THE BAY BLOG
We believe that environmental education should be fun and accessible for everyone— from curious kids to lifelong learners. On The Bay Blog, our marine science educators and interns dive into their favorite topics, conjuring up engaging stories and insights just for you.
Scroll to explore the unique wonders of our beautiful bay!
Using Apps to Explore and Protect Tampa Bay’s Biodiversity
Imagine you’re taking a walk at a nearby park or beach and come across an unfamiliar plant or animal. With a quick snap of a photo on your smartphone, you can not only identify the species but also contribute to important scientific research.
Unveiling the Wonders of Mangroves
Mangroves are salt-tolerant trees that thrive in tropical and subtropical coastal areas, such as the Tampa Bay Estuary and Biscayne Bay.
The Gulf Toadfish: A Misunderstood Underwater Vocalist
Named for its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf toadfish is one of about 80 species of toadfish worldwide and is endemic to the Gulf—meaning it's only found here, with no known sightings in the Caribbean.
A Colorful Crab of the Caribbean: The Purple Pincher
Caribbean Hermit Crabs, also known as Purple Pinchers, are one of 600 species of hermit crabs.
Pins for the Win!
One of the most popular fish we find during our eco-tours is the pinfish and even though we can get bored of seeing pinfish they are actually super important!
Look Who’s Hanging Out in the Mangroves During a Full Moon: Mangrove Snapper
The mangroves that line much of the shoreline of the Bay create a habitat for marine life, especially fish. Today I want to tell you about a fish that shares its name with the mangroves they call home – Mangrove Snapper.
No Horsing Around: Seahorses and Their Critical Role in the Ecosystem
The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center educates guests on seahorses, pipefish, and Tampa Bay Watch’s restoration work and research in partnership with Project Seahorse.
The Eel-usive Gold-Spotted Snake Eel
Among the many exhibits on display at the Discovery Center, one of the more mysterious animals is located in the touch tank. In the deep section, most likely buried under the sand, is the Gold-Spotted Snake Eel.
Preventing Shell Shock: How You Can Help Turtle Hatchlings Survive
Be extra careful of where you tread this time of year: there could be hundreds of baby turtles right under your feet!
Hogging the Limelight: The Hogfish
Today we’re going to be learning a little bit more about a special fish, called the Hogfish!
Why Are We Scared of Sharks?
Why are we scared of sharks? Chances are you’ve seen a shark-related movie and at least some of your feelings about these large ocean predators stem from what you saw. There’s even a term for it; the “Jaws effect”.
Snakes! Why Did It Have to Be Snakes!
Get ready to meet the new Snakes of the Essstuary at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center! Some of our native snakes look venomous but they are actually harmless. Learn how to tell the difference!
Shark Knowledge can help Conquer Fear
Tampa Bay Watch Director of Education Katie Mastenbrook explains how a 7-day field course at a shark lab in Bimini, Bahamas is helping her teach local students to conquer their fear of sharks.
The Invasive Burmese Python
Keep an eye out for the invasive Burmese Python as it slowly begins to make its way north. Invasive species are those that are non-native and cause ecological destruction to the ecosystem they are invading.
One of the Most Unique Frogs in FL: The Barking Tree Frog
Florida is home to 27 different native species of frogs. This is due to Florida’s ideal living conditions for amphibians and reptiles.
The Cownose Ray in Our Bay
The species found in our bay are endless, but one unique creature is the Cownose ray. This type of stingray is important to the ecosystem and has an interesting relationship with humans that also inhabit the bay.
The King of Tampa Bay’s Killifish
The Tampa Bay watershed is home to a wide variety of fish species, many of these being killifish. There are a total of 10 ‘killifish’ species that call Tampa Bay their home.
It’s Manatee Season!
Last month kicked off the start of the manatee season. Beginning in November, manatees move into springs and estuaries like Tampa Bay where water temperatures are much more constant than in the Gulf of Mexico.
Our Favorite Pink Bird: The Roseate Spoonbill
When someone says to name a pink bird what bird do you immediately think of? Flamingo? Me too. However, another wading bird deserves all the fame and glory.
Living Fossils: Horseshoe Crabs!
Have you seen these weird looking creatures on the local beaches? Believe it or not, these organisms aren’t really crabs; they are more closely related to spiders and scorpions.