National Estuaries Day

APALACHICOLA, FL – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Floridians to celebrate National Estuaries Day by learning more about estuary habitats and wildlife at events taking place at Florida’s three National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR).

“National Estuaries Day is a wonderful opportunity for Floridians to celebrate and learn more about these important ecosystems,” said Lee Edmiston, Director of DEP’s Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA). “I encourage Floridians to participate by helping protect our estuaries, or learning more about the crucial role they play in Florida’s future and the health of our oceans.”

According to the Florida Oceans and Coastal Council, Florida's coastal economy contributed more than $562 billion in revenue to the state in 2006 and Florida’s ocean economy contributed $25 billion in revenue that same year. Out of Florida's 20 major population centers, 15 are located in coastal counties around a bay, estuary or at the mouth of a river that flows into the ocean.

National Estuaries Day began in 1988 as part of Coast Week to educate the public on the importance of estuaries and the need to protect them. The annual event has matured into a national campaign with festivities across the country. National Estuaries Day is a nationwide event encouraging the protection and preservation of aquatic environments where freshwater bodies meet marine waterways.

Local events:

Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
Friday, Sept. 25, 2-6:30 p.m.
261 Dr. Fredrick Humphries (7th) Street
Apalachicola
850-653-8063

The Apalachicola NERR will host free educational activities including a cast net game, touch tanks, animal track scavenger hunt, boat tours, beekeeping demonstrations and much more. Free Estuaries Day t-shirts will be given out to the first 500 guests.  Adults can also register to win one of the many free door prizes.