History, mission, and goals
The Aquatic Preserve Society is a Citizen Support Organization of the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
About the Aquatic Preserve Program
Aquatic Preserves are sovereign submerged lands protected under the Aquatic Preserve Act of 1975. There are 42 aquatic preserves in Florida totaling about 2.6 million acres. The preserves protect bird rookeries, fish nurseries, freshwater springs, salt marshes, mangroves and sea grass meadows. Some preserves contain cultural heritage sites of civilization that lived there for a time. While the preserves protect the beauty and landscape, visitors are encouraged to enjoy swimming, fishing, boating and paddling in designated areas
Goals of Aquatic Preserve Society
Support
About the Aquatic Preserve Program
Aquatic Preserves are sovereign submerged lands protected under the Aquatic Preserve Act of 1975. There are 42 aquatic preserves in Florida totaling about 2.6 million acres. The preserves protect bird rookeries, fish nurseries, freshwater springs, salt marshes, mangroves and sea grass meadows. Some preserves contain cultural heritage sites of civilization that lived there for a time. While the preserves protect the beauty and landscape, visitors are encouraged to enjoy swimming, fishing, boating and paddling in designated areas
Goals of Aquatic Preserve Society
- Educate, Advocate and Coordinate
- Increase statewide awareness of the Aquatic Preserve Program.
- Speak with one voice for all the Aquatic Preserves and their Citizen Support Organizations (CSOs).
- Provide communication and coordination between local CSOs concerning common issues and activities.
Support
- Support existing Aquatic Preserves with CSOs.
- Encourage development of local Aquatic Preserve CSOs where they do not exist.
- Increase membership and volunteerism in the APS and local CSOs.
- Work to raise and disburse funds for Aquatic Preserve and CSO activities.
- Receive and disburse Public Interest funds consistent with the Letter of Agreement with the FCO RCP.
- Support creation or expansion of Aquatic Preserves as identified in Management Plans or supported by local citizenry.