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Every 3 years, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) completes its "State of the Bay Progress Report" showcasing the program’s progression towards its goals through project spotlights and up-to-date reports as they relate to TBEP's Program Priorities.
Curious about the health of Tampa Bay? The State of the Bay progress report summarizes the work of TBEP and its partners between 2019 and 2021. The report is organized around the organization's three program priorities: Clean Water & Sediments, Thriving Habitats & Abundant Wildlife, and an Informed, Engaged, Responsible, Community. Major successes, challenges, and project highlights are featured for each priority.
Here are 3 key takeaways from the 2022 report:
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Upper portions of Tampa Bay show clear indicators of stress. We need to refocus efforts to reduce nutrients and invest in projects that enhance water quality, like reducing nutrient inputs, improving tidal circulation, and conserving coastal habitats.
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As development continues to increase throughout the watershed, the amount of habitat available for restoration decreases. We need to act fast, capitalizing on the restoration opportunities that remain before they are lost to development in the coming years.
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A new crop of leaders advocating for the Bay's restoration has emerged over the past few years, thanks in part to the media's coverage of issues like Piney Point, red tide, and state-wide manatee mortalities. As a result, additional monetary resources are becoming available to support community-focused collaborations and bay improvement efforts.
The State of the Bay Progress report is available in print, digital, and interactive web formats. You can also download report graphics to tell your friends and family about the State of Tampa Bay!
The mission of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program is to build partnerships to restore and protect Tampa Bay through the 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.
For more information visit www.tbep.org or visit the link below to sign up to receive TBEP's monthly newsletter and to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved.
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