 This is the second largest estuary in Florida and the largest, deepest and most diverse of the five Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves. Fresh water from the Peace and Myakka Rivers mixes with salt water coming through Boca Grande Pass from the Gulf of Mexico. Shallow, near-shore shoals sustain an abundance of seagrasses, oysters and mudflats. This variety of habitats support over 100 invertebrate species, 200 fish species & 150 shore and wading birds species. Fishing is popular among seagrass shallows, mangrove fringes and artificial reefs. Major tarpon and goliath grouper populations are found near Boca Grande Pass. The harbor supports recreational boating along with commercial clam aquaculture and shrimping. - After Hurricane Charley, staff worked in close cooperation with public and private agencies to survey the waterways and support the year-long debris removal efforts. Water quality and seagrasses improved rapidly after the storm.
- Annual seagrass monitoring at 20 different sites in the harbor examines types, density, distribution and other parameters. Results indicate that seagrasses vary significantly throughout the region but generally appear healthy and diverse.
- Monthly water quality monitoring by more than 20 citizen volunteers indicates that water clarity is good with high natural color from mangrove tannins but there are spikes in turbidity, bacteria and nutrients associated with rainwater runoff.
Located in Charlotte and Lee county, the Gasparilla Sound Charlotte Harbor Preserve is a a near 80,000 acre estuary that acts as nursery to salt marshes, mangroves, and seagrass.
The best place to go to witness alligators, leather back turtles, and peregrine falcons - in addition to animal watching - it's also a fishing (trout, mullet, stone crabs), shrimping, and boating friendly place, that offers tranquility at it's best.
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