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Flamingos in Florida
Hurricane Idalia hit the west coast of Florida in late August, bringing with it a surprising visitor - flamingos! One such flamingo, Peaches, was rescued by the Seaside Seabird Sanctuary and released after a successful rehabilitation. Peaches was tagged with a band to provide scientists with location information about these displaced birds.
Peaches’ band has created some questions within the community, but Audubon Florida has provided information about the tagging process to clear up any confusion. Scroll to the bottom to find out more about this important research.
| Photo courtesy of Kara Cook/Audubon Florida | |
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Sawfish, Shorelines, Seagrass, and More!
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Are you interested in current research affecting Tampa Bay? We’ve got you covered! The proceedings from the 7th Bay Area Scientific Information Symposium (BASIS) are now available online. BASIS provides an opportunity to discuss and learn about recent research and restoration projects.
This was the first BASIS held jointly with the Association of National Estuary Programs, with representation from all 28 National Estuary Programs. The proceedings feature work across a variety of session topics, including:
1. Community-based science
2. The unseemly unseen: tracking contaminants in our bays and estuaries
3. Harmful algal blooms
4. Debris monitoring
5. Fish conservation, monitoring, and management
6. Shellfish
7. Planning for climate change
8. Coastal acidification
9. Development, growth, and land use change
10. Episodic and catastrophic events
11. Managing and mapping marine macrophytes
12. Ecosystem services
13. Novel restoration techniques
Research includes topics from clam restoration to shoreline impacts from ship wakes, and everything in between. Whatever your area of interest, the BASIS7 proceedings are sure to have something for you.
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Support Tampa’s Recycling Research | |
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Do you live or work in Tampa? The City of Tampa is currently conducting a study of recyclables collected from residents and businesses within the city, with an emphasis on ultimately cutting down on the percentage of contamination in its recycling bins.
The results of the surveys will help to guide education and City services where they are most needed.
Take the Commercial Survey here
Take the Residential Survey here
Your participation is greatly appreciated. The survey is open until October 16, 2023.
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Turning Waves into Wildlife: Eckerd's Seawall Makeover Gets a $350,000 Boost | |
Photo courtesy of Penh Alicandro '22/Eckerd College | |
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With funding from the Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund, Eckerd College is transforming part of its seawall into a living shoreline. The section of seawall will be replaced with sloped coastline and native plants.
This new shoreline serves multiple important purposes. It not only protects the campus from sea level rise and severe weather, but it also sets an example for the community and becomes a real-life learning environment.
Living shorelines are an alternative to seawalls or other hard structures. They use natural materials like native plants, sand, or rocks to create a barrier against waves and storm surges. They also help improve the quality of water and provide a better habitat for marine life. Unlike hard structures, living shorelines grow and develop over time.
Read more
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How Helpful are HAB Products? | |
International Coastal Cleanup | Oct. 7-Nov. 4 | |
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Keep Pinellas Beautiful is hosting cleanup events throughout Pinellas County from Oct. 7-Nov. 4. Visit the website to find the cleanup closest to you and do your part to maintain the beauty of our estuary!
Information
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Pints of Science | Oct. 11
This free lecture series features three esteemed area scientists sharing their current projects and passions during individual 20- minute segments followed by a Q&A session. This seated event offers the New World menu as well as a full cash bar. TBEP Program Scientist Dr. Marcus Beck is a featured speaker this month.
Information
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Mono Clean-a-Thon | Oct. 11
Tampa Bay Watch is recruiting volunteers to participate in a Mono Clean-a-Thon. They’ll be cleaning mono, or fishing line, by sorting through the used line to remove debris, then cutting out hooks and lures. The clean line will be contributed to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s statewide initiative for proper recycling and repurposing of used fishing line.
Sign Up
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Florida Birding & Nature Festival | Oct. 12- Oct. 15
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.
Information
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Master Gardener: Florida-Friendly Landscaping | Oct. 18
Delve into essential topics for creating and maintaining a beautiful and sustainable landscape in Florida. This online program will explore UF/IFAS recommended practices to help you achieve a Florida-Friendly landscape, such as choosing the right plants for varying sun and shade conditions, understanding fertilizer types and application tips, and more.
Information
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Tampa Bay Debris Derby | Nov. 4
Come on your own or gather your teams for an exciting on-water competition to collect marine debris and compete for the title of “Debris Derby Heavyweight Champion.” Not only will you be doing your part in maintaining a healthy Tampa Bay, but you’ll also have a chance to win fantastic prizes donated by Power-Pole, Costa Del Mar, and more!
Event Registration
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EPA Environmental Education Grants | Apply by Nov. 8
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is awarding $3.6 million for local environmental education projects that increase public awareness and knowledge about environmental issues. These funds will help communities create a more sustainable future while taking responsible actions toward the environment.
More information
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Source Water Protection Mini-Grants | Apply by Nov. 10
Tampa Bay Water offers the Source Water Protection Mini-grant Program with $30,000 in grant money 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. Applications are due November 10, 2023.
More information
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Tampa Bay Sierra Club Grant | Open Application
The Tampa Bay Sierra Club provides funding (up to $500) to approved individuals, groups, schools, and civic organizations to support endeavors which closely align or support the mission and goals of Sierra Club.
More information
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Marine Debris Challenge Competition | Apply by Mar. 27
Around $16M will be available to support innovative research to projects that address the prevention and removal of marine debris, with award periods of three years. Letters of intent must be submitted by January 31, 2024.
More information
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Marine Debris Community Action Coalitions | Apply by Mar. 5
Around $3M will be available to individual Sea Grant Programs to support the creation of coalitions and partnerships to address marine debris prevention and removal. Applications for this opportunity must be submitted through a Sea Grant Program, and partnerships are encouraged. Letters of intent must be submitted by December 14, 2023.
More information
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More than 1.2 million birds are safely banded each year in the US, as well as over 1,000 flamingos globally. The bands are specifically designed to ensure comfort and cause no health or well-being issues for the species. Although it may seem bulky, the band is not heavy, working off solar panels to prevent the need for a heavy battery.
The data scientists obtain from this transmitter will allow them to learn about the movements of these flamingos displaced from the storm and how they are faring outside of their natural habitat.
Learn more about Peaches and bird banding here: https://fl.audubon.org/news/answering-your-questions-about-flamingo-bands-and-trackers
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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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