"The Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve protects a lasting legacy a magical part of old Florida, where waters from palm lined subtropical rivers mix with vast salt marshes just back from the sea. This rich estuary serves as a nursery for so many species identified with Florida like manatees, snook, blue crabs, and wading birds. Perhaps just as important, it captures its place name from the Timucua, the last of the native tribes who lived in close relationship with these unique lands and waters. Protection of these lands did not just come about on its own but through partnerships between the state, county, conservation organizations, and concerned citizens who continue to appreciate the magical sense of place which is the Tomoka.

Clay Henderson
former Chair, Volusia County Council
President emeritus, Florida Audubon Society

Key Accomplishments

• Participated in the U.S. Geological Survey’s 3-year juvenile fisheries survey assessment at various locations with the Halifax River. Assisted with trawl and seine collections, identification of fish, and also aquatic preserve staff also served as boat safety officer for the project. Information obtained from the survey adds to the knowledge base for the estuary and will aid resource managers in planning for future fisheries augmentation programs.
• Completed three year bird survey of Tomoka and Halifax Rivers. Documented 180 species including numerous listed species such as the wood stork, bald eagle, least tern, snowy egret, little blue heron, roseate spoonbill and reddish egret. Numerous migratory birds such as the endangered peregrine falcon and piping plover were observed feeding or resting in marsh habitat found in the aquatic preserve. Ten species of duck, including the common golden eye were observed.

Location:

Northeast coast of Florida, along the Tomoka River and portions of the Halifax River, in Flagler and Volusia counties, between the towns of Ormond Beach and Flagler Beach

Acreage

8,000 acres of sovereign submerged lands

Contact:

Deborah Shelley
Aquatic Preserve Manager
8300 West State Road 46
Sanford, FL 32771
407-330-6727

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Further information about Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve

Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve Management Plan

The endangered woodstork feeds in quiet backwaters.

Shorebirds resting along the Halifax River

Marshes are exceptionally productive.

Scenic vista along the Tomoka

• The Halifax River, Smith Creek and the Tomoka River are an important travel corridor for the endangered West Indian manatee. The Tomoka River and its tributaries Strickland, Thompson and Dodson Creek are a designated Manatee Sanctuary.
• In the early 1980’s, a tributary of the Tomoka River was the site of the first witnessed and documented birth of a free-ranging manatee.
• The aquatic preserve is a valuable nursery area for fish, shrimp, and crabs caught by commercial and recreational fishermen in the Atlantic Ocean.
• The preserve is utilized by over 120 species of fish including snook, redfish, croakers, flounder, red drum, black drum, pompano and seatrout. The small, often unseen anchovy dominates as forage for larger and more popular game fish.
• The Tomoka area has important archaeological and historic resources. Nineteen prehistoric sites are located near the preserve, including the remains of the Timucuan village Nocoroco located at Tomoka State Park.