Aquatic Preserves
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Lemon Bay Aquatic Preserve
"Imagine Florida without its tourism-driven economy: without fishing, boating, wading and beachcombing. Thankfully, you won't have to because the state's 41 aquatic preserves (AP), including Lemon Bay AP, will help safeguard Florida's environment and quality of life for generations to come." - U.S. Senator Bill Nelson
Cape Haze Aquatic Preserve
"Cape Haze is a Florida place where the sense of wilderness and encounters with the genuinely wild persist-- where there remains the chance to experience our state's original bounty and heritage of nature. That's what aquatic preserves are all about."
- Ernest D. Estevez, Ph.D., Director at the Center for Coastal Ecology, Mote Marine Laboratory
Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve
Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve
St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve
St. Joseph Bay is a large body of water mostly enclosed by St. Joseph Peninsula. The St. Joseph Peninsula is 17 miles long and has an average width of 1,000 feet. It is formed from the Cape San Blas shoals and the historical migration of the Apalachicola River. The cape and the spit sediments are quartz sands originally supplied by the Apalachicola River. Waves and other shore zone processes have put the beaches in a constant state of change over the last hundred years.
Oklawaha River Aquatic Preserve
The Oklawaha and Silver rivers offer us a unique glimpse into our past that must be protected for future generations to cherish." - Jeff Sowards, Aquatic Preserve Manager
Rocky Bayou Aquatic Preserve
Yellow River Marsh Aquatic Preserve
"A trip on the Yellow River is like going back in time.
Its tall-forested banks, pristine water quality and productive fishing create a place one can go to be completely surrounded by nature.
The Yellow River Preserve is one of Florida's most precious contributions it has for its future generations."
- Ernie Rivers, River Keeper and Bream Fisherman Associate of Northwest Florida
Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve
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Learn MoreTallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 Public.Services@FloridaDEP.gov 850-245-2118
