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The Ocean Conservancy and Tampa Bay Waterkeeper hosted a panel to advocate for science and for policies to improve the condition of waterways in the Tampa Bay region.
More than 30 people heard from experts about topics ranging from last year’s hurricanes, federal and state politics and what gives the panel hope that change can happen.
The common topic discussed was rising pollution, stormwater runoff, aging infrastructure that struggles to fight against the runoffs.
Justin Tramble is the Executive Director of Tampa Bay Waterkeeper and he said its time to reinvest in the storm infrastructure to catch up with the number of people in the city.
“Traditionally, a lot of our problems were wastewater and sewage spill, and our problem now is stormwater-related and runoff. If you take a look at the Tampa Bay region, we have grown so significantly since the 70s, since the 80s when a lot of our infrastructure was put in,” Tramble said.
He said water quality has a more economical impact in Tampa, and elected officials should prioritize solving this. That was why the event was in planned.
”I think that we’re ready to check our politicians when a policy is questionable when it comes to the environment, because it’s so important to everyone who lives in the states,” said Tampa Bay Times reporter Jack Prator.
Prator said residents tend to follow their elected officials who help with the environment. For example, with Everglades restoration, which voters responded to.
Maya Burke is the assistant director of Tampa Bay Estuary Program.
“All the water that made its way from the farthest region like Lakeland, up to Pasco County and down to Sarasota, all that water is making its way over the land, especially into the bay. And with it come quite a few pollutants, especially nutrients,” Burke said. “Nitrogen is the primary pollution to Tampa Bay and its has not just short-term effects.”
However, Burke said the Bay isn’t perfect, but is resilient. Tramble also pointed out how the bay is doing good.
Once the panel finished, the audience had the opportunity to ask questions and highlight concerns they have. They highlighted how research, local help, and policies can help support the ecosystem long-term.