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

 

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

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 
 

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

Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve

The Estero Bay Estuary is bordered on the west by a chain of barrier islands, which include Estero Island, Long Key, Lovers Key, Black Island, Big Hickory Island and Little Hickory Island, from north to south respectively. Within the estuary are hundreds of islands, many with no upland area.

Mangrove trees are by far the most dominant vegetation in the bay, although extensive seagrass beds are found within the shallow bays and sounds.

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

Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve

he Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve is located entirely within northwestern Manatee County. The preserve encompasses several inlets of southeastern Tampa Bay as well as much of the southeastern Tampa Bay shoreline.

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