Message From The Manager

One of the most ironic things for me as an aquatic preserve manager is that I didn’t even know aquatic preserves existed until I started working for one. I was born and raised in Northeast Florida, where I spent as much time as I could outside, on or near the water. Yet I still didn’t know about Fort Clinch or the Nassau River-St. Johns River Marshes Aquatic Preserves. Of the 43 aquatic preserves across the state, I imagine many go similarly unnoticed by locals. Still, they are likely some of the most special places to those communities, whether they know they are aquatic preserves or not. The designation doesn’t make them special; they were already special places. The designation is recognition and a vow of protection for their future enjoyment, so they can remain special for everyone and everything. For that reason, I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to give these preserves a voice and look out for them while I’m here.

Sincerely,

James Tomazinis