How Deep Is Tampa Bay & Hillsborough Bay

Tampa Bay and lower Tampa Bay are no more than 45 feet deep. The main shipping channels have been dredged out to about that depth for the large ships and over time they tend to get more shallow. The average depth of Tampa Bay is around 11 feet deep and the mean depth is even shallower.

Tampa Bay

The Tampa Bay Estuary Program & Marine Mammal Protection Act

The west central coast is teaming with both marine life and wildlife that is well worth protecting. Countless varieties of birds and four legged critters rely on the habitat found in the Tampa Bay region. Programs like the Tampa Bay Estuary Program and Laws like the Marine Mammal Protection Act are critical to both the local economy and quality of life we all enjoy here in the Tampa Bay area.

Four Major Rivers Salt Marshes And Seagrass Beds Vs The Port Of Tampa

Historically the Cruise Ships and the Port of Tampa have been given preference over some endangered species in the Tampa Bay area. Times are changing and marine animals like the Florida Manatee are beginning to make a comeback. I never really understood why so much environmental protection was overlooked since we all rely so heavily upon the environment. Some common overlooked issues are following.

Petroleum products entering Tampa Bay, Stormwater runoff and the local power plants all have a negative contribution and yet they are all necessary. For these reasons and others we should all play our art in protecting the seagrass beds, salt marshes and the many endangered species of birds found in this area. I want my great grandchildren to enjoy Tampa Bay and cruising up and down the Hillsborough River.