Project Summary

2. Habitat Restoration/Protection
Wetlands
River systems
Beaches/Dunes
Offshore areas
Mangroves
Assisting Species at Risk
Pollution Mitigation
Non-Point Source Pollution
Other (describe)		Invasive species

3. Project description (100 words or less)

A. Description of the Issue to be Resolved by the Project

The primary mission of the workshop on aquatic invasive species, held in Tampa in November 1999, was to promote a dialogue between the shipping and scientific communities about issues associated with ballast water discharge, and to explore methods and technologies available (or on the horizon) to prevent unwanted plants and animals from entering the bay in ballast water. Topics included an assessment of the potential threats posed to Tampa Bay and similar coastal waters by invasive species; methods to prevent or eliminate exotic species invasions; and the implications of new policies governing ballast water exchange.

A general and unanimous conclusion of the participants was that the exotic species problem is here to stay and, although the costs and impacts to society may change, the environmental challenges posed by these interlopers will continue. Although not all exotic species pose a threat to native biota (as with the Mexican saber crab), the risk to ecological biodiversity from those species that do usurp native plants and animals remains high.

A unique feature of the Tampa workshop was the use of round table discussions at lunch to promote idea exchange and open discussion of key issues surrounding ballast water management. Participants at each table were given two questions to discuss at each lunch, and a facilitator led discussions and collated conclusions, which later were presented to the entire group. Among the topics addressed during these roundtable summits were viable alternatives to ballast water; how to more accurately detect and assess the presence of exotic species; and whether a non—regulatory approach to ballast water management would be effective. A somewhat surprising response from all participants was that a regulatory mechanism was needed to drive both public and private participation in ballast water management and treatment strategies.

Other concerns identified during the roundtable discussions included:

• The lack of any current cost-effective and environmentally safe alternatives to ballast water exchange. Although several technologies are being tested, participants agreed that open-water ballast exchange is presently the most reliable and reasonable solution.

• The need for a comprehensive inventory of existing species in Tampa Bay and other coastal waters of the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Participants noted that a failure to look for exotic species through regular field surveys, and to accurately identify native species, could result in additional "surprises" like the Asian green mussel. Related to this is a growing shortage of trained taxonomists capable of properly identifying species.

  Overall, participants emphasized the need to include monitoring for exotic species in existing sampling programs, and to solicit help from local residents familiar with area waters in surveying and reporting unusual species.

• The need for better documentation of the economic impacts and treatment costs associated with exotic species.

This proposed project provides implementation for one element of the recommended actions: to solicit help from local residents familiar with area waters in surveying and reporting unusual species, through development and implementation of an "Eyes on the Bay" educational campaign.

B. Description of the Proposed Project

The proposed project, called "Eyes on the Bay", provides for a comprehensive campaign to educate citizens about ecological problems associated with invasive species and enlist their support in reporting any invasive species they encounter in the bay. The campaign could include posters that would be displayed at area boat ramps, bait shops and waterfront parks; Public Service Announcements; posting of potential invasive species pictures on websites; and the creation of a hotline or clearinghouse where people could learn more about invasive species and report sightings of unusual plants and animals. This campaign will be coordinated by the TBEP in partnership with a community group.

Tasks include:

1. Identification of potential exotic species which may be found in Tampa Bay.
2. Development of public education materials, including posters, PSAs, website information.
3. Creation of a clearinghouse for citizens to report unusual plants and animals.

4. Goals/Benefits (quantify where possible using measures of success list) Was a cost-benefit study conducted for this project? yes/no If yes, provide a summary of findings.

5. Partners (include each participant's responsibilities - funding, permitting, etc.)

6. Funding/Contributions (organization and amount)

Cash

Federal

Non Federal

State government
Local government
Private industry
Public interest groups

Total

In-Kind Services (hours, equipment, or other forms of assistance and estimated dollar value)

Volunteers (number of people and hours, and estimated dollar value)

7. Legislative authorities used by each participant

8. Value added by Coastal America Partnership including Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) goals achieved through this collaboration (500 words or less)

9. Project Status

Schedule:
TBEP has allocated funds within our FY2000 budget ($15,000) for development of this project, expected to be initiated in October 2000. Request funds from the Gulf Program in fall/winter 2000, for development of materials and initiation of clearinghouse by summer 2001.

• Initiation date:
• Completion date:
• Current stage: (Initiated - I, Underway - U or Completed - C)

10. Contacts

11. Any additional information/comments