CHARTING the COURSE

The Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for Tampa Bay - Tampa Bay Estuary Program - May 2006
About Jack Berlin

Tampa Bay Estuary Program - About Prizm Share
action bay tampa program plan charting management
The Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for Tampa Bay - Tampa Bay Estuary Program - May 2006
About Jack Berlin

Tampa Bay Estuary Program - About Prizm Share
action bay tampa program plan charting management
T H E C O M P R E H E N S I V E C O N S E R V A T I O N
A N D M A N A G E M E N T P L A N F O R T A M P A B A Y
M A Y 2 0 0 6
CHARTING 
COURSEthe
 
TAMPA BAY ESTUARY PROGRAM
RICHARD ECKENROD
DIRECTOR
HOLLY GREENING
SENIOR PROGRAM SCIENTIST
NANETTE HOLLAND
PUBLIC OUTREACH COORDINATOR
MISTY CLADAS
PROJECT MANAGER
RON HOSLER
OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
LINDSAY CROSS
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSOCIATE
COLLEEN GRAY
OUTREACH ASSISTANT
WRITERS:
NANETTE HOLLAND
MARY KELLEY HOPPE
LINDSAY CROSS
THE PROGRAM OFFICE IS LOCATED AT:
100 8TH AVE. S.E.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL 33701
TELEPHONE  (727) 893-2765
FAX (727) 893-2767
TO EXPLORE TAMPA BAY ONLINE, VISIT US AT WWW.TBEP.ORG
CHARTING
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Charting 
the Course 
for 
Tampa Bay
May 2006
THE MISSION OF THE TAMPA BAY ESTUARY PROGRAM IS TO BUILD
PARTNERSHIPS TO RESTORE AND PROTECT TAMPA BAY THROUGH
IMPLEMENTATION OF A SCIENTIFICALLY SOUND, COMMUNITY-BASED
MANAGEMENT PLAN.
In memory of our friend and colleague, Roy G. Harrell, Jr., 
Tampa Bay Estuary Program Policy Board member (1992-1996), champion and
author of the landmark Interlocal Agreement for bay restoration
adopted in 1997.
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PREFACE
This first revision of Charting the Course encompasses the 2003-2008 timeframe. It
provides a look back at progress made in implementing the original goals and priorities
of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for Tampa Bay, and a look
ahead at updated bay restoration and protection strategies. Charting the Course is
intended to provide a flexible, evolving framework that can be adapted to the changing
needs of both the bay and the bay management community.
The Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) was established by Congress in 1991 to assist
the region in developing and implementing a comprehensive plan for bay improvement.
The Program is a partnership of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Florida
Department of Environmental Protection; Southwest Florida Water Management
District; Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee counties; and the cities of Tampa, St.
Petersburg and Clearwater. 
The revised Action Plans for bay improvement presented in this document reflect input
from bay managers, advocates, key industries and citizens from throughout the region.
The actions within this Plan were reviewed and refined by outside experts as well as
members of TBEPâ€™s Technical Advisory Committee and Community Advisory
Committee. Final Action Plans were approved by TBEPâ€™s Management and Policy
Boards over a 2-year period. We thank all the individuals who participated for their sub-
stantial insights and contributions.
The Tampa Bay Estuary Program invites your comments and participation as we contin-
ue to assist the region in charting the course for the future well-being of Tampa Bay.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
About the Tampa Bay Estuary Program  ..................................................VIII
About Charting the Course ..........................................................................IX
Partners of the Tampa Bay Estuary Program ................................................XI
State of the Bay ..............................................................................................1
Goals and Priorities for Tampa Bay ..............................................................18
Introduction to Action Plans (See complete index of Action Plans, page IV) ............20
Water & Sediment Quality Action Plan ....................................................22
Bay Habitats Action Plan ........................................................................75
Bay Fish & Wildlife Action Plan ............................................................96
Dredging & Dredged Material Management Action Plan ....................111
Spill Prevention & Response Action Plan ............................................115
Invasive Species Action Plan (New) ......................................................120
Public Education & Involvement Action Plan ......................................124
Public Access Action Plan  (New)..........................................................129
Implementation & Financing ......................................................................132
Research and Monitoring Priorities ............................................................138
General References ....................................................................................144
Glossary ......................................................................................................148
List of Acronyms ........................................................................................150
See Index of Action Plans, page IV.
