Working with Gulf aquatic preserve

TAMPA, Fla. – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves partners with colleges and universities around the country – including the University of West Florida in Pensacola - to address environmental issues. The aquatic preserves provide students with hands-on experiences in coastal management. Instead of lying on the beach during their spring break, a group of Ohio State University students have been working with the office for nearly a decade. Representing various majors, students learn about Gulf Coast resources, explore the beach and see marine life up close. The Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves was established in 1969 and includes four preserves in Pinellas, Hillsborough and Manatee Counties. (Source: Florida DEP 03/24/15)