Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve

Archaeological evidence reflects a deep history of indigenous peoples, dependent on coastal resources throughout the Big Bend region. Uncovered artifacts suggest indigenous people engaged in fishing, gathering shellfish and hunting marine mammals. Indigenous peoples crafted large sea-going canoes, some of which may have been capable of navigating offshore waters, as evidence by remnants of tools and remains of wildlife found at inland sites near the preserve. Archaeological sites have yielded artifacts from various periods including pottery, bone tools, shell middens and remnants of village structures.

Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve is defined by its unique karst topography, with porous limestone bedrock that supports springs, sinks and underwater caverns. This geology allows fresh and saltwater to mix freely, creating a nutrient-rich environment ideal for one of the largest contiguous seagrass meadows in the Gulf of America. Spanning nearly 984,325 acres, the aquatic preserve’s open coastline promotes extensive freshwater flow into the Gulf of America, fostering biodiversity.

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Type
Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserve features a variety of diverse habitats, including seagrass beds, salt marshes, mangrove islands and oyster reefs. Notably, it is home to the second-largest contiguous seagrass habitat in the eastern Gulf of America. These seagrass beds are crucial habitats for marine species, such as sportfish, invertebrates, shore birds, shellfish and many more.

Nesting and Migrating Birds
Pelicans, ospreys, roseate spoonbills, magnificent frigatebirds, egrets, American oyster catchers, etc.

Mammals
West Indian manatee (an endangered species that relies on seagrass beds) and bottlenose dolphin (found in the Gulf of America)

Reptiles
American alligator, loggerhead sea turtle (threatened species), green sea turtle (threatened species), hawksbill sea turtle (endangered species), Kemp's ridley sea turtle (endangered species), diamondback terrapin

Fish
Gulf sturgeon (threatened species), redfish, sea trout, tarpon, bull sharks, etc.

A full list of species can be found in the management plan. 

Each season offers wonderful opportunities and activities throughout the aquatic preserve. Spring is great for kayaking and paddling due to mild weather and calm water. Wildlife viewing is also great in late spring when migratory birds start to return to the area. Summer months offer scalloping and snorkeling with warmer waters. Fall brings cooler temperatures making fishing more comfortable while species are still active. Winter offers great viewing of wildlife.

Yes. Aquatic preserves often are adjacent to other conservation areas that may have nesting birds or other easily disturbed wildlife. Please do not let your pet run free in areas not designated for pets, and please pick up after your pet to avoid hazardous pathogens in our coastal waters.

Follow current FWC saltwater fishing regulations.

Follow current FWC boating regulations.

Seagrass is protected within aquatic preserves; avoid shallow waters and raise motor if over seagrass. Damage to seagrass can result in a fine up to $1,000. 

Call Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922).

ADA accommodations are specific to each access point and the managing entity for that site.

There are no fees required by the preserve, but specific access points may charge access fees to those sites.