Study will look at water quality issues for Old Tampa Bay

On the surface, Old Tampa Bay north of the Courtney Campbell Causeway, looks fine. Kayakers paddle about the mangroves; anglers fly fish the flats for trophy tarpon and jet skis skim the Philippe Park shoreline.

Below the surface: not so good.

Even though Tampa Bay's overall aquatic health is the best it's been in 60 years, the northern expanse – about 84 square miles – is a cause for concern, ecologists say.