In honor of National Estuaries Week and Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), Tampa Bay Watch is recruiting volunteers for a cleanup of Shell Key Preserve. Volunteers will meet at the  Fort De Soto Boat Ramp, 3500 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde, FL 33715 for departure and will be transported by boat to the Shell Key by Tampa Bay staff and volunteers.

Your efforts will contribute to the worldwide initiative to combat marine debris while raising awareness and highlighting the importance of the estuary right here in our own backyard, Tampa Bay!

Our cleanup efforts will focus along the shorelines, so please wear shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. Long sleeves and long pants are recommended. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. Wear a hat, sunscreen, bug spray, and bring garden gloves. 

Shell Key is a 195-acre undeveloped barrier island located in the 1,828-acre Shell Key Preserve within the mouth of Tampa Bay. The Preserve is an important sanctuary for nesting, wintering, and migrating birds, as well as a popular fishing and boating area. The coastal cleanup will target the North end of the island from shore to shore and the public use areas. 

A big thank you to Precision Painting Group and Ocean Conservancy for supporting us in our marine debris efforts and our continued partnership with the City of St. Petersburg, Pinellas County Parks, and the Florida Department of Transportation.