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.
Join Us: Winter Events
There is a lot to love about winter in Florida! Enjoy the weather or get out on the water for a kayak trip, a cleanup, or an event. Visit our events page to learn more and register.
We're Hiring: Science and Outreach Specialist
The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) is currently hiring a Science and Outreach Specialist to support SBEP’s public engagement, volunteer coordination, and community-based science initiatives. This is a hybrid, full-time role requiring a minimum of 40 hours per week, with periodic evening and weekend work. Candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in the natural or social sciences with at least three (3) years of directly related experience, or a Master’s degree in the natural or social sciences with a minimum of one (1) year of directly related experience. The annual salary for this position ranges from $45,000 to $55,000 and includes benefits such as paid leave and health insurance. Final compensation will be determined based on the candidate’s education, experience, and qualifications.
Featured Director's Note: Habitat changes outside of the Sarasota Bay estuary matter, and here’s why
Our marine life and fisheries are intertwined, relying on habitat continuity and quality across the region, not just within a single bay or segment of the estuary.
Recent News & Notes
As we prepare for another round of strong northwest winds from an approaching cold front, I thought it was a good time to talk about the cycle of sand on our beaches-where it goes, and why it matters. Winter is the eroding season for our beaches. Strong northwest winds scour the shoreline and move sand down the coast to the…
Nicole Iadevaia, SBEP Science and Restoration Manager Please join us in welcoming Nicole Iadevaia as SBEP’s new Science and Restoration Manager. Nicole brings a diverse background in environmental science, having begun her career monitoring alpine lakes and streams for the University of Colorado, where she studied Ecology and Biological Anthropology. She later moved to Florida…
Events that occur just over the horizon can significantly impact our estuary. The degradation of remaining coastal habitats, many of which are mangrove forests, directly affects the marine life that depends on them for survival. For this reason, we should be aware of and concerned about the loss and degradation of coastal habitats throughout our…
Cortez, FL (January 21, 2026) – The Cortez Village Historical Society (CVHS), in partnership with the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) and with additional support from the Florida Maritime Museum, is launching It Takes a Village, a community education initiative that highlights the connection between a healthy estuary, sustainable seafood, and Cortez’s historic working waterfront. Through…
The Mullet Run: Nature’s Winter Signal If you were out on the water on December 28, just after Christmas, you would have witnessed something remarkable. The day was calm and beautiful, but a strong front was approaching, ready to drop temperatures into the 50s and whip up powerful winds. For the striped mullet (Mugil cephalus),…
Sarasota, FL (January 7, 2026) – The Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP), in partnership with Wayne Adventures, is offering free therapeutic kayak tours for local veterans, with a special focus on those living with PTSD. These guided outings provide veterans with a peaceful opportunity to connect with nature, build camaraderie, and experience the restorative power…
Our Programs
We work with our partners to improve the science of bay management, restore wildlife habitats, and increase community engagement in bay restoration efforts.
