Habitat Restoration

SBEP's Habitat Restoration Goal

Restore shoreline and wetland habitats and eliminate further losses.

Restoring and protecting interdependent habitats is essential to the vitality of Sarasota Bay and its tributaries. Estuarine habitats like seagrasses, oyster beds, and wetlands were decimated during the 1900s as a result of declining water quality and dredge-and-fill operations designed to provide boat access to waterfront home sites. To mitigate the extensive damage, SBEP embarked on a program to restore lost or damaged habitat and protect remaining undisturbed habitats. This is an ongoing commitment that is vital to the health and future of the entire estuary system.

Read the current 5-Year Habitat Restoration Plan for Sarasota Bay.

Since its inception in 1989, SBEP has participated in more than 200 projects related to habitat restoration or water quality improvement within the watershed. SBEP serves as a project manager, bringing together the partners, funding, and contractors with expertise in planning, permitting and construction. SBEP also develops a long-range habitat restoration plan every five years to be used as a guide and planning tool by the SBEP and its partners to identify, prioritize, and implement restoration projects throughout Sarasota Bay and its watershed.

Sarasota Bay Habitat Restoration Projects Map

SBEP created an interactive Google Earth map of habitat restoration projects in the Sarasota Bay watershed. Click on the image at right to take a tour through the dozens of projects that have created and enhanced habitat for wildlife - all without leaving home.

Sarasota Bay Habitat Restoration Highlights

North Lido Beach Park

North Lido Beach Park is contiguous with the Gulf of Mexico and Pansy Bayou. The park offers a range of passive recreational opportunities for the public, including walking and wildlife viewing. The primary goal of the project was to create tidal wetlands and refuge areas for juvenile fish.

Jim Neville Marine Preserve

Jim Neville Marine Preserve is a 35-acre island preserve complex in Little Sarasota Bay toward the southern end of Siesta Key. The islands present one of the best remaining opportunities for habitat restoration between Anna Maria Island and Venice. This brochure outlines the need for restoration activities and a concept restoration plan.