Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

We're hiring! The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is seeking a Science and Restoration Manager to coordinate SBEP’s scientific and coastal restoration activities. The successful candidate will have a high level of technical knowledge related to natural resources, the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, and work effectively alongside a team. Apply by 4 pm (EST) on Monday, July 22, 2024.

Did you know that Florida has four National Estuary Programs? This week, the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, the Coastal & Heartland National Estuary Program, and the Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program convened as the Florida Estuaries Alliance. The Alliance provides a forum for discussion, collaboration, and identification of opportunities for Florida's estuaries. There is no place quite like Florida and no ecosystem quite like an estuary. Together, we are reminded of how important our shared missions are to the water, wildlife, and communities in the Sunshine State.

Out sampling fish populations in Sarasota Bay this morning. Mostly pinfish, but also sheepshead and puffers and grey snapper and a nice redfish! Managing pollutant loads off our watershed allows for the preservation and restoration of pollution-sensitive habitats. Those habitats, in turn, help maintain our fish populations. Thanks to the great folks at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for collecting this important information. #sarasotabay #waterquality #fish

Our spring newsletter is here! Read about new research on red tide, trends in bay health, artificial reef deployments, and more. https://conta.cc/4bstIpN

SBEP's Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is comprised of Sarasota and Manatee County residents who share our love for Sarasota Bay. They assist our program in developing public campaigns, projects, and priorities. Earlier this week, the CAC joined SBEP and the Director of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Dr. Randy Wells, for a boat tour of Sarasota Bay. We spotted a dolphin, sea turtle, and Roseate Spoonbills. Before the boat tour, the CAC met to discuss how SBEP could collaborate with local bait shops to raise awareness about the threats of wildlife entanglement, specifically from braided fishing lines. Interesting in joining the CAC? Email us at info@sarasotabay.org to learn more.

🌳🚣♀️🐦 Calling all Manatee County Residents with a passion for preserving critical wildlife habitat! Manatee County accepting applicants for an “At-Large” member on the Environmental Lands Management and Acquisition Committee (ELMAC). The Environmental Lands Program has been working on implementation of the community-initiated Conservation and Parks Projects Referendum that was approved by voters authorizing millions of dollars for the acquisition, improvement and management of land to protect natural resources and provide parks. This citizen’s advisory committee makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on environmental land acquisition and management issues, including recreational planning and programming of public lands. ELMAC also serves as the Tree Advisory Board to promote awareness of the County-wide tree canopy and tree education programs. Applications for this At-Large appointment will be accepted from March 22 through April 19, 2024, and can be found here. The only requirement for this position is that the applicant resides in Manatee County. ELMAC typically meets on the first Monday of every other month at 6:00 pm in the Manatee Room at 1112 Manatee Ave W, in Bradenton. Application and more information about the ELMAC can be found here: https://lnkd.in/e8g-A2k6

You asked and we answered! Check out our most recent Q&A.

Have you been out on the bay lately and noticed something unusual? Seeking to better understand a scientific topic? Wondering what the future holds for our bay? Ask us about it! Type your question in the comments or send us a message. Responses will be shared next week.

The 2023 Sarasota Bay Ecosystem Health Report Card results are in! Overall, the bay's water quality is improving. Thank you to our local, regional, state, and federal agencies, and an informed and engaged public for investing the time and resources needed to bring about this bay-wide recovery. Read more at: https://lnkd.in/eW6tMzPQ

Last year, SBEP awarded a Bay Partners Grant to the Multicultural Health Institute and Wayne Adventures to support a health and wellness program for veterans, especially those dealing with PTSD. The program takes participants kayaking in various locations while integrating paddle cleanups, mindfulness, and mental health resources. Free trips are scheduled for April 13, May 11, and June 8. Veterans with PTSD are encouraged to contact Lou Murray at 941-524-7618 for information on how to join. Not a veteran but interested in learning more about mental health resources for veterans, including a mental health first aid course? Contact Wayne Douchkoff at wdouchkoff@aol.com to get connected.