Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve

Project Spotlight

"Very rarely can you be on the water or stand at the water's edge and see a shoreline as protected as Pine Island Sound. It is rimmed with mangroves and other vegetation that protect both the surrounding land and the water within."

Erick Lindblad, Executive Director
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

Common loon

Key Accomplishments

Hurricane Charley deposited enormous quantities of debris in the local aquatic preserves and caused extensive damage to surrounding mangroves. CAMA initiated a partnership with city, county, state and federal agencies to survey and assess the extent and location of the debris and collaborated on the massive cleanup effort which took more than a year to complete.
A significant, multi-agency agreement has been achieved which now identifies locations and dredge depths for boat navigation channels and seagrass protection.
On-going water quality testing through citizen-agency partnerships, continues to provide a basis for understanding long-term changes in estuary health.
Seagrass habitat monitoring shows adverse effects caused by stormwater runoff and discharges from the Caloosahatchee River.

Waders looking at the contents of a net

Wading Trips

Each year, 4 wading trips are offered to the general public to "muck about", exploring the near shore treasures of the Aquatic Preserve. Through this unique environmental education and outreach program, citizens of all ages are given a rare opportunity to observe and learn about the local estuarine habitats and its diverse flora and fauna. Dip nets are provided, cast and seine netting are demonstrated, collected "critters" are identified and the role of each treasure within the estuary is discussed. The goal of the wading trips is to broaden residents' and visitors' appreciation and support of our diverse aquatic preserves.

Quick Facts about Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve

Map of Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve

Location:

Lee County

Acreage

54,000 acres of sovereign submerged lands

Contact:

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

Download a printable version of this page.

Further information about Pine Island Sound Aquatic Preserve

Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Management Plan

Moon jellyfish

Lightning whelk and egg casings

Horseshoe crabs

Scallop

Designated as an Aquatic Preserve in 1970, this is the second largest of the five Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves.
In Pine Island Sound, waters from Charlotte Harbor, San Carlos Bay and the Caloosahatchee River mix with water from four passes to the Gulf of Mexico.
Supports extensive seagrass habitats
Mangroves fringe many barrier islands and smaller islands found throughout the preserve.
Home to over 100 invertebrate, 200 fish, many shark and over 150 bird species
Nature-based recreation includes fishing, kayaking, birding, wading and beachcombing at Cayo Costa State Park, Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, Sanibel Island, Cabbage Key and Pine Island.

Sunset over Pine Island Sound

Last updated: November 21, 2011