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Fort Pickens State Park Aquatic Preserve
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State Park Overview |
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The Fort Pickens State Park Aquatic Preserve is located in the southwestern corner of the Florida panhandle. This 34,000 acre preserve surrounds the western end of Santa Rosa Island and the eastern end of Perdido Key which are both typical examples of undeveloped barrier islands. The submerged lands along the northern sides of these islands are characterized by shallow saline waters, continuous and patchy seagrass beds, and salt marshes. These communities provide habitat for wildlife and birds such as nesting sea turtles and shorebirds. Several species are listed as endangered or threatened.
Due to the proximity to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and the Pensacola Ship Channel, the preserve experiences some of the heaviest boat traffic (industrial, military, and recreational) in northern Florida. Such intense use poses threats to the area, and integrated management between state, federal, and local governments is crucial.
The proximity of the Gulf Islands National Seashore facility provides many recreational possibilities within the preserve. Fishing, swimming, diving, boating, and sight seeing are regular activities. There is an underwater archaeological preserve within the preserve, the USS Massachusetts that provides excellent diving and fishing opportunities. |
Nature of the Area |
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Fort Pickens State Park Aquatic Preserve
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