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INDEX OF ACTION PLANS AND ACTIONS FOR TAMPA BAY 
WATER & SEDIMENT QUALITY
Actions to improve overall water quality:
WQ-1 Implement the Tampa Bay nitrogen management strategy . .23
WQ-2 Reduce pollution from recreational boaters  . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
New Action â€“ Includes Steps from TX-3, PH-3 & SP-3
Actions to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff:
SW-1 Continue support for Florida Yards & Neighborhoods 
Program and similar pollution prevention initiatives  . . . . ..30
SW-2 Assist businesses in implementing best management 
practices to reduce stormwater pollution, and develop model 
landscaping guidelines for commercial use  . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
SW-3 Encourage local governments to adopt integrated pest 
management policies and implement environmentally 
beneficial landscaping practices  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
SW-4 Reduce impervious paved surfaces  
Action Retired- Incorporated into SW-10
SW-5 Require older properties being redeveloped to meet 
current stormwater treatment standards for that portion 
of the site being redeveloped
Action Retired- Incorporated into SW-10
SW-6 Promote compact urban development and redevelopment
Action Retired â€“ Incorporated into SW-10
SW-7 Enforce and require the timely completion of the 
consent order for the cleanup of fertilizer facilities in 
the East Bay sector  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
SW-8 Encourage best management practices on farms  . . . . . . . . .38
SW-9 Improve compliance with agricultural ground and 
surface water management plans
Action Retired
SW-10 Design and implement a Low Impact Development 
strategy  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
New Action â€“ Includes Steps from SW-4, SW-5 & SW-6
SW-11 Expand the Adopt-A-Pond program to additional 
communities  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
New Action
Actions to reduce the effects of air pollution on the bay:
AD-1 Continue atmospheric deposition studies to better  
understand the relationship between air and water 
quality  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
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AD-2 Promote public and business energy conservation  . . . . . . . .49
Actions to reduce pollution from wastewater discharged to the bay:
WW-1 Expand the use of reclaimed water where reuse benefits 
the bay  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
WW-2 Extend central sewer service to priority areas now 
served by septic systems  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
WW-3 Require standardized monitoring of wastewater 
discharges  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60
WW-4 Revise HRS rules to incorporate environmental 
performance or design standards for septic systems 
Action Retired â€“ Incorporated into WW-2
Actions to reduce toxic contaminants in the bay:
TX-1 Address hot spots of toxic contamination  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62
TX-2 Improve opportunities for proper hazardous waste 
disposal  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68
TX-3 Reduce toxic contaminants from ports and marinas
Action Retired â€“ Incorporated into WQ-2
Actions to reduce pathogens:
PH-1 Reduce the occurrence of municipal sewer overflows   . . . .70
PH-2 Continue source and risk assessments of human and 
ecosystem health indicators suitable for subtropical marine    
beaches and waters  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72
PH-3 Install additional sewage pump-out facilities for 
recreational boaters and live-aboard vessels
Action Retired â€“ Incorporated into WQ-2
BAY HABITATS
Actions to increase and preserve the number and diversity 
of healthy bay habitats:
BH-1 Implement the Tampa Bay master plan for habitat 
restoration and protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
BH-2 Implement mitigation criteria for 
Tampa Bay, and identify priority sites for mitigation  . . . . .80
BH-3 Reduce propeller scarring of seagrass and pursue 
seagrass restoration opportunities at select sites  . . . . . . . . .83
BH-4 Restrict impacts to hard-bottom communities  . . . . . . . . . . .86
BH-5 Improve management of parking and vehicle access 
along causeways and coastal areas 
Action Retired â€“ Incorporated into PA-1
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BH-6 Encourage waterfront residents to enhance shorelines 
and limit runoff from yards  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
BH-7 Improve compliance with and enforcement of wetland 
permits 
Action Retired â€“ Incorporated into BH-2
BH-8 Expand habitat mapping and monitoring programs .  . . . . . .91
Actions to establish and preserve adequate freshwater inflows to 
