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Aquatic Preserves

Banana River Aquatic Preserve

NEWS     |     RESOURCES     |     CALENDAR

The Banana River Aquatic Preserve is a part of the Indian River Lagoon, a long, wide and shallow estuarine lagoon. The lagoon is characterized by a mix of freshwater from rivers, creeks and saltwater from the ocean, creating a unique and diverse ecosystem.

HISTORY

Officially designated as an aquatic preserve in 1970 by the Board of Trustees, Banana River Aquatic Preserve became part of the broader Aquatic Preserves Act of 1975. The preserve is one of four key components of the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves system. The Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves system as a whole saw its first management plan in 1985. In 2017, this plan was significantly updated to reflect changing conditions and management needs.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Beach and spoil island cleanups

Events

Please contact the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves office for volunteer opportunities.

Educational Opportunities

  • Brevard Zoo
SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

The Florida Department of State's Division of Historical Resources Master Site File indicates there are scores of historical sites adjacent to the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves system. Archaeological sites date from 10,000 B.C. to 1700 A.D. and include Spanish Fleet Survivors and Salvors Camp, Jungle Trail and Mount Elizabeth.

The preserve sits on the Atlantic Coastal Ridge, a narrow strip of land separating the lagoon from the ocean. The western shore of the preserve is characterized by the Anastasia Formation, a type of limestone known for its abundant and diverse fossils, formed over 5.3 million years ago during the Pliocene/Pleistocene epoch. Underlying these formations are even older basement rocks of the Florida Platform, some dating back to the Precambrian-Cambrian period. These geological formations, spanning millions of years, influence the preserve's topography, sediment composition and ultimately, the types of habitats and species that thrive within its boundaries.

Banana River is an estuary that features several different habitats including mangrove swamps, tidal mud flats and sandy shorelines. This aquatic preserve encompasses essential habitats for the West Indian Manatee and pelicans, especially, but also for other nesting and migrating birds and various turtle species.

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Type
Aquatic preserves, mangrove islands, estuary, mollusk reef, Outstanding Florida Waters, spoil islands

Spoil Islands
While not a natural community, spoil islands have become an important biological and recreational component of the Indian River Lagoon. Spoil islands were created from dredge material during the construction of the Intracoastal Waterway. The deposited material consists of sand, shell, muck and limestone rubble. The spoil islands have evolved into ecological communities which significantly contribute to the biodiversity of the Indian River Lagoon. Much of the vegetation on the spoil islands is exotic, consisting primarily of Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) and Australian pine (Casuarina spp.). The shallow edges of the spoil islands have been colonized by mangrove forest, salt marsh and seagrass beds. Spoil islands support the majority of bird rookeries in the Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserve system. Spoil islands provide recreational opportunities for boaters through the IRL. For information on visiting and camping, visit the Friends of the Spoil Islands website. 

Animals
Oysters, horseshoe crabs, seahorses

Nesting and Migrating Birds
Wading birds, seabirds, shorebirds

Mammals
Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin, West Indian manatee

Reptiles
Alligators, Diamond Back Terrapins

Fish
Redfish, black drum, tarpon, snook, mullet

Other Species
Seagrasses, red, black and white mangroves

Conservation Efforts

Conservation efforts at Banana River Aquatic Preserve focus on protecting bird nesting areas, planting mangroves, oyster reef restoration and seagrass surveys. Two spoil islands in the Banana River Aquatic Preserve (Honeymoon East and West) provide important nesting habitat for brown pelicans. All of these efforts are helping conserve listed species populations and threatened habitats.

 

Ongoing Research

  • Shorebird and seabird nesting research
  • Oyster research
Frequently Asked Questions

Average summer temperatures may range between 72° and 91° Fahrenheit. Average winter temperatures may range between 48° and 70° Fahrenheit. The total annual rainfall in The Indian River Lagoon system averages between 55 and 60 inches. This rainfall is unevenly distributed throughout the year with approximately 62% occurring from June through October and 21% during March, April and May.

There are many private vendors around the Lagoon that offer these services.

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. Pets must be kept on leash.

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. Donations are accepted through Friends of the Spoil Islands.

Contact IRLAP@FloridaDEP.gov to learn more about conservation and volunteer involvement opportunities.

Partner Groups

  • Brevard Zoo
  • City of Satellite Beach