Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
N 29° 43.951 W 084° 59.697
16R E 693919 N 3290829
The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve is located in Franklin, Gulf, and Liberty Counties in the panhandle of Florida.
Waymark Code: WM8ACD
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 02/28/2010
Views: 4
From
Wikipedia:
"The Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve protects the biological diversity of the Apalachicola Bay, as well as the economic value of the natural resources and pristine conditions."
"Between 60 to 85 percent of the local population make their living directly from the fishing industry, most of which is done in reserve waters. Seafood landings from the Apalachicola Reserve are worth $14-16 million dockside annually. At the consumer level, this represents a $70-$80 million industry."
"Understandably, research projects that target commercial fisheries management and the food chain are a high priority in the Apalachicola Reserve. In addition to its water quality monitoring program, the reserve has engaged in extensive benthic habitat mapping in Apalachicola Bay and has a highly sophisticated geographic information systems (GIS), which is used to educate coastal managers and visiting researchers about the area and its ecology."
"Other educational offerings include ongoing guest lectures for the community and coastal management workshops for environmental professionals. The reserve's K-12 educational activities are divided between classroom and on-site programs."
The Reserve has a nature center, also referred to as an education and training center, for visitors to the area and school groups. The building housing the nature center is named the Robert L. Howell Building in appreciation of retired Brigadier General Howell's service to the people and environment of Franklin County, Florida. The 3,000-square foot center includes marine habitat displays, including three depicting key aquatic habitats in the Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve (river, bay, gulf). The Howell Building houses a 100-seat capacity auditorium, is equipped for slide and video presentations, and provides space for the Reserve's monthly guest lecture series.