The aquatic preserve encourages sustainable use while minimizing adverse user impacts. Many users of the bay may not be aware of how their daily activities impact the natural resources associated with St. Joseph Bay. Therefore, an education and outreach component to accomplishing the preserve’s goals and objectives is crucial to ensuring effective management of the bay system from future impacts.

Major Uses

• commercial fishing
• recreational fishing
• use of adjacent uplands
• sport fishing
• shell fishing

Public Use Projects

• A kayak and canoe launch at Richardson's Hammock, on Cape San Blas Road, was developed in 2002.
• The development of a paddling trail guide of the aquatic preserves and buffer preserve in this region is a future goal.
• Continuation of monitoring in relation to public use increases to detect improvements or declines in environmental conditions, so appropriate management actions can aid in the protection of these natural resources.