Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve

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"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

Apalachicola Bay is one of the most productive estuarine systems in the northern hemisphere as a result of the overall good water quality.
Apalachicola Bay is an exceptionally important nursery area for the Gulf of Mexico.
More than 95% of all species harvested commercially and 85% of all species harvested recreationally in the open Gulf have to spend a portion of their life in estuarine waters. Blue crabs, for example, migrate as much as 300 miles to spawn in Apalachicola Bay.
Apalachicola Bay is a major forage area for such offshore fish species as gag grouper and gray snapper.
The area is a major forage area for migratory birds, in particular for trans-gulf migrants in the spring.

Counties:

Franklin

Location:

108 Island Drive

Eastpoint, FL 32328

Managed Location Contact:

Megan Christopher

Email:

Megan.Christopher@FloridaDEP.gov

Phone:

850-670-7747

Total Acreage:

80876.00

Managed-Regulated:

Managed

Receives State Funding:

Yes

State Owned:

Yes

History:

The Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve lies along the northeast coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Franklin County. The preserve, designated in 1969, covers an area of 80,000 acres.

The Apalachicola estuary covers an area of about 210 square miles, with about 60% of this area included within the aquatic preserve's boundaries.

Public Access:

The Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve is contained within the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The aquatic preserve ensures an essentially natural condition for future generations. The public has access to recreational opportunities' in the aquatic preserve, while assuring the continued propagation of fish and wildlife resources.

Archaeological Resources:

Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve has 50 archaeological sites, mostly prehistoric shell middens along the shoreline, but also including a turpentine camp and a historic shipwreck.

Wildlife Habitat Description:

The dominant natural communities in Apalachicola Bay are seagrass beds, mollusk reef and unconsolidated substrate. Salt marsh borders much of the aquatic preserve as a transition zone between aquatic and terrestrial habitats.

Habitat-Wildlife Type:

Aquatic Preserves

Estuary

Mollusk Reef

Outstanding Florida Waters

Salt Marsh

Last Modified:

August 23, 2024 - 9:56am

Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve

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