Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve

Description

The MLAP is a component of one of the most diverse estuaries in North America, providing habitat for nine federally-protected species while simultaneously supporting multi-million dollar recreational and commercial fisheries (United States Fish and Wildlife Service, 2006). The extensive oyster reefs and clam beds of the MLAP are economically important to the region. There are more than 1,240 acres (5.02km2) of saltmarsh located within the MLAP. The habitat in and surrounding Mosquito Lagoon potentially supports 12 federally-designated endangered or threatened species (Appendix B.4.1) and numerous nationally-registered cultural resource sites, including Turtle Mound, which is the largest shell midden on the east coast of Florida.