The waters of Tampa Bay encompass nearly 400 square miles and form Florida’s largest open-water estuary. Estuaries like Tampa Bay are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems in the world.

Our bay’s unique estuarine environment provides habitat for a variety of important fish and wildlife species. This environment is a driving force for the local economy and a primary factor in the quality of life for the region. Residents from the Manatee River to Clearwater Harbor and from Hillsborough Bay to the Gulf of Mexico depend on Tampa Bay for commercial and recreational activities