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Aquatic Preserves

Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve

NEWS     |     RESOURCES     |     CALENDAR

The Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve is situated on the western coast of Florida, nestled within the larger Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve. It forms part of the intricate network of waterways and islands that characterize the western shoreline of Tampa Bay. To the north lies Clearwater, the largest city in the northern part of Pinellas County, and to the south is St. Petersburg, the county's most populous city. Both cities play significant roles in the history and management of the preserve.

HISTORY

Early settlers picked sites with the best coastal resources, fisheries, scenic vistas and other natural feature for the establishment of coastal communities. With that activity came the responsibility to protect the coastal habitats that attracted people in the first place. Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve was the first legislatively designated aquatic preserve in Florida. It was established in 1969 in response to extensive dredge-and-fill activities that had dramatically altered Boca Ciega Bay. When the Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve was established, it included Boca Ciega Bay, but the Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve still exists as a unique entity.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Opportunities

Many organizations have volunteer activities in the preserve. This aquatic preserve's activities are coordinated by their citizen support organization, the Friends of Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves. The Friends of Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves program heavily relies on volunteers to support its resource management activities. Volunteers play a vital role in island restoration projects, assisting with tasks such as trash removal, invasive plant removal and planting native species.

Events

  • Keep Pinellas Beautiful cleanup events
  • SharkCon
  • St. Petersburg Boat Show

Educational Opportunities

Strategically placed signs throughout the preserve offer insights into the bay's ecology, history and management, enhancing visitors' understanding and appreciation of the environment.

SCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

The area was active in pre-Columbian times, and pre-Columbian archaeological resources abound. The exact locations of these resources are not made public to protect the sites from vandalism and looting.

The preserve represents a typical drowned shoreline geoform.

The Boca Ciega Bay Aquatic Preserve encompasses a diverse ecosystem, featuring a mosaic of habitats that support a rich tapestry of wildlife. Nearshore environments include sandy beaches and mangrove-dominated shorelines, providing vital nesting and foraging grounds for various bird species, as well as shelter for fish and invertebrates. Submerged habitats like oyster bars, seagrass beds and coral communities offer crucial feeding and breeding areas for a wide array of marine life, contributing to the overall productivity of the bay. The presence of numerous islands, both natural and those formed from dredge spoil material, further enriches the habitat diversity, serving as nesting sites for colonial birds and refuge for other terrestrial species. These interconnected habitats create a complex web of ecological interactions, highlighting the importance of preserving the integrity of the entire ecosystem.

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Type
Seagrass beds, oyster reef, open sand bottom, mangrove shorelines and islands

Animals
A variety of estuarine and marine wildlife can be found in this preserve including blue crabs, sea stars, fish, sharks, dolphins and sea turtles.

Nesting and Migrating Birds
Colonial waterbirds find rich foraging grounds on the preserve’s tidal flats.

Mammals
The most popular mammals in the preserve include bottlenose dolphin, West Indian manatee and river otters.

Reptiles
The American Crocodile likely makes an occasional visit to the area. Sea turtles, especially the green turtle, frequent the preserve’s waters.

Fish
Coastal sportfish, like snook and redfish, thrive in the seagrass beds and mangrove shorelines.

Other Species
Plant life includes seagrass beds, mangrove shorelines and diverse algae species.

A full list of species can be found in the management plan.

Conservation Efforts

Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves provide natural resource information for the regulatory process, and this has prevented much damage to oyster reefs, seagrass beds, corals and nesting birds. Ongoing research focuses on understanding the status and trends of the preserve's resources, particularly submerged habitats. The Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves program actively collaborates with various research partners to gather data on seagrasses, biota and water quality. The program also draws on volunteer efforts to support island restoration and resource management.

Ongoing Research

Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves is active in many research initiatives in the area with various partners. The program conducts hard-bottom and fish monitoring, involving citizen scientists and volunteers in initiatives like songbird monitoring at Lake Tarpon Swamp, island management and debris cleanups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Year-round

Local Ecotour companies offer tours and programs.

Yes, but 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.

While boating, abide by the posted slow speed manatee protection zones.

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. The Friends of Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves, a 501(c)3 citizen support organization, accepts donations toward their goal of supporting preserve management and public outreach/education.

Partner Groups

  • Friends of Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves: The program’s official citizen support organization
  • The Aquatic Preserve Society: The statewide citizen support organization for aquatic preserves
  • Pinellas County Government: The county has taken a proactive role in managing areas of the preserve with high public use, such as Shell Key and Weedon Island, contributing to the preservation of these valuable habitats.
  • Florida Park Service: The park service manages several large islands adjacent to the preserve, including Anclote Key, Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island, working in collaboration with Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves to ensure that management goals are aligned.
  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: The service manages the Pinellas National Wildlife Refuge, encompassing several islands that serve as vital breeding grounds for colonial bird species, as well as Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge, protecting a diverse range of coastal habitats.
  • Tampa Bay Estuary Program: The program coordinates seagrass monitoring in Tampa Bay and works closely with Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves to address regional water quality and habitat restoration issues.
  • Southwest Florida Water Management District: The district provides aerial imagery for seagrass mapping and collaborates with Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves on resource management projects.
  • Audubon Society: Local chapters of the Audubon Society contribute to bird monitoring programs, providing valuable data on nesting activities and population trends.
  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission: The commission oversees the monitoring of manatees, fishes and other wildlife and collaborates with Tampa Bay Aquatic Preserves on research and conservation initiatives.
  • Various Research Institutions and Universities: Academic partners contribute to research and monitoring efforts, expanding the knowledge base and providing valuable insights for management decisions.