Aquatic Preserves

"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

"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

St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve was established on Oct. 21, 1969. 

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 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 is home to two state aquatic preserves, collectively known as Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves (BBAP). The first, Biscayne Bay-Cape Florida to Monroe County Line Aquatic Preserve was designated in 1970. Much of the submerged lands and islands originally included within the boundaries are now within either Biscayne National Park (BNP) or within the larger preserve, Biscayne Bay 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."

December 2024 Update

Current Lake Stage (Miller Landing station, Lake Jackson) as of 12/2/2024: 81.47 ft (NAVD88)