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Aquatic Preserves

Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve

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The Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve stretches along Florida's Gulf Coast, bordered by Crystal River to the north and the Anclote River to the south. Its eastern boundary aligns with the mean high water line in all three counties.

History

The designation of the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve in the summer of 2020 marked a significant step in Florida's conservation efforts, adding over 450,000 acres of submerged public resources to the state's Aquatic Preserve Program. Spanning three counties along Florida's Gulf of America coastline, the aquatic preserve encompasses a region with a rich history of human interaction. Archaeological evidence reveals that indigenous people have inhabited the area for at least 12,000 years, adapting to environmental shifts and utilizing the region's abundant resources. While local stakeholders and researchers have long recognized the unique features of these waters, the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve's designation brings a new level of formal management under a single entity. This management plan builds upon past efforts, outlining ambitious goals to preserve these waters for future generations. 

Scientific Information

Archaeological evidence indicates a long history of human presence in the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve region, dating back at least 12,000 years. Early inhabitants adapted to environmental changes, shifting from utilizing megafauna to relying on resources provided by a warmer, wetter climate. The region served as a hub for various indigenous cultures, including the Mount Taylor, Orange, Woodland, Deptford, Weedon Island, Switch Creek and Safety Harbor traditions. Evidence of these cultures can be found in the numerous shell middens located along the coast, particularly in areas like Trout Creek. These middens, composed of discarded mollusk shells, not only provide insights into past lifeways but also support diverse hardwood forests. However, these archaeological sites face ongoing threats from natural processes and human activities, emphasizing the need for protection and further research within the aquatic preserve. 

Geologically, the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve is characterized by its shallow bathymetry and karstic features, shaped by the close interaction of surface and groundwater systems. The underlying geology consists primarily of limestone, formed during the Miocene and Pliocene epochs. This limestone foundation is responsible for the region's unique karst topography, featuring springs, sinkholes and underground caves. Seven major rivers, including the Withlacoochee, Crystal and Homosassa, flow through this aquatic preserve, carrying waters influenced by groundwater discharge from numerous springs. The combination of shallow waters, estuarine conditions and spring-fed rivers creates a diverse and productive ecosystem within the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. 

The Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem, characterized by its expansive seagrass beds, which are the largest contiguous meadows in the Gulf of America and are also the largest spring-fed seagrass habitat globally. These seagrass beds, along with salt marshes and mangrove swamps, serve as critical habitats for a wide array of species. The preserve also features spring-fed waters that attract manatees seeking warmer temperatures during the winter months. The unique combination of these habitats creates an intricate web of life, supporting both ecological and economic values within the aquatic preserve. 

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Types

Aquatic Preserves, estuary, mollusk reef, Outstanding Florida Waters, salt marsh, marine spring vents, corals, hardbottom, mangrove islands

Nesting and Migrating Birds
White pelicans, gulls, terns, ducks, common loons, bald eagles, swallow-tailed kites, shorebirds, herons, egrets, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, tricolored herons, little blue herons, reddish egrets and roseate spoonbills

Mammals
West Indian manatees, river otters, marsh voles

Reptiles
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, American alligators and diamondback terrapins

Fish
Snook, sheepshead, snapper, drum, flounder, pompano, gobies, striped mullet and white mullet

Invertebrates
Sea Urchins, Scallops, Oysters, Blue Crab and Stone Crab

Plants
Red, Black and White Mangroves, Buttonwood, Saltgrass, Saltwort and Glasswort species 

Other Species
Florida manatee, green sea turtles and Gulf sturgeon

Conservation Efforts

  • Monitoring Programs: Regular monitoring of water quality and seagrass beds is crucial to establish baseline data and detect any changes that may require intervention. Data collected through these programs will be publicly available through the SEACAR database.
  • Water Resource Management: Recognizing the importance of maintaining water quality for the health of the ecosystem, the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve implements strategies to mitigate pollution from land-based sources and protect the quality of freshwater inflows.
  • Submerged Resource Protection: The plan emphasizes the protection and management of submerged resources such as seagrass, oyster reefs, hardbottom structures, sponge communities and macroalgae beds. This includes mapping sensitive habitats, exploring spatial management areas and establishing monitoring criteria to ensure the long-term health of these resources.
  • Addressing Human Dimensions: Understanding and managing the impact of human activities on the preserve is crucial for its sustainability. The plan focuses on identifying and mitigating human-related impacts, such as those associated with marine debris and recreational activities.

Ongoing Research

  • Water Quality Monitoring: Reinstated in 2021, this project collects samples from 90 historical stations per month to assess water quality trends.
  • Seagrass Monitoring: Annual seagrass monitoring is conducted at 100 designated sites within the preserve. This research helps track changes in seagrass coverage and health, providing insights into the overall ecological status of the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve.
  • Sponge Research and Restoration: Research focuses on understanding the ecology and restoration potential of commercially valuable sponge species found within the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve's hard-bottom communities.
  • Marine Turtle Research: Florida State University’s Marine Lab is conducting ongoing research on marine turtle populations within this aquatic preserve. This research focuses on density, distribution, demographics, disease prevalence and genetic contributions of different turtle species, providing valuable data for their conservation. 
Frequently Asked Questions

April-October. Spring, summer and fall are ideal for fishing, snorkeling in the seagrass. Wintertime provides a great opportunity to view migratory birds passing through the area. Scallop season is typically July 1-Sept. 24 for Citrus County and July 10-Aug. 18 for Pasco County. Subject to change. Please refer to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for regulations and seasons, before planning a trip.  

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.  

Contact the office staff and request a volunteer packet.

Partner Groups

  • University of Florida: The University of Florida's Nature Coast Biological Station and Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences Department play a crucial role in monitoring and research efforts within the Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve.
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): The FWC is involved in various aspects of resource management in the region, including fisheries management, wildlife conservation and habitat protection.
  • Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD): The SWFWMD plays a significant role in managing water resources and protecting water quality within the aquatic preserve's watershed.
  • Local Stakeholder Groups: The Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve recognizes the importance of engaging local communities and stakeholders in its management efforts. This includes partnering with fishing groups, ecotourism operators and other organizations to promote stewardship and sustainable use of the preserve's resources.
  • Non-Profit Organizations: Organizations like Healthy Gulf, the National Wildlife Federation and the Indian River Lagoon Research Institute are actively involved.