Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve

Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve protects 246,766 acres where rivers meet the Gulf of Mexico. This isn’t just coastline—it’s a living laboratory of marshes, barrier islands, and forests that filter water, shelter wildlife, and fuel Florida’s seafood economy. Estuarine reserves do the unglamorous work of keeping our coasts healthy and resilient. Apalachicola produces 90% of Florida’s oysters and supports countless species most people never see. Rep the reserve that proves protection and production can coexist.