Sarasota Bay Estuary Program

Sarasota Bay was named in the Water Quality Act of 1987 as a priority area for inclusion in the National Estuary Program. Subsequent to extensive review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Sarasota Bay National Estuary Program (SBNEP) officially began in June 1989. Sarasota Bay is one of 28 estuaries in the United States that have been named by the U.S. Congress as "estuaries of national significance." The Program was initially tasked with characterizing the environmental conditions of Sarasota Bay, and formulating a comprehensive restoration and protection plan based upon this analysis. The "plan," called the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP), was formally approved by the Governor of Florida and Administrator of the EPA in 1995. The CCMP recommends specific actions be taken by local governments and State and Federal agencies to improve and protect the Bay.

On July 23, 2004, the Sarasota Bay National Estuary Program (SBNEP) became an established Special District known as the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP). Partners to the Agreement include EPA, DEP, Sarasota County, Manatee County, the City of Sarasota, the City of Bradenton, the Town of Long Boat Key and the Army Corps of Engineers. This milestone for the program provides a formal commitment of long-term support from its partners.

Today, through the leadership of the Program's administrative staff and partners, the Program's achievements in implementing the plan have been substantial with reductions in pollution and increases in habitats and recreational opportunities. The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is a member of the Association of National Estuary Programs.