"Although located in an urban area, the Banana River Aquatic Preserve offers many opportunities to view and experience the estuarine resources of the Indian River Lagoon system. Paddling the mangrove-lined backwaters of the Thousand Islands in Cocoa Beach or walking the trails along the marsh at Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary adjacent to Sykes Creek are just a few of the opportunities available to visit this natural treasure."

Bob, Day, Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

Location:

Brevard County

Acreage:

30,000 acres

Contact:

Brian Sharpe
Aquatic Preserve Manager
3300 Lewis Street
Fort Pierce, FL 34981
(772) 429-2995
Brian.Sharpe@dep.state.fl.us

Download a fact sheet. (pdf - 1.06 MB)

• Sykes Creek is the main tributary within Banana River Aquatic Preserve.
   
• The most important spring habitat (300-500 individuals/survey day) for the east coast population of manatees has been the northern Banana River (2001, Florida Manatee Recovery Plan). Large numbers of manatees use the Banana River almost year-round.
   
• The Banana River supports the largest pelican rookery on the Atlantic Coast, a significant population of alligators, and diamondback terrapin turtles.
   
• Favored by recreational fisherman, the shallow seagrass and mangrove based ecosystem supports large gamefish.