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Aquatic Preserves

Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve

"The Apalachicola River, floodplain and bay comprise one of the most biodiverse and productive riverine and estuarine systems in the northern hemisphere. The historic natural function and cultural heritage of the surrounding communities remain intact much of the way it has been for generations of commercial fishermen on one of Florida's last working waterfronts. This ecosystem and its people are truly an American treasure."

 — Dan Tonsmeire, Apalachicola Riverkeeper

Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve

Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve (pronounced "lig-nem-VI-te"), is a 6,700-acre protected area located adjacent to Islamorada in the Upper Florida Keys. The aquatic preserve spans a unique transitional zone between Florida Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. This vital productive area includes seagrass flats, mangroves and hardbottom communities, which support a wondrous diversity of life.

Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve

Coupon Bight Aquatic Preserve is a 5,400-acre protected area located south of Big Pine Key in the lower Florida Keys. The aquatic preserve spans a unique geological transition zone between the upper and lower Florida Keys. It boasts a diversity of underwater habitats that support an amazing array of life.

Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves

Biscayne Bay is home to two state aquatic preserves, collectively known as Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves (BBAP). The first, Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, was established in 1974 and runs the length of Biscayne Bay proper, from the headwaters of the Oleta River down to Card Sound near Key Largo. BBAP is about 64,607 submerged acres. This aquatic preserve (AP) is split in half by what is now called Biscayne National Park, formerly called Biscayne National Monument.

Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve

"Alligator Harbor is one of the world's largest feeding grounds for the Kemp's ridley turtle, which is the rarest and most endangered of all marine turtles. The area's abundance of blue crabs, jellyfish, shellfish and seagrass provide an important food source for all sea turtles. The unspoiled waters and beaches are valuable breeding and nesting grounds for marine sea turtles. Alligator Harbor, in addition to being a valuable natural resource, is also archaeologically rich with several Miccosukee/Seminole Indian artifacts and burial mounds surrounding the harbor."

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About DEP

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state’s lead agency for environmental management and stewardship – protecting our air, water and land. The vision of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is to create strong community partnerships, safeguard Florida’s natural resources and enhance its ecosystems.

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3900 Commonwealth Boulevard
Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000 Public.Services@FloridaDEP.gov 850-245-2118 MyFlorida.com

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