Charlotte Harbor AP and Estero Bay Aquatic Preserves staff showcased their displays and outreach items at the annual Ft. Myers Boat Show. They teamed up with Clean Boating staff and members of the Friends of Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves and the Estero Bay Buddies to spread awareness of the local aquatic preserves and how to protect them.

The Southwest APs and DEP South District Offices Conduct Cleanups for DEP Stewardship Day 

Last week Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves staff, along with assistance from the Southwest Aquatic Preserve Regional Manager, conducted a multi-purpose day of rookery monitoring, island clean-up (on islands with no nesting) and the six-month mangrove planting survey on the two restored islands. Staff removed 28 lbs. of fishing line, hooks and other small debris from the rookery islands.

One month following the mangrove planting event with the help of the Coastal Conservation Association, Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve staff visited Terrapin Key to see how the new mangrove plantings are faring. While on site, staff mapped the planting area, took photo points and measured the height of randomly selected red, black and white mangroves. Overall, the plantings are doing very well, and no mortalities were noted.

Each of the five aquatic preserves within the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves offers a memorable experience visiting protected submerged state lands, healthy mangrove shorelines, seagrass beds and oyster bars. Southwest Florida’s subtropical climate is home to a variety of animals as well, in addition to migrating birds.