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Aquatic Preserves

Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve

  • The Rainbow Springs Aquatic Preserve encompasses the entire length of the Rainbow River.
  • The river begins at Rainbow Springs and empties into the Withlacoochee River 5.7 miles to the south.
  • Rainbow Springs is Florida's fourth largest spring.
  • The 72 degree F clear water is home to 23 species of fish representing seven families of fishes.
  • This area is rich in cultural resources dating back to 7000 to 3000 B.C.

Resource Management 

St. Andrews Aquatic Preserve

"St. Andrews Bay is one of the most highly diverse estuaries in America, with over 2,900 species. On any given day, you can find almost anything in the clear waters of St. Andrews Bay. It is also one of the most fragile coastal estuaries that needs our continued protection." - Mike Brim, Executive Director, St. Andrews Bay Environmental Science Team

Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve

"This aquatic preserve is the essence of the southwest Florida estuary - teeming with life, exquisite in form and extremely sensitive to human-caused impacts. It is one of our many jewels in southwest Florida and we have a duty to protect this valuable preserve!" - Bob Janes, former Lee County Commissioner

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