Florida Coastal Office Debuts Interactive Map of Aquatic Preserves

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Coastal Office presents an online interactive story map that takes visitors on a virtual tour of the state's 41 aquatic preserves through pictures, videos and website links.

Florida's aquatic preserves encompass approximately 2.2 million acres. All but four of these "submerged lands of exceptional beauty" are located along Florida's 8,400 miles of coastline in the shallow waters of marshes and estuaries that serve as a critical nursery for many of the nation's recreationally and commercially important fish and shellfish.

"The aquatic preserve story map provides a captivating way for the public and government officials to learn about each aquatic preserve and the great things being accomplished by Florida Coastal Office staff and volunteers across the state," said Chris Robertson, GIS coordinator for the Florida Coastal Office. "This map is an incredible tool that can be used to teach Florida residents about the natural beauty found right in their backyard."

The creation of this interactive map takes promoting the aquatic preserves further than just handing out a pamphlet or pointing to a storyboard. It allows guests to get a closer look at the research, resource protection, education and community outreach that is taking place at each site.

The map is hosted on the Florida DEP's ArcGIS online gallery, found here.

Florida Coastal Office

~Conserving and Restoring Florida's Coastal and Aquatic Resources for the Benefit of People and the Environment

Florida's Coastal Office manages more than 4 million acres of the most valuable submerged lands and select coastal uplands. The Office manages 41 aquatic preserves and, in coordination with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, three National Estuarine Research Reserves, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and the Coral Reef Conservation Program.

Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Florida Coastal Office
3900 Commonwealth Blvd., MS 235
Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000
(850) 245-2094
FloridaCoasts@dep.state.fl.us