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 

The aquatic preserve partners with the Southwest Florida Water Management District (S

Last Modified: Friday, Dec 13, 2024 - 05:50pm

Gasparilla Sound-Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve

"As the only deep-water harbor between Tampa and Key West, greater Charlotte Harbor is blessed with a rich abundance and diversity of marine life and requires our constant and continued efforts to ensure the future health of its waters."  -- Anna Bowditch, Honorary Member of the Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program Advisory Committee

Last Modified: Monday, Feb 24, 2025 - 04:10pm

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

 

 

Last Modified: Friday, Dec 13, 2024 - 05:57pm