AquaTech Eco Consultants and TECO partner on seagrass restoration

A public-private partnership is restoring seagrass in waters south of the Manatee Viewing Center near Apollo Beach.

AquaTech Eco Consultants planted two acres earlier using Florida Department of Environmental Protection funding and a third acre funded by Tampa Electric (TECO).

In the works for nearly four years, the project was made possible largely by the Ecosphere Restoration Institute’s Tom Ries who secured grant funding.

The project improves water quality, restores estuarine habitat and provides a sustainable food source for manatees. TECO’s privately-owned land will be placed under a conservation easement, supporting a statewide effort to plant 100 acres of seagrass.

– Staff Reports, Florida Politics