Marine Resources

The Marine Resources Program of the Natural Resources Department is charged with installing and maintaining those aids to navigation and regulatory waterway signs that are the County's responsibility, the removal of lost and abandoned vessels from the County waterways, construction of artificial reefs, manatee protection efforts, and the construction and maintenance of County boat ramp facilities.

Marine Resources

Marine Resources

The Marine Resources Program of the Natural Resources Department is charged with installing and maintaining those aids to navigation and regulatory waterway signs that are the County's responsibility, the removal of lost and abandoned vessels from the County waterways, construction of artificial reefs, manatee protection efforts, and the construction and maintenance of County boat ramp facilities.

Fishing and diving opportunities are provided by Manatee County's Artificial Reef system. Our suite of artificial reefs are distributed through Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico in a variety of locales to ensure a diverse marine community and accessibility. While we can't guarantee that you'll come back with a full fish box, remember the old adage that "A Bad Day Fishing is Better Than a Good Day Working". [more]

Marine Resources Activities

  1. Artificial Reefs
  2. Lost or Abandoned Vessels
  3. Manatee Protection

Artificial Reefs

Artificial Reefs

The Manatee County Artificial Reef Program grew from the need to increase and enhance recreational fishing and diving in addition to creating and restoring marine habitats lost to development. Non-threatening materials which would otherwise end up in a landfill are dropped from barges into environmentally appropriate areas. Nature takes over within days as organisms attach themselves to the man-made reef and start to grow, just as they would in a natural reef. These organisms attract small fish, and a food chain is created. Snorkeling, SCUBA, and fishing are enhanced.

Funding for the construction of artificial reefs comes from the Florida Artificial Fishing Reef Grant and Manatee County Government.
[more]

Lost or Abandoned Vessels

Lost or Abandoned Vessels

The Marine Resources Program monitors the presence of lost and/or abandoned vessels in Manatee County's waterways. Manatee County