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Aquatic Preserves

Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve

NEWS     |     RESOURCES     |     CALENDAR

The Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve lies just east of the Apalachicola estuary, enclosed by the Alligator Point Peninsula. While it appears to border the Florida mainland to the north, the land mass is actually St. James Island.

HISTORY

Established in 1970, the Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve's barrier islands and spits began forming 5,000 years ago as sea levels rose to their current position. The region surrounding the preserve is mainly rural, with scattered single-family beach homes, but development pressure is increasing. Before the arrival of European settlers, Native American tribes inhabited the region surrounding Alligator Harbor, taking advantage of the area's abundant natural food resources.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Opportunities

Various government and non-governmental organizations provide opportunities to volunteer in and near Alligator Harbor. One such organization is Alligator Point Taxpayers Association, which volunteers in activities such as: 

  • Beach Cleanup Events
  • Turtle Patrol
  • Water Quality Monitoring
  • 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 Leonard’s Landing to enhance visitor awareness and understanding of the preserve's ecology.

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

Archaeological evidence suggests that the area surrounding Alligator Harbor was extensively used by Native Americans. The Florida Master Site File, maintained by the Division of Historical Resources, records several archaeological sites near the preserve. These sites, dating back to the Woodland Period (1000 B.C. to 1000 A.D.), include prehistoric shell middens, village sites and burial sites representing diverse cultures. The Division of Historical Resources has identified approximately 165 acres of archaeological sites near the preserve's coastal areas, including shell middens, habitation sites, burial mounds and historical structures.

The geological foundation of the preserve consists mainly of St. Marks Formation limestone, a fossil-rich formation dating back to the late Miocene period. This formation represents the uppermost unit of the Floridian aquifer, lying 25-450 feet below sea level in Franklin County. The average water depth in the harbor is approximately 4 feet, with depths ranging from 8-10 feet at the harbor mouth. A deeper channel, about 10 feet deep, runs south from the Florida State Marine Laboratory at Turkey Point.

The Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve features a diverse ecosystem with seagrass beds and salt marshes serving as crucial nursery grounds for various juvenile fish and invertebrates. The preserve is an important foraging area for both local and migratory birds, especially during the fall and spring trans-gulf migrations. The Alligator Point sand spit offers a critical resting spot for these migrating birds. The harbor is recognized as one of the world's most significant feeding grounds for the Kemp's ridley turtle, the world's most endangered sea turtle species.

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Type
Seagrass beds, saltmarsh, unconsolidated benthic substrate

Nesting and Migrating Birds
Several species of plovers, terns, herons, American oystercatchers, black skimmers, osprey, brown pelicans, bald eagles

Mammals
Florida manatees, bottlenose dolphins

Reptiles
Kemp's ridley turtles, loggerhead sea turtles 

Fish
Sheepshead, spotted seatrout, ladyfish, spot, mullet

Invertebrates 
Blue crabs, cannonball jellyfish, tunicates, bay scallops

Conservation Efforts

The primary focus of conservation efforts at Alligator Harbor Aquatic Preserve is the protection of seagrass beds and water quality. 

  • Seagrass Monitoring: Regular monitoring programs assess the health and trends of seagrass populations, which are crucial nursery and feeding grounds for marine life.
  • Propeller Scarring Prevention: Measures to reduce propeller scarring, caused by boats damaging seagrass beds, include education and outreach initiatives and potential marking of shallow areas.
  • Water Quality Monitoring: Ongoing monitoring of water quality parameters, including nutrient levels, helps to assess the health of the ecosystem and identify potential threats from pollution.
  • Stormwater Management: Collaborations with local and state agencies aim to improve stormwater management practices and reduce runoff pollution into the harbor.
  • Partnerships: The preserve collaborates with various organizations, such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the University of Florida, to enhance conservation efforts and research. 

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

Spring, summer and fall are ideal for fishing, snorkeling in the seagrass and enjoying the beaches. Wintertime provides a great opportunity to view migratory birds passing through the area. 

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

  • Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (ANERR): ANERR provides facilities and collaborates on research and educational initiatives.
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): The FWC plays a crucial role in monitoring and managing wildlife populations, particularly sea turtles and shorebirds.
  • Florida State University Coastal and Marine Laboratory (FSUCML): The FSUCML conducts research on sea turtles, shorebirds and other aspects of the preserve's ecology.
  • University of Florida: The university's LAKEWATCH program collaborates on water quality monitoring.
  • Alligator Point Taxpayers Association (APTA): This local organization supports conservation efforts through volunteer activities.
  • Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD): The NWFWMD contributes to water quality improvement projects and monitoring initiatives.