Skip to main content
Aquatic Preserves

St. Andrews Aquatic Preserve

NEWS     |     RESOURCES     |     CALENDAR

St. Andrews Aquatic Preserve is situated on the northwest coast of Florida, encompassing the entire inlet of St. Andrews Bay. It is located south of Panama City and east of Panama City Beach. The preserve's boundaries extend into the Gulf of America, with its southern boundary reaching approximately 3 miles offshore. 

History

Native Americans once inhabited the shores of St. Andrews Bay, relying on its clear, shallow waters for shellfish gathering. Archaeological evidence, including shell middens and village sites within the adjacent St. Andrews State Park, suggests that the barrier peninsula provided sustenance and shelter for pre-Columbian inhabitants over a millennium ago. In 1972, the Board of Trustees designated the area as St. Andrews Aquatic Preserve to safeguard its natural condition for future generations. This preserve was previously known as the St. Andrews State Park Aquatic Preserve. The bay's remarkable clarity, a result of spring-fed tributaries, low sediment loads and the filtering effects of marshes and seagrasses, contributes to its unique ecological value.  

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Opportunities 

Volunteer opportunities are available through various organizations that operate in the St. Andrews Bay Watershed and surrounding areas. Volunteer opportunities may include clean-up events, turtle patrol and bird surveys.

Events

  • International Coastal Cleanup

Educational Opportunities

Staff members distribute informational pamphlets and brochures about the preserve's resources and conservation efforts. An informational kiosk has been installed at the St. Andrews State Park Boat Ramp to enhance visitor awareness. 

Scientific Information

Archaeological investigations have revealed the presence of nine significant archaeological sites within the coastal areas surrounding St. Andrews Aquatic Preserve. These sites, documented by the Florida Department of State's Division of Historical Resources, include three shell middens dating back to the middle to late Woodland Period (300 to 1000 AD). One shell midden of undetermined age has succumbed to the erosive forces of wave action. The moderate wave energy along the coastline suggests the possibility of numerous submerged or buried Native American sites, highlighting the need for further archaeological exploration within the preserve. 

Geologically, St. Andrews Aquatic Preserve is situated within the Coastal Plain physiographic province, characterized by a surface stratigraphy dominated by post-Pleistocene sands. This region is classified as coastal integrated drainage due to the network of small streams draining its coastal areas. The preserve predominantly consists of Holocene sediments composed of sand, clay and organic matter. The dominant soil is known for its sandy composition, level to gently sloping terrain and varying drainage characteristics. 

St. Andrews Aquatic Preserve features a diverse and productive ecosystem, largely shaped by its clear, high-salinity waters and limited freshwater input. This unique environment supports an abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation, including several species of seagrasses. These seagrasses, along with nearshore salt marshes, play a crucial role as nursery and foraging grounds for a variety of commercially and recreationally valuable fish and invertebrate species, sea turtles and birds. The detrital food chain, fueled by decaying plant and animal matter, forms a major component of the estuarine food web, supporting a rich biodiversity. 

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Types
Seagrass beds, saltmarsh, mollusk reefs, corals, unconsolidated benthic substrate

Nesting and Migrating Birds
Least terns, black skimmers, snowy plovers, Wilson's plovers, gull-billed terns, brown pelicans, herons

Mammals
Florida manatees, bottlenose dolphins

Reptiles
Kemp's ridley sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles 

Fish
Spotted seatrout, red drum, mullet, blue crab, grouper, flounders, sharks, snapper

Other Species
Invertebrates: Scallops, starfish, sea urchins, anemones, hermit crabs

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

Conservation Efforts

Key initiatives include: 

  • Oyster Restoration and Monitoring: Restoration and monitoring of St. Andrews Bay’s once productive oyster reefs aims to encourage the return of a thriving estuary and successful seafood industry.
  • Water Quality Monitoring: Regular monitoring of water quality parameters, including nutrients, chlorophyll and turbidity, helps identify potential threats and inform management decisions.
  • Seagrass Restoration and Monitoring: Efforts are underway to monitor seagrass health, restore damaged areas and educate boaters about responsible practices to prevent propeller scarring.
  • Protection of Listed Species: Monitoring and research efforts focus on the conservation of endangered and threatened species, including shorebird nesting surveys and management strategies in line with federal recovery plans. 

Public Education and Outreach: Raising public awareness about the importance of the preserve, responsible use and conservation efforts through signage, events and online platforms plays a crucial role in protecting the ecosystem. 

Ongoing Research

  • Seagrass Mapping: Using aerial imagery, scientists map the distribution and abundance of seagrass beds to understand their changes over time and guide conservation efforts.
  • Water Quality Analysis: Researchers analyze water samples to monitor nutrient levels, algal content and other water quality parameters to assess ecosystem health.
  • Benthic Community Studies: Studies of the organisms living on the seafloor provide insights into the overall health and biodiversity of the harbor ecosystem.
  • Shorebird Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring of shorebird nesting sites and populations helps to understand their habitat use, breeding success and potential threats.
  • Sea Turtle Monitoring: Researchers and volunteers track sea turtle nesting activity, monitor nests and gather data on sea turtle populations to aid conservation efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions

Year-round

No

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.  

Partner Groups

  • St. Andrew Bay Resource Management Association
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
  • Florida Park Service
  • Northwest Florida Water Management District
  • Friends of St. Andrew Bay
  • Friends of St. Andrews State Park
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  • St. Andrew and St. Joseph Bays Estuary Program