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Aquatic Preserves

Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve

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Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve is situated on the northeast coast of Florida. It is positioned along the Tomoka River and portions of the Halifax River. The preserve sits between the towns of Ormond Beach and Flagler Beach.

History

The Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve region has a long and rich history, with evidence of human utilization of the area's waterways dating back at least 7,000 years. Numerous historic sites located on public lands adjacent to the preserve represent changing prehistoric cultures, the development of European colonial plantations and the growth of coastal Florida in the 20th century. Spanish navigator Alvaro Mexia charted the inland waterways along the east coast south of St. Augustine in 1605. His narrative described a large Native American settlement called Nocoroco located along the southern reach of what is now known as the Tomoka Basin. A century later, the Timucua people had vanished from the Tomoka area, leaving archaeological remains that characterize the site of Nocoroco today.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Volunteer Opportunities 

Volunteer opportunities in the Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve focus on shoreline cleanup events.

Events

Scientific Information

The Department of State's Division of Historical Resources has identified numerous archaeological sites within Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve. These sites, located along the waterways, offer evidence that humans have relied on the preserve's waters for thousands of years. Notably, Nocoroco, a significant site on the Tomoka Basin and state park lands, highlights this historical dependence. The Florida Master Site File system, maintained by the Florida Division of Historical Resources, contains an inventory of cultural resources in the state, including detailed information about many of these sites. Appendix B.5 of the Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve Management Plan lists the numerous cultural and historic sites associated with the history of the area.

Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve exhibits a coastal terrain shaped by fluctuating sea levels during the Pleistocene Epoch. The area features three distinct marine terraces — the Silver Bluff, Pamlico and Talbot terraces — which were submerged seabeds when the Atlantic Ocean was at higher elevations. These terraces are associated with relict barrier islands, now coast-parallel ridges. The surface geology primarily comprises unconsolidated sands, clay, and shell deposits, dating from the Holocene and Pleistocene epochs. The only sedimentary rock outcropping is coquina limestone, visible at locations like Buckhead Bluff and Tomoka Point.

Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve boasts a diverse ecosystem, providing critical habitats for a wide array of wildlife. The preserve is characterized by extensive salt marshes, serving as a vital transition zone between terrestrial and aquatic environments. The intertidal shoreline is fringed predominantly with marsh grasses and scattered mangroves, except in areas modified by human activities. Algal beds, though ephemeral, enrich the biodiversity within the preserve. The open waters of the Tomoka Basin, along with the Tomoka and Halifax rivers, contribute to the overall health and productivity of this estuarine ecosystem.

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Types
Aquatic preserves, estuary, mollusk reef, Outstanding Florida Waters, salt marsh

Nesting and Migrating Birds
White pelicans, gulls, terns, ducks, common loons, bald eagles, swallow-tailed kites, shorebirds, egrets, wood storks, reddish egrets, tricolored herons, little blue herons and roseate spoonbills

Mammals
West Indian manatees, rice rats, round-tailed muskrats, marsh rabbits and river otters

Reptiles
Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, American alligators, and diamondback terrapins

Fish
Snook, sheepshead, snapper, drum, flounder, pompano, gobies, striped mullet and white mullet

Other Species
Coffee-bean snails, Carolina marsh clams, red-jointed fiddler crabs, purple marsh crabs and blue crabs

Conservation Efforts

  • Salt Marsh Restoration Projects: Restoration projects, like backfilling dragline ditches in the marshes, aim to enhance the health and functionality of salt marsh habitats. These efforts improve water flow, reduce mosquito breeding grounds and support diverse plant and animal communities.
  • Diamondback Terrapin Monitoring: Monitoring programs track the population dynamics and nesting success of diamondback terrapins, an important indicator species for the health of the estuary. Data collected helps inform management strategies to protect this species from threats like habitat loss and predation.
  • Invasive, Non-native Species Control: Efforts to control invasive species, such as water hyacinth, hydrilla, Brazilian pepper and torpedo grass, help preserve native plant communities and prevent the disruption of ecological balance. Removing these invasive plants creates space for native species to thrive and supports the overall health of the ecosystem.
  • Water Quality Improvement: Collaborating with entities like the St. Johns River Water Management District to implement strategies aimed at improving water quality, including addressing nutrient levels and other pollutants. These efforts are crucial for maintaining a healthy environment for aquatic life and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem.
  • Public Education and Outreach: Educating the public about the importance of the preserve, the threats it faces and ways to minimize their impact helps foster responsible stewardship and support for conservation initiatives.

Ongoing Research

  • Juvenile Fisheries Assessments: Multi-year assessments conducted to study the fish and invertebrate populations in the Halifax and lower Tomoka rivers, providing valuable data for fisheries management and understanding the ecological dynamics of the estuary.
  • Water Quality Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of water quality parameters like turbidity, chlorophyll levels, nutrients and dissolved oxygen, providing crucial information for assessing the health of the ecosystem and identifying potential areas of concern.
  • Diamondback Terrapin Surveys: Studies tracking the distribution, abundance and nesting success of diamondback terrapins, contributing to conservation efforts for this threatened species.
  • Oyster Habitat Mapping: Research mapping the distribution of oyster beds, which play a crucial role in water filtration and habitat provision in the estuary.
  • Hydrological Studies: Investigations conducted by the United States Geological Survey and the St. Johns River Water Management District to model creek hydrology, providing insights for managing water flow and potentially creating pocket wetlands.
Frequently Asked Questions

Depending on your recreational activity the Tomoka Marsh is pleasant seasonally through the year. Visiting the Tomoka Marsh during the spring or fall visitors can witness a variety of shorebirds and migratory birds. It is always a good day to fish and the marsh remains popular for boating activities all year round.

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.

No Fees. Donations are accepted through the Aquatic Preserve Alliance of Central Florida.

Contact the office staff and request a volunteer packet.

Partner Groups

  • Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
  • St. Johns River Water Management District
  • Florida Park Service
  • U.S. Geological Survey
  • East Coast Diamondback Terrapin Group
  • Aquatic Preserve Alliance of Central Florida
  • Local county governments