Rookery Bay Reserve

The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve’s 110,000 acres encompass one of the only pristine, mangrove-forested estuaries in the United States, as well as marshes, open water, and upland habitat. The Reserve provides habitat for dolphins, manatees, and 150 species of birds and breeding grounds for blue crabs, stone crabs, snooks, tarpon, and snappers. It is also home to threatened and endangered species, including the Florida panther. Through research and education, reserve staff fight to promote informed management of the estuaries in the region.