Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve

The Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve (NCAP), designated in 2020 by the Florida Legislature, is Florida’s 42nd aquatic preserve and the state’s first new aquatic preserve in 32 years. It encompasses 800 square miles of coastal waters, including 625 miles of shoreline, along Citrus, Hernando and Pasco counties, making it the second-largest aquatic preserve in Florida.

Last Modified: Monday, Jul 01, 2024 - 01:34pm

Pinellas County Aquatic Preserves

 

The Boca Ciega Bay and Pinellas County aquatic preserves (referred to collectively as the Pinellas County Aquatic Preserves) were designated in 1969 and 1972, respectively.

Boca Ciega Bay was designated as an aquatic preserve to aid in halting the wholesale dredging and filling of the bay that occurred with the finger fill developments of the 1950s. Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve was designated to help prevent the events in Boca Ciega Bay from being repeated elsewhere. 

Last Modified: Tuesday, Jun 18, 2024 - 07:02pm

Nassau River-St. Johns River Marshes and Fort Clinch Aquatic Preserves

Situated amidst growing developmental pressure, these beautiful, natural and cultural areas require special attention and protection."

Nassau River-St. Johns River Marshes and Fort Clinch aquatic preserves are in the northeastern part of Florida, along the Atlantic intracoastal waters of the St. Marys, St. Johns and Nassau rivers.

Last Modified: Tuesday, Jun 18, 2024 - 06:44pm

Wekiva River Aquatic Preserve

"The Wekiva's place in Central Florida's past and future is truly remarkable. Where else in the nation can you find a spring-fed river beginning in the midst of a rapidly urbanizing area that leads like an ever expanding path out of the city and into a hundred miles of wilderness?

Last Modified: Tuesday, Jun 18, 2024 - 07:02pm

North Fork, St. Lucie Aquatic Preserve

 

"Nestled into the urban sprawl of Fort Pierce, Port St. Lucie and Stuart is a quiet and scenic retreat - perfect for viewing manatees, birds, turtles and alligators from a canoe or kayak."


Last Modified: Tuesday, Jun 18, 2024 - 06:44pm

Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve

 

"No wetlands, no seafood. ... Cooperative efforts among all levels of government are critical to restore coastal wetlands. These efforts are called for in the National Estuary Program's Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for the Lagoon."

Ron Brockmeyer,
St. Johns River Water Management District

Last Modified: Tuesday, Jun 18, 2024 - 06:44pm