"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, like, Lemon Bay, will help safeguard Florida's environment and quality of life for future generations to come."

U.S. Senator Bill Nelson

Location:

Charlotte and Sarasota counties

Acreage:

8,000 acres of sovereign submerged lands

Contact:

Heather Stafford
Aquatic Preserve Manager
12301 Burnt Store Road
Punta Gorda, FL 33955
(941) 575-5861

• Download a fact sheet. (pdf - 907 KB)

• Lemon Bay, the smallest of the 5 Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves, was designated as an aquatic preserve in 1986.
  
  
• It is long, narrow and shallow. Two Gulf passes and 7 tributaries flow into the aquatic preserve, creating a diverse network of mangroves, marsh grass, and vast expanses of seagrass meadows which cover most of the underwater habitats.
  
  
• Over 150 species of birds, 100 species of invertebrates, and 200 species of fish reside in the bay.
  
  
• Residents and visitors enjoy fishing, kayaking, birding, wading and beachcombing. Ski Alley, the Intracoastal Waterway and several anchorages are popular with recreational boaters.