Joint conservation project in Florida. (News from Zoos).

The Florida Aquarium and the Tampa Port Authority, with the assistance of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, are working to rehabilitate and enhance a small island in upper Hillsborough Bay. A man-made offshoot of two other islands, the exhibit island will be incorporated into the Aquarium's local eco-tour programs for the purpose of educating the public and school groups about the abundant wildlife that thrives in these habitats when properly managed as natural systems.

The project began in June 2000 with an examination of existing plant communities and physical characteristics of the island. After the island's natural composition was determined, staff began removal of the exotic, invasive plant species that covered approximately 80% of the island. Replacing exotic plants with native species such as mangroves, buttonwoods and various native grasses will allow for the creation and installation of microhabitats representative of the types that naturally make up the bay system (mangrove forest, salt marsh, etc.). The final construction phase includes adding boardwalks, trails, and interpretive signage to accompany eco-tours and education programs that highlight the island. The site will also provide an opportunity for collaborative efforts with local environmental groups, colleges and universities to develop monitoring projects on the island's restoration. [Source: Communique]