Aquatic Preserve Program

St. Joseph Bay is a large body of water mostly enclosed by St. Joseph Peninsula. The St. Joseph Peninsula is 17 miles long and has an average width of 1,000 feet. It is formed from the Cape San Blas shoals and the historical migration of the Apalachicola River. The cape and the spit sediments are quartz sands originally supplied by the Apalachicola River. Waves and other shore zone processes have put the beaches in a constant state of change over the last hundred years.

• Because of its location in the central highlands and its protection from geological fluctuations in sea level, the Oklawaha River is one of the oldest rivers in Florida.The dark-water Oklawaha, spring-run Silver River and their floodplain swamp support a diverse natural system of flora and fauna.
• The 72 degree F water is home to 41 species of fish representing 12 families of fishes.
• This area is rich in cultural resources; human habitation dates back to 7500 B.C.
• Forty-three percent of federally listed threatened or endangered species rely directly or indirectly

"A trip on the Yellow River is like going back in time.
Its tall-forested banks, pristine water quality and productive fishing create a place one can go to be completely surrounded by nature.
The Yellow River Preserve is one of Florida's most precious contributions it has for its future generations."
 - Ernie Rivers, River Keeper and Bream Fisherman Associate of Northwest Florida

The Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve was established in 1985.

"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