, and hiking with her husband and two sons.
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Piney Point Monitoring Update |
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The recently released update summarizes monitoring findings prior to, during, and following the removal of ~4.5 million gallons of accumulated stormwater from an onsite storage pond and its release into Tampa Bay near Port Manatee between 8/13 and 8/25. Key observations and future efforts can be found by clicking the links provided below.
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Members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida recently set out to document their ancestor’s experience on Egmont Key in the 1800s when the U.S. Army used the island to imprison Seminole captives. But, as sea level rise and shoreline erosion continues to shrink the island, their window to document their history is closing.
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Keep Pinellas Beautiful Launches
Youth Advisory Council
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KPB is accepting applications from Tampa Bay residents (9th-12th grade) interested in becoming environmental leaders in their communities, boosting their resumes, and contributing to the implementation of youth-led, regional conservation initiatives.
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Ocean Sweep Trash Collection Tournament | Oct. 22 |
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Join us for the trashiest tournament in town as we help to create a trash-free Tampa Bay. Compete for prizes in the waterside cleanup by boat, SCUBA, kayak, or other vessel or by foot during the shoreside cleanup at Bartlett Park. Free lunch at Mullet's Fish Camp.
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FWC to host the Florida State Fish Art Contest
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), in partnership with Wildlife Forever, is excited to announce that the 25th Anniversary Fish Art Contest is now open. Students in kindergarten through 12th grade can compete in this free contest to win state and national honors and prizes. This program inspires creativity while developing the next generation of anglers and conservationists.
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Florida Birding and Nature Festival | Oct. 20-23
A local favorite–The Florida Birding & Nature Festival is back with four days of field and boat trips, expert seminars, keynote speakers, and a great free nature expo.
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Estuary Info Paddles | Oct. 25
Tampa Bay Waterkeeper and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program are teaming up to host a special series of kayak tours of the beautiful Shell Key Preserve. Paddle with TBWK and TBEP staff. Learn about the issues facing our watershed and how you can get involved!
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Living Shoreline Volunteer Event at SPC STEM | Oct. 29
The SPC STEM Center team is looking for volunteers to help deploy a pallet and plywood bridge system, deposit ~400 oyster bags and rubble into Hurricane Hole, and plant ~400 Spartina plants gathered from the FWC ponds in Apollo Beach. Don't forget your closed-toe shoes! The day will kick off around 9 am and continue through the outgoing low tide until about 11 am. You can grab more details and let the SPC team know of your plans to attend by emailing Erica Moulton at the link below.
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Bays And Bayous Symposium | Jan. 24-25, 2023
The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program and partners invite you to join them in the historic city of Mobile, Alabama to share information on the status of research, monitoring activities, on-the-ground restoration, citizen actions, and education focused on the health of our coastal environment. This two-day event will include presentations and discussions by local resource managers, scientists, and active participants in watershed stewardship who will share our latest understanding of the condition of the lands, waters, and living resources of the northern Gulf of Mexico.
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Source Water Protection Mini-grant Program
(Tampa Bay Water)
$30,000 in grant money will be made available to help fund projects and events by local community groups, nonprofit groups, schools, and universities. Grants range from $2,000 to $10,000 for activities that help protect regional drinking water sources and the ecosystem.
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Coastal Acidification and Mangroves
SOCAN Townhall Recording
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A virtual Townhall Meeting discussing the relationship between coastal acidification and mangroves, coordinated by the Southeast Coastal Ocean Observing Regional Association. Guest speakers included Dr. Tyler Cyronak and Dr. Gloria Reithmaier.
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Red Tide in Florida (Animation) |
What is red tide, how does it affect the health of the environment and ourselves, and what are we doing to monitor it here in Florida? The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission breaks it down in a brand new animated summary.
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In this case, the bird was not seriously wounded, so immediately releasing it was the right move. If the bird was injured, lethargic, or had swallowed the hook, it should be taken to a veterinarian or wildlife rehabilitator. One of the best ways to stop this from happening altogether is by not feeding bait fish to birds. Doing so decreases their natural fear of humans, making them more likely to approach dangerous situations, like a dock busy with fishing enthusiasts.
We appreciate folks like this that help us protect the bay and enjoy it at the same time! #DontCutTheLine
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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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