Building Specific Galleries - Fantasy Island Facts
Location: Just north of the Alafia River in Hillsborough Bay at approximately 27.52.1 degrees North 82.25.6 degrees West. Fantasy Island is approximately three and a half acres.
Description: Fantasy Island is a man-made spoil island. The term “spoil” refers to the material and sediment removed from the bottom of the bay during dredge operations. The average depth of Tampa Bay is 12 feet. A channel must therefore be made allowing for the safe passage of the ports large vessels. The bay bottom sediment (sand, soil, mud etc) must be dredged from the bottom. Now the question is this, what do you do with a million cubic yards of material? Answer, you build an Island. At the present time there are two-dredge disposal site located in Hillsborough Bay, both of which are owned and operated by the Tampa Port Authority (TPA). They are named 2 D, which is near our island, and 3 D, which is located south of the Alafia River. The islands measure approx 480 acres each. Our island measure 3 1/2 acres. Fantasy Island was constructed as an appeasement for habitat loss during development of the ports shrimp industry.
Habitats: Several estuarine habitats are found on and in the surrounding water of Fantasy Island. Seagrass beds, oyster beds, mangrove forest, mud flat, beach, and upland habitats can all be found there.
Flora: Approximately 40 species including: Three species of mangrove, red, black, and white as well as buttonwood. Seagrapes, marsh elder, cabbage palm, saw palmetto, saltwort, glasswort, sedge, rail-road vine, prickly-pear cactus, wax myrtle, sea oxeye daisy, sea oats, cordgrass to name a few.
Fauna: Fantasy Island is inhabited by reptiles, birds, and insects. Aquatic habitat residents include numerous fish species such as trout, snook, sharks, catfish, and stingrays. Aquatic invertebrates include blue crabs, fiddler crabs, hermit crabs, shrimp, conchs, seahorse and pipefish.
Notes: Fantasy Island is the focus of a joint renovation project between The Tampa Port Authority and The Florida Aquarium. In August 2001, 4,000 plants were transported to and planted on the island. The Island will be used as an off site classroom and field station for aquarium educational programs.
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