Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve

"Fort Pickens is a rare taste of old Florida, and its undisturbed natural beauty makes it one of my favorite places to visit on the Gulf Coast."  - former U.S. Representative Jeff Miller

• The USS Massachusetts is a protected underwater archaeological site within Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve. The USS Massachusetts and the rock jetties in the Pensacola Pass both provide excellent diving and fishing opportunities within the preserve. 
• More than 280 species of birds have been identified in the aquatic preserve and its adjacent upland areas. 
• Bottlenose dolphins are often seen in and around the aquatic preserve as well as multitudes of fish and shellfish of all sorts. Fort Pickens Aquatic Preserve is a resource for commercial and recreational anglers. Species such as snapper, mullet, sheepshead, flounder, blue crabs, shrimp and redfish spend a portion of their lives within the shallow areas of the preserve. All of these species as well as grouper and mackerel can be caught by anglers in the aquatic preserve.

Continuous Water Quality Monitoring

The Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves office worked with Gulf Islands National Seashore to maintain a water quality monitoring station near the pass at Fort Pickens. This station constantly recorded temperature, salinity, water clarity, PH and dissolved oxygen.

Seagrass Restoration Project

The Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves office was awarded a prop scar restoration grant from NOAA through the Gulf of Mexico Foundation. A small amount of the seagrass halodule was transplanted within the preserve in the eastern portion of Big Lagoon, adjacent to the national seashore. Educational signs consisting of large maps of the area - showing grass flats, restricted areas and landmarks - were made and placed at local boat ramps.