Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Aquatic Preserve Field Offices manage Florida's 41 Aquatic Preserves (AP). As part of DEP's proposed 15 percent reduction, which was required for the 2011 legislative session, the following aquatic preserve offices were proposed for closure: Estero Bay, Tampa Bay, Biscayne Bay, Milton/Northwest Florida, Central Panhandle/St. Joseph Bay, Jacksonville/Northeast Florida. These six offices were chosen for the proposal as they would be the easiest offices to reopen should revenue streams improve. The chosen offices were not a reflection on the excellent work and accomplishments by those offices and staff. In the last week of the legislative session, funding was restored for the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve office and the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserves office. The budget was signed by the governor on May 26, 2011. The aquatic preserves managed by these offices are: |
Although the aquatic preserves will remain designated, all coastal education and resource monitoring programs at these locations has been eliminated. These areas are no longer actively managed and the monitoring, outreach and education programs at these aquatic preserves has ended. Professional management has been discontinued in the preserves that are unstaffed. It is not possible for the remaining staff to absorb the additional programs into the organizational structure. However permit review by DEP regulatory offices will still be active through the local District office. |
