Cockroach Bay Environmental Science Center

Site of the original Environmental Studies Center (ESC), Cockroach Bay is one of the few remaining healthy mangrove estuaries in Tampa Bay. Located on the southeastern shore of Tampa Bay, just south of Ruskin, FL this Center features a nature trails, field, and lab equipment, a 24' mullet boat and kayaks for marine exploration, a screened-in outdoor classroom and an air conditioned classroom for lectures, labs, and workshops. Seine nets and benthic sieves are used in the collection of marine organisms for study. Field trips utilizing the ESC boat and kayaks include use of the above mentioned equipment and the use of an otter trawl. Optional equipment includes dip nets, plankton nets, water chemistry, etc.