Mote Marine Lab’s coral scientists joined Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserve staff to locate and map some hard corals in the Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve for future genetic sampling. One of the species does not fit either of the two local species in its genus. It may be a different species altogether. Four species of hard corals were observed on Tampa Bay hardbottom during this field visit with future collaborations planned.

Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserve staff worked with University of South Florida hydrologists to set up water quality monitoring instruments on a piling in Bishop Harbor (Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve). This datasonde station will provide ongoing water quality for one of the least-developed areas of Tampa Bay.  Such data can be valuable when compared with similar data from other, more urbanized, locations in the same watershed.

In a heavily urbanized area like Tampa Bay, there is a unique advantage to easily experience local habitats at their finest by taking a drive across the Skyway Bridge or traveling a short distance south from Tampa. Visitors who kayak through the extensive mangrove forests and tidal creeks are often mesmerized by the natural beauty and feel they have been transported from Tampa Bay.