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Aquatic Preserves

Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve

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Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve sits along the northeast coast of the Gulf of America. It encompasses approximately 60% of the 210-square-mile Apalachicola estuary. The closest cities to the preserve are Apalachicola and Eastpoint, both located in Franklin County. Apalachicola is located on the western side of the bay, while Eastpoint is on the eastern side. 

HISTORY

Apalachicola Bay was designated as one of Florida's original 18 aquatic preserves in 1969. In the 1960s, Florida's booming population growth raised concerns about the sustainability of its natural resources. To address these concerns, state legislators established aquatic preserves, providing extra protection for areas with exceptional biological, aesthetic and scientific value. This led to the creation of a statewide system of aquatic preserves managed by the Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, acting as guardians for the people of Florida. These preserves aim to protect the natural or existing conditions of these unique areas for the benefit of future generations. 

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Site Stewards Program: This program trains volunteers to assist with various stewardship activities, such as habitat restoration, invasive species removal and monitoring.
  • Nature Center Docents: Volunteers can contribute by serving as docents at the Nature Center, providing information to visitors and assisting with educational programs.
  • Special Events and Projects: ANERR may offer volunteer opportunities for specific events, projects or research initiatives, activities.
  • Turtle Patrol
  • Water Quality Monitoring
  • Bird Surveys 

Events

  • Beach Cleanup Events
SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve contains 50 known archaeological sites, primarily prehistoric shell middens located along the shoreline. Additional archaeological sites include a turpentine camp and a historical shipwreck. Appendix B.5 of the Apalachicola NERR Management Plan provides a list of archaeological and historical sites associated with ANERR, which encompasses the aquatic preserve. 

The Apalachicola Bay is situated within a geological depression formed between the Ocala and Chattahoochee uplifts. The Apalachicola River played a significant role in shaping the bay's coastline during the coastline of the bay is characterized by Pleistocene marine sands near the river mouth and Pliocene sands further north. Subsequently, waves and longshore drift have further modified the coastline's features. The current configuration of the bay system, less than 10,000 years old, highlights the dynamic geological processes that have shaped this coastal environment. 

Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve boasts a rich and diverse ecosystem, supporting a wide array of habitats and wildlife. Salt marshes fringe much of the preserve, acting as a crucial transition zone. The dominant natural communities include seagrass beds, vital mollusk reefs and unconsolidated substrates that provide a foundation for a complex food web. This estuarine environment serves as a significant nursery ground for the Gulf of America, nurturing various species of fish and shellfish. Notably, over 95% of commercially harvested species and 85% of recreationally harvested species in the open Gulf spend a portion of their life cycle in estuarine waters like Apalachicola Bay. This interconnectedness highlights the ecological significance of preserving the bay's health. 

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

Nesting and Migrating Birds
Bald eagles, ospreys, pelicans, herons, American oystercatchers, seagulls

Mammals
Florida manatees, bottlenose dolphins, river otters

Reptiles
American alligators, several species of sea turtles, diamondback terrapins

Fish
Red drum, spotted sea trout, flounder, mullet, catfish, Atlantic stingrays

Invertebrates
Oysters, blue crabs, snails

Conservation Efforts

Conservation efforts at Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve focus on preserving the estuary's natural condition and ensuring the long-term health of its ecosystem. The aquatic preserve designation prohibits activities that would alter the physical conditions of the bay, such as dredging and filling, except for authorized navigation projects or activities designed to enhance the preserve. The preserve regulations aim to protect water quality, seagrass beds, oyster reefs and other vital habitats. These conservation measures are essential for maintaining the bay's productivity, supporting fisheries and safeguarding the diverse array of species that depend on this unique ecosystem. 

  • Oyster Restoration and Monitoring: Restoration and monitoring of Apalachicola Bay’s iconic oyster reefs hope to encourage the return of a thriving estuary and successful seafood industry.
  • Seagrass Monitoring: Regular monitoring programs assess the health and trends of seagrass populations, which are crucial nursery and feeding grounds for marine life.
  • Living Shoreline Restoration and Monitoring: A living shoreline project located behind the ANERR facility has created saltmarsh habitat and an artificial breakwater system to reduce coastal erosion and stabilize sediments, as well as create essential habitats for numerous estuarine species.
  • 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. 

Ongoing Research

  • 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.
  • Soil Analysis: Researchers collect and analyze samples of sediments and soils in and near Apalachicola Bay to understand the characteristics and history of our area’s unique ecology.

Highlights

Cat Point Living Shoreline was awarded Best Restored Shores Award in 2023 by the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA).

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. 

Various educational programs are available to members of the public as well as school groups.

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.

You can support ANERR through donations at their Nature Center as well as by joining the Friends of the Reserve.

Partner Groups

  • Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP): DEP's Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection oversees the Aquatic Preserve Program and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System.
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): The FWC manages wildlife populations and habitats, including those within the Apalachicola River Wildlife and Environmental Area.
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS): The USFWS manages the St. Vincent Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is included within the reserve boundaries.
  • Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD): The NWFWMD is a major landowner within the reserve and collaborates on issues related to freshwater management and restoration projects.
  • U.S. and Florida Geological Survey (USGS): The USGS partners on research related to freshwater inflows and their impacts on the bay ecosystem.
  • Local Governments: The reserve works with Franklin County and the City of Apalachicola on land use planning, coastal management and public outreach.
  • Non-Governmental Organizations: The reserve collaborates with organizations like the Apalachicola Riverkeeper, The Nature Conservancy on conservation and restoration initiatives and the Conservation Corps of the Forgotten and Emerald Coasts.
  • Academic Institutions: The reserve partners with universities like Florida State University and University of Florida on research projects, monitoring efforts and educational programs.
  • Friends of the Reserve:
    • The St. George Island Lighthouse Association Apalachicola Regional Stewardship Alliance
    • Panhandle Estuarine Restoration Team
    • The Partnership
    • Northwest Sentinel Landscape
    • Local schools
    • Conservation Corps of the Forgotten and Emerald Coasts Apalachee Regional Planning Council Resilient Florida Program