Management activities at St. Joseph Bay Aquatic Preserve have been discontinued as of July 1, 2011. This page describes one of the former ecosystem science programs which will be restarted should revenue streams improve.

Sick, injured or dead wildlife in the preserve was documented by staff. Data was forwarded to the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute for sea turtles and the National Marine Fisheries Service for marine mammals, and compiled in an online database.

Strandings in the Panhandle have been documented since 1980. Animals were rescued and transported to rehabilitation facilities. Preserve staff assisted and responded to stranding events in Franklin and Gulf counties and assist with unusual mortality events.

Preserve staff coordinated with the partner agencies and attended training workshops to stay updated on the correct procedures for documenting events.

Stranding events of sea turtles during winter has suggested that the turtles are using the bay habitat year around. Further in-water research is needed to fully understand how sea turtles utilize near shore habitats throughout their life cycle so that adequate protection can be given.