Apalachicola NERR

Spanning 246,000 acres in the Florida Panhandle is the second largest designated National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR). Second only in size to the Kachemak Bay NERR in Alaska which covers 365,000 acres, this North Florida jewel is one of the most productive estuarine systems in the Northern Hemisphere. More than 95 percent of the local commercially harvested species, including oysters and shrimp, and 85 percent of local recreationally harvested species, including tarpon and redfish, spend some part of their lives in the estuary’s productive waters.

The Apalachicola NERR (ANERR) is one of three designated Reserves in Florida and one of 27 nationwide. Each system represents different biogeographic regions of the United States whose resources are being protected through water-quality monitoring, natural resource management and habitat restoration. Research and monitoring programs are combined with teaching to offer students ranging from kindergarten through graduate school an inside look into north Florida’s unique flora and fauna, along with a variety of programs designed for the general public. A rich variety of training opportunities aimed at coastal decision makers are also offered.

Assortments of field trips are available -- from land-based field trips exploring oyster reefs to identifying local plants along the Reserve’s trails. For the more adventurous, boat-based field trips can be reserved for weekdays or weekend overnight trips are offered to learn more about the history and habitats of Little St. George Island. A most popular program involves trawling on the Reserve’s vessel, the Tideline, to identify fish and invertebrates commonly found in the local waters. ANERR served as the pilot site for the Department’s successful LIFE program and the Reserve continues to reach the entire seventh-grade community in Franklin County every year.

More than 1,300 plant species have been identified within the Apalachicola drainage basin; 103 are listed as threatened or endangered. More than 40 species of amphibians and 80 species of reptiles are also found within or adjacent to the Reserve -- the highest diversity of these animal groups in the United States and Canada. Among them, the most well known are the Florida black bear, West Indian manatee, Atlantic loggerhead turtle, gopher frog and gray bat.

Whether a land lover or water worshipper – nature lover or history buff – everyone can find something of interest when they visit the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. For more information on Florida’s NERRs, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/nerrs.htm.