Fort Clinch Aquatic Preserve

The coastal area of northeast Florida, where Fort Clinch Aquatic Preserve is located, is home to more than 100 sites of archaeological and cultural significance. The earliest evidence of human occupation in the area dates back to 3500 BC. These early inhabitants, the Timucuan Indians, were drawn to the area's abundant resources, including productive marshes, offshore waters and numerous inlets and natural ports. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Timucuan people relied on a subsistence strategy that included horticulture, shellfish collecting and hunting and gathering. Food remains from midden deposits indicate that mullet, sheepshead, black drum and catfish were the most frequently consumed fish, while oysters, clams, mussels and whelks were important shellfish resources.

The geological history of Fort Clinch Aquatic Preserve is closely tied to the formation of the barrier islands and salt marshes that characterize the region. These features are part of a larger geological formation known as the St. Marys Meander Plain, which extends from the St. Johns River in Florida to the Santee River in South Carolina. The barrier islands, formed over thousands of years by the deposition of sand and sediment, provide a protective barrier between the open ocean and the mainland, creating the sheltered conditions necessary for the development of salt marshes. The salt marshes, with their intricate network of tidal creeks and channels, are a dynamic environment where the forces of erosion and deposition continually reshape the landscape. The ebb and flow of tides contribute to the accumulation of sediment in the marshes, leading to gradual increases in elevation.

The salt marshes, serving as crucial nursery grounds for various fish species, are highly productive due to frequent tidal flushing, which ensures continuous nutrient transport. These marshes, along with the tidal flats, provide abundant feeding opportunities for a variety of wading birds. The sandy beaches offer nesting grounds for shorebirds and sea turtles. The intricate interplay of these habitats supports a rich array of animal life, contributing to the overall health and biodiversity of the preserve.

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Type
Fort Clinch Aquatic Preserve encompasses a diverse and productive ecosystem characterized by open waters, salt marshes, tidal flats and beaches.

Nesting and Migrating Birds
Clapper rails, willets, red-winged blackbirds, seaside sparrows, marsh wrens, Least tern, American oystercatcher, herons, egrets, ibis and wood storks

Mammals
Manatee, rice rat, cotton mouse, river otter and bobcats

Reptiles
Atlantic loggerhead turtle

Fish
Ladyfish, Atlantic menhaden, spot, mummichog, silverside, striped mullet, spadefish, pinfish, spotted sea trout, red drum, weakfish, croaker, northern kingfish, jack crevalle, lookdown, Florida pompano, pigfish, grunt, threadfin herring, southern flounder, summer flounder, bluefish, butterfish, Atlantic sturgeon, smalltooth sawfish, mojarra, sheepshead and tarpon

While the preserve offers year-round recreational opportunities, if guests are wanting to get into the water, April through October offers average water temperatures above 70 degrees. November through March provides excellent fishing opportunities from shore or boat as well as beach combing and bird watching on much less crowded beaches than the warmer months. 

For a comprehensive understanding of available educational activities, it's recommended to explore the websites of the surrounding parks and relevant organizations.

Yes, but 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. 

Donations toward public efforts that qualify through Florida Department of Environmental Protection's standards of ethics are accepted.

Contact the office staff and request a volunteer packet.