Gasparilla Sound-Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve

"As the only deep-water harbor between Tampa and Key West, greater Charlotte Harbor is blessed with a rich abundance and diversity of marine life and requires our constant and continued efforts to ensure the future health of its waters."  -- Anna Bowditch, Honorary Member of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Advisory Committee

Last Modified: Thursday, Oct 03, 2024 - 09:39am

St. Andrews Aquatic Preserve

"St. Andrews Bay is one of the most highly diverse estuaries in America, with over 2,900 species. On any given day, you can find almost anything in the clear waters of St. Andrews Bay. It is also one of the most fragile coastal estuaries that needs our continued protection." - Mike Brim, Executive Director, St. Andrews Bay Environmental Science Team

 

 

Last Modified: Thursday, Oct 03, 2024 - 09:39am

Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve

 

"Very rarely can you be on the water or stand at the water's edge and see a shoreline as protected as Pine Island Sound. It is rimmed with mangroves and other vegetation that protect both the surrounding land and the water within." - Erick Lindblad, former executive director for the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

 

In Pine Island Sound, waters from Charlotte Harbor, San Carlos Bay and the Caloosahatchee River mix with water from four passes to the Gulf of Mexico. 

Last Modified: Thursday, Oct 03, 2024 - 09:39am

Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve

 

"This aquatic preserve is the essence of the southwest Florida estuary - teeming with life, exquisite in form and extremely sensitive to human-caused impacts. It is one of our many jewels in southwest Florida and we have a duty to protect this valuable preserve!" - Bob Janes, former Lee County Commissioner

 

Last Modified: Thursday, Oct 03, 2024 - 09:39am