TAMPA - On September 18, 2003, Peter Clark and Chris Sutton of Tampa Bay Watch met with Rudy Fernandez of the Davis Islands Civic Association and Ralph Labarta of the Davis Islands Waterfront Property Association (DIWPA).  The discussion centered around applying the techniques and knowledge of Tampa Bay Watch in improving the environmental and aesthetic quality of the low lying waterfront areas of the Seaplane Basin.

A nonprofit organization established in 1993, Tampa BayWatch performs a variety of habitat restoration and protection activities throughout the area, utilizing thousands of volunteers to help the bay recover from its environmental problems. Individuals of all ages from community groups, scout troops, schools and others participate in salt marsh plantings, storm drain markings, oyster bar creation, coastal cleanups, and wildlife protection each year, demonstrating environmental stewardship in its purest form.

DIWPA's goal was to identify potential areas ideal for restoration and to understand how Tampa Bay Watch's efforts could be supported in order to promote a restoration project on the island.  The survey focused on the following areas:

• Seawall Areas - The shallow waters adjacent to the seawalls provide an excellent environment for "reef balls."  Reef balls provide a structure that offers a haven for oysters and fish life to propagate.  A similar project has been completed along the Bayshore seawall.
   
• Beach Areas - Areas of the beach not used for swimming provide an opportunity for Salt Marsh grasses to grow and provide a habitat for juvenile fish.  A similar project has been partially completed as part of the City's effort to improve the beach areas.
   
• Exposed Rock Areas - Rocky shoreline consisting of construction debris used to stabilize the seashore provides an opportunity for Mangrove and Salt Marsh grasses to take root and provide a healthier habitat for birds and marine life.

The project will require further study and survey steps including consideration of all necessary state and city permitting requirements.

To learn more about these projects, please visit the Tampa Bay Watch website www.tampabaywatch.org or see Bayshore Boulevard Reef Installation.