Changing Tides
Sea level rise associated with climate change could significantly reshape the coastal habitat over the next century. The tidal flats around Tampa Bay are projected to nearly disappear by 2100.
Tampa Bay Habitats (in Areas) |
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Habitiat | Currently |
2025 | 2050 | 2100 |
Dry land | 364,080 | 342,979 | 338,820 | 329,404 |
Cypress swamp | 2,216 | 2,258 | 2,344 | 2,393 |
Tidal fresh marsh | 40 | 30 | 25 | 17 |
Mangrove | 18,607 | 38,438 | 41,424 | 49,536 |
Tidal flats | 44,393 | 12,360 | 3,722 | 1,704 |
Beach | 146 | 306 | 296 | 309 |
Estuarine open water | 209,975 | 242,648 | 252,046 | 253,723 |
Open ocean | 122,406 | 123,705 | 125,565 | 129,480 |
Source: The National Wildlife Federation and the Florida Wildlife Federation |