Tampa Bay's Estuary Program Receives Prestigious Award

More than 9,000 acres of seagass has been restored to the bay.

TAMPA -- The prestigious Partnership Award in the 2011 Gulf Guardian awards, which is sponsored by the Gulf of Mexico Program, was given to the Estuary Program’s Nitrogen Management Consortium.

Although projects throughout the Gulf of Mexico were nominated, TBEP’s Nitrogen Consortium received the award due to their noteworthy accomplishments of a public-private alliance in reducing nitrogen pollution in the Tampa Bay from wastewater, storm water, air emissions and industrial discharges. The Gulf Guardian Award judges coined the Nitrogen Management Consortium as a model of cooperative watershed management for the entire Gulf of Mexico region.

The 40-plus members of the Consortium include cities and counties throughout the region as well as key industries that impact the bay such as fertilizer manufacturers, utilities and agricultural operations. Their efforts have lead to the recovery of more than 9,000 acres of life-sustaining seagrasses in the bay. 

Restoring seagrass growth in the bay is important because seagrasses add many benefits to the ecosystem such as creating fishing grounds, wave protection, oxygen production and protection against coastal erosion.

"The collaborative approach embodied by the Consortium is unique in the country, as recognized by this prestigious award," said Holly Greening, TBEP Executive Director. "Congratulations and thanks to all Consortium participants!"
   
A three-minute video is in the works this month, where a video production company will come to Tampa and document the Consortium. The movie will be released during the Gulf Guardian Awards ceremony, which will be held in New Orleans in August.