St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve - Resource Protection

St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve is an important part of the Springs Coast, which extends over a vast area of coastal resources and habitats. It is imperative that these areas be managed in the most effective, comprehensive manner. Having a baseline level of presence and distribution of habitats, composition and abundance of species that depend on those habitats (including salinity and temperature ranges), and updated maps to graphically represent these parameters and how they change over time are all essential tools needs to effectively manage the aquatic preserve.

Addressing issues such as marine debris is important in assessing the overall health of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. Marine debris presents a real and chronic threat to wildlife and public safety; entanglement, ingestion, and the release of toxins into the environment are issues related to debris. Additionally, the presence of debris detracts from the aesthetic value of natural landscapes. Marine debris can include paper and plastic products, construction debris, derelict vessels, and derelict aquaculture and fisheries gear. Significant change events such as sea level rise and climate change may drastically alter the status of the Springs Coast benthic community and may have a regional impact. Catastrophic events, such as hurricanes, oil disasters, and harmful algal blooms, are also major issues that could affect the health of the aquatic preserve’s natural resources. Aquatic preserve staff have partnered with local citizens, state agencies, and federal agencies to complete annual marine debris clean up events in areas of concern to protect and restore natural resources.

Another area of concern is the cultural resources in and near St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. Although the best-known archaeological sites are on land, such as Crystal River Archaeological State Park, there are numerous submerged sites as well. Aquatic preserve staff are working to document and protect those sites by collaborating with the Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources, Gulf Archaeology Research Institute, and Florida Public Archeological Network. Staff work to verify location and condition of submerged cultural resources, and report to the Division of Historical Resources.

Staff also work to educate the public about the importance of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve's history, natural resources, and cultural resources. This is primarily accomplished through signage, brochures, and providing interpretive training for tour guides.