Banana River Aquatic Preserve

Project Spotlight

"A typical day spent on the Banana River might easily include sightings of bottlenose dolphin, record numbers of manatees, white pelicans, or hooking a big red fish. Unrivaled recreational opportunities abound despite being surrounded by high density growth."

Sharon Tyson, Aquatic Preserve Manager

Spoil islands getting recreational use

Key Accomplishments

Ongoing participation in Project Colony Watch in coordination with the Florida Audubon Society and their local chapters. This project involves monitoring the location and number of nesting birds throughout the Banana River Aquatic Preserve. It will provide us a clear picture of what areas need to be protected as essential bird rookeries.
Monitoring diamondback terrapin population density and dynamics for this rare species. The Banana River Aquatic Preserve is one of the most important remaining habitat areas for terrapins throughout the Florida Atlantic coast.

Volunteers for island enhancement projects

Island Enhancement Program

The East Central Florida Aquatic Preserve staff coordinates monthly volunteer work days on islands for habitat restoration and public access improvements. We are partnering with Keep Brevard Beautiful, boating groups, teachers, and other community organizations within Brevard County. Volunteers are taking a hand in improving visitor access (clearing hurricane debris and trash) and rebuilding public recreation facilities (docks/gazebos/picnic tables) later enjoyed and maintained by these same "end users". Exotic invasive plant removal and restoration of native plants is an essential component of the island enhancement program that ultimately improves habitat for birds and other organisms. Mangroves and cord grass plantings have successfully stabilized eroded island shorelines from storms and hurricanes.

Quick Facts about Banana River Aquatic Preserve

Location:

Brevard County

Acreage

30,000 acres of sovereign submerged lands

Contact:

Sharon Tyson
Aquatic Preserve Manager
3783 North Indian River Drive
Cocoa, FL 32926
321-634-6148

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Further information about Banana River Aquatic Preserve

Banana River Aquatic Preserve Management Plan

Flock of pelicans

Large flock of white pelicans in the Banana River

Kayakers

Kayakers enjoying the waters of the preserve

Diamondback terrapin

Sykes Creek is the main tributary within the Banana River Aquatic Preserve.
The most important spring habitat (300-500 individuals/survey day) for the east coast population of manatees has been the northern Banana River (2001, Florida Manatee Recovery Plan). Large numbers of manatees use the Banana River almost year-round.
The Banana River supports the largest pelican rookery on the Atlantic Coast, a significant population of alligators, and diamondback terrapin turtles.
Favored by recreational fisherman, the shallow seagrass and mangrove based ecosystem supports large gamefish.
Other public uses include boating, fishing, sail boarding, kayaking, duck hunting and bird watching.

Islands in the Banana River Aquatic Preserve

Last updated: June 20, 2008