Resources of Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve

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Archaeological Features The preserve contains submerged Archaic and Paleoindian sites. There are Deptford sites and some Swift Creek sites in the north, Weeden Island sites in the south. In addition, there are 19th century shipwreck sites near the Withlacoochee River, Suwannee River and Cedar Key.
	Natural Communities At least 27 natural communities are represented within Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve. However, most of the preserve is comprised of seagrass beds, as the name implies, and saltmarsh. Other benthic communities include mollusk reefs, algal beds and sponge beds. The rivers of the preserve can be either spring-run streams or blackwater streams.
	Wildlife The whole of the preserve, with its seagrass beds and saltmarshes, provides nursery and forage areas for finfish and shellfish, including commercially and recreationally important species such as mullet, sea trout, redfish, shrimp, oysters, and scallops. It also provides habitat for manatees, ospreys, bald eagles, sea turtles, sturgeon, dolphins and many other species. Fifty-two protected plant and animal species can be found in the preserve. Listed Species (pdf - 13 KB)

Last updated: September 10, 2010