Restoration of the Tampa Bay Ecosystem

Tampa Bay was designated an "estuary of national significance" by Congress in 1990, paving the way for development of a long-term blueprint for bay restoration through the Tampa Bay Estuary Program. A long-term restoration plan was made in restoring coastal wetlands and benthic habitats, including 1,000 hectares of seagrass beds; reducing the amount of nitrogen reaching bay waters from sources of pollution upstream; working with local government and industry representatives to reduce the impact from dredging activities; and developing a public outreach and education component that aims to create an informed and interested citizenry. This project is ongoing and encompasses plans for continuing restoration, including the restoration of 100 acres of low-salinity tidal marsh every five years.