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On the Mend!
After several years of losses, Tampa Bay saw seagrass increases for the first time since 2016! From 2022 to 2024, seagrasses throughout Tampa Bay increased by 5%. With our new total of 31,544 acres, we’re closer to our goal of 40,000 acres baywide.
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The majority of these increases occurred in Hillsborough Bay, which almost tripled in acreage! On the other end of the bay, Lower Tampa Bay is also thriving, achieving record high coverage.
In contrast, Old Tampa Bay continued to see losses, reaching a new historic low. Nutrient pollution in that area is fueling algae blooms and making it hard for seagrasses to grow.
It is important to note that this data was collected before the 2024 hurricane season, when Tampa Bay was affected by Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton.
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“It can be easy to fixate on the negative, especially when it comes to the environment.” expressed Maya Burke, assistant director for TBEP, “but Tampa Bay has been, and continues to be, a remarkable story of success. Our story may not be simple - with this year's results showing both record high seagrass coverage in Lower Tampa Bay and record lows in Old Tampa Bay - but we do know how to work together for a better Tampa Bay.”
If you haven’t seen these beautiful seagrass meadows for yourself, grab your mask and snorkel and get out in the bay! Check our social media for some hot spots to see the amazing ecosystems these seagrasses support.
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Teamwork Makes the Stream Work
Last month, we invited locals to a Trek and Chat at the Boyd Hill freshwater wetland restoration. Everyone got to explore the site while learning how a simple shift in natural channel design can make a big difference for water quality.
Why does natural channel design matter? Picture this: a deep, straight ditch zooming water straight into Lake Maggiore like a waterslide. It may sound fun, but not so much for the environment. Fast-moving water erodes banks, prevents native plants from growing, and skips the natural filtration that wetland plants are so good at. Instead, transform that deep ditch into a wide and winding stream. By slowing things down and letting water flow over the landscape, native vegetation gets a chance to grow and do its magic — soaking up nutrients, preventing erosion, and becoming a functional habitat.
Despite appearances, natural streams can handle the same amount of water as man-made ditches. Even with heavy rain during Hurricane Milton, this stream was able to stay free from flooding. Imagine the benefits if Tampa Bay’s local governments applied this approach to more flood control projects!
The Boyd Hill project kicked off in 2017 thanks to a collaboration between the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the City of St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. The goal? Restore and revitalize roughly 40 acres of freshwater and upland habitats. Every drop of runoff from this area flows into Lake Maggiore and eventually heads to Tampa Bay, so healthier streams and wetlands create a healthier bay.
Construction completed earlier this year, followed by a year of plant maintenance. We’re thrilled to see this wetland restoration flourish. Stay tuned for updates and maybe we’ll catch you at the next Trek and Chat!
Join us for our next experiential education event
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Pier Pressure
Have you heard about pelican entanglements at the Skyway Fishing Pier? It’s been a hot topic, but thanks to a new study from TBEP, we’ve got some insights into when and where our feathered friends are most at risk of getting tangled in fishing lines — plus, what anglers think about the issue.
The good news? It’s not all gloom and doom! Turns out, 53% of anglers are concerned about pelican deaths. Even better, over 60% are on board with solutions like educational videos and stricter enforcement to protect our seabirds. That’s a win-win for wildlife and anglers alike.
The study also identified different types of anglers, based on how much they know about disentangling pelicans and how concerned they are about bird safety. With this info, experts can craft targeted messages to help all anglers adopt seabird-safe fishing habits.
The goal is to get more people using seabird-friendly fishing practices at Tampa Bay’s piers — making these areas safe for pelicans and fun for anglers.
Read the study
| | Photo by Hillsborough Transit Authority | | |
Bay is Bussin'
Want to help improve water quality in Tampa Bay? One easy way is by reducing your nitrogen footprint! According to the EPA, most residents’ most polluting daily activity is driving their car. Vehicles release nitrogen into the atmosphere that can affect waterbodies through a process called atmospheric deposition. When it returns to the earth, it becomes a major source of nitrogen pollution into Tampa Bay. Once in the water, nitrogen fuels algae growth, which blocks sunlight and makes it hard for seagrasses to grow.
Don’t worry, you can still get where you need to go and help the environment at the same time. Choosing the bus reduces nitrogen (and CO2) emissions and leads to healthier air and cleaner water in Tampa Bay. And here’s some great news: Starting January 5, 2025, Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority's Route 1 is offering free rides for a year! Thanks to Councilmember (and TBEP Policy Board member) Lynn Hurtak’s initiative, public transit is now more accessible than ever.
Skip the stress of driving, avoid traffic, and enjoy more time to relax, read, or catch up on tasks. Hop on Route 1 and experience the benefits yourself!
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Earth Month
Join us for Earth Month Tampa Bay, a time to celebrate and protect this amazing planet we call home. Earth Month Tampa Bay is inspired by Dr. Jane Goodall, who launched Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots to inspire young people to make a positive difference for people, other animals, and our shared environment. Throughout April, environmental organizations across Tampa Bay are hosting over 50 opportunities to get out in nature and take action for our local environment. Visit Earth Month Tampa Bay - Roots & Shoots to find an event near you!
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DEP Annual Open House
Join the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (FDEP) Southwest District for its Annual Open House on April 3, 2025. Drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to meet the district team and learn about FDEP's programs. Attendance is free and open to the public. During the event, you can participate in training sessions to learn more about FDEP’s programs and online resources.
Register now: 2025 Southwest District Open House RSVP
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Pinellas County Seeks Public Input
Pinellas County has been awarded $813,783,000 to support long-term recovery from Hurricane Idalia in 2023, and Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. These funds can help rebuild homes and businesses, provide rental assistance, restore damaged infrastructure and address other critical community needs. Pinellas County’s storm recovery funds will serve residents in all cities countywide except for the City of St. Petersburg, which received its own allocation.
The County has launched an online survey and will host a series of public meetings in April and May to help inform and finalize an Action Plan. A new website, recover.pinellas.gov will be the hub for information about storm recovery programs and the public input process, as well as resources currently available to help people recover.
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Earth Month Tampa Bay | Apr 1 - Apr 30
Throughout April, environmental organizations across Tampa Bay are hosting over 50 opportunities to get out in nature and take action for our local environment.
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DEP Annual Open House | Apr 3
Drop in anytime between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to meet the district team and learn about the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's programs.
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Earth Expo | Apr 5
Celebrate our planet at New World Tampa with education, exhibitors, games, giveaways, music, and more.
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#Creekshed Map Launch | Apr 22
USF Libraries will be launching a new #Creekshed map, asking — "what are the human and natural stories that drain into the Gulf of Mexico?" The launch will feature readings by Diane Roberts, Julie Armstrong, and Gary Mormino.
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Respect Your Mother | Apr 26
Celebrate Earth Day with the Respect Your Mother event at Hillsborough River State Park. Enjoy guided tours, live music, and food trucks.
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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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