Tampa Bay and its tributaries:
FI-1 Maintain minimum seasonal freshwater 
flows downstream of dams  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
FISH & WILDLIFE
Actions to protect and enhance fisheries and wildlife:
FW-1 Increase on-water enforcement of environmental 
regulations  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
FW-2 Establish and enforce manatee protection zones    . . . . . . .100
FW-3 Support bay scallop restoration  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
FW-4 Assess the need to investigate the cumulative impacts of
power plant entrainment on fisheries  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104
FW-5 Continue and expand the Critical Fisheries Monitoring
Program  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .106
FW-6 Preserve the diversity and abundance of bay wildlife  . . . .108
New Action
DREDGING & DREDGED MATERIAL MANAGEMENT
Actions to reduce the impact of dredging and improve dredged 
material management:
DR-1 Manage dredging and dredged material in Tampa Bay . . . .112
SPILL PREVENTION & RESPONSE
Actions to improve spill prevention and response:
SP-1 Establish an integrated vessel traffic system for 
Tampa Bay and permanently fund the PORTS system  . . .116
SP-2 Evaluate and update spill response plans for priority 
areas â€¦â€¦.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
SP-3 Improve fueling and bilge-pumping practices among 
pleasure boaters
Action Retired â€“ Incorporated into WQ-2
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INVASIVE SPECIES (New Action Plan)
Actions to reduce the occurrence of invasive species in the bay:
IS-1 Assess the extent of existing marine bio-invasions in
Tampa Bay  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .121
New Action
IS-2 Implement a public education program to enlist citizen help in
preventing marine bio-invasions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .122
New Action
PUBLIC EDUCATION & INVOLVEMENT
Actions to increase public education and involvement:
PE-1 Promote public involvement in bay restoration 
and protection  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
PUBLIC ACCESS  (New Action Plan)
Actions to promote responsible public use of the bay:
PA-1 Reduce human and pet waste in traditional bay 
recreation areas  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .130
New Action
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ABOUT THE TAMPA BAY
ESTUARY PROGRAM
The Tampa Bay National Estuary Program (TBNEP) was established in 1991 to assist
the region in developing and implementing a comprehensive plan to restore and pro-
tect Tampa Bay.  The Program is part of a national network of 28 estuary programs
established under the Clean Water Act and administered by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA).
The landmark agreement establishing the Tampa Bay NEP brought together
Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee counties; the cities of Tampa, St. Petersburg and
Clearwater; the Southwest Florida Water Management District; the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection; and EPA in a partnership committed to
action. 
In 1998, these and six other partners signed a formal Interlocal Agreement, and ancil-
lary agreements, pledging to achieve the goals of the newly completed
Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) for Tampa Bay, called
Charting the Course. The Plan culminated nearly six years of scientific research into
the bay's most pressing problems, and reflected broad-based input from citizens,
groups and communities with a common interest in a healthy bay as the cornerstone
of a prosperous economy. 
Upon adoption of the Interlocal Agreement, the Tampa Bay National Estuary Program
became simply the Tampa Bay Estuary Program, in recognition of its reorganization
as a truly regional alliance.
TBEP continues to coordinate the overall protection and restoration of the bay with
assistance and support from its many formal and informal partners. TBEP monitors
progress in achieving the goals of the CCMP by regularly summarizing and evaluating
information provided by program participants. Under the terms of the Interlocal
Agreement governing the Program, TBEP is required to review and update the major
goals for bay restoration every five years to assess progress, revise strategies as 
needed and address emerging issues affecting the bay. 
TBEP leverages the resources of program partners by financing cutting-edge research
into key problems impacting the bay; sponsoring demonstration projects to test innov-
ative solutions to these problems; providing â€œMini-Grantsâ€ to community groups to
engage the public in bay restoration; and developing educational programs targeting
key segments of the bay community â€“ including teachers, boaters and homeowners.