SBEP Releases Ecosystem Health Update for Sarasota-Manatee Bays and Estuaries

Sarasota, FL (April 8, 2026) — The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) released its 2026 update to the annual Ecosystem Health Report Card, showcasing conditions for the 2025 calendar year.
About the Report Card
The Report Card uses four indicators of ecosystem health to assess conditions in the five bay segments within SBEP’s jurisdiction. The indicators include total nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, seagrass, and macroalgae. SBEP relies on partners at Manatee County, Sarasota County, the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and trained citizen scientists to collect the data.
2025 Ecosystem Health Summary
The Sarasota–Manatee region experienced dramatic environmental swings from 2024 to 2025, including intense hurricanes followed by prolonged drought. These storms brought heavy rainfall, storm surge, and increased nutrient runoff, temporarily impacting water quality; however, conditions improved throughout 2025 as the system began to recover.
Despite these challenges, local bays remain healthy and resilient. Water quality rebounded across most areas, with nutrient levels returning to target ranges after short-term storm impacts. Macroalgae levels, which can increase rapidly due to high nutrients in the water, also remained stable in 2025.
Seagrass, an important indicator of ecosystem health, showed strong recovery in 2024 prior to the storm season, with Sarasota Bay seeing a 24% increase and reaching near-historic levels. Updated seagrass maps will be available in 2027 and will reflect conditions for late 2024-early 2026.
Scientists continue to monitor changes in lower bay segments following the reopening of Midnight Pass, which is increasing tidal flow and influencing water conditions.
Meanwhile, nutrient levels in Blackburn Bay remain slightly elevated due to limited tidal flushing, and although still below regulatory concern, they will require continued monitoring.
Overall, the region’s estuaries are demonstrating strong resilience, supported by ongoing investments in water quality improvements, habitat restoration, and hydrologic management to protect these ecosystems into the future.
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“The Bay continues to show resilience in the face of extreme conditions, largely due to the focus on upgrading wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, but the Bay's future also depends on our individual actions. We can all make a positive impact by managing the runoff from our yards and businesses through the reduction of fertilizer use and the collection of yard debris, dirt, pet waste, and chemicals before they make it into the stormwater system that discharges into our creeks and bays. With a little bit of effort and persistence, we can each help protect the landscapes and waterways we call home,” said Dr. Ryan Gandy, SBEP Executive Director.
Figure 1: Sarasota Bay Ecosystem Health Report Card (2026 update for 2025)

### About the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program: The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program is a cooperative partnership among communities, researchers, and governments that strives to improve the health of Sarasota Bay and enhance the area's natural resources for public benefit. Learn more at www.sarasotabay.org