Any angler worth their salt can tell you the importance of healthy habitats for fish and wildlife. This project, conducted by researchers from the University of Florida and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, evaluated how commercially and recreationally important sportfish like snook and tarpon have responded to decades of habitat restoration activities in Tampa Bay. Quarterly fish sampling and habitat assessments were completed at nine sampling locations. Key project findings demonstrated that restored areas were supportive of fish communities similar to those found at natural sites and that mosaics of created coastal wetlands are functioning as high quality habitats for juvenile sportfish.
