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* Click images to view enlargements
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The Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserve’s manager Randy Runnels (FDEP) informed the management group of their long term commitment in the preservation of many habitats throughout the area. |
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The participants left the catamaran behind and rode a bus to Terra Ceia Aquatic Buffer and Preserve. This portion of the field trip showcased extensive wetland ecology research. |
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Carole McIvor (USGS/BRD) a fish ecologist highlighted the fauna associated with various habitats throughout the area. She displayed capture techniques and presented management with several species of estuarine fishes to view. |
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Tom J. Smith (USGS/BRD), a mangrove ecologist, gave an overview of his vegetation analysis. He explained the use of permanent vegetation plots as a tool for collecting biomass, mortality rate and growth rate data. |
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Sarah Kruse (USF) assisted by Jason Greenwood (USGS/GD) illustrated how resistivity measurements have been used throughout the estuary to measure ground conductivity. Management was able to see how electromagnetic coils are used to determine soil salinities over a large area. |
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The scientists and managers boarded the buses for a short ride back home across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. |
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Their brief tour of Tampa Bay was only a small portion of the extensive research that has been performed and that is planned for the future of Tampa Bay. |
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Understanding processes of one of the largest estuaries in the Gulf of Mexico is an enormous under taking which requires the collaboration of numerous research agencies. |
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The scientists and managers were shown a glimpse of the diverse scientific elements that have been integrated as a resource for restoration and management of the Tampa Bay estuary.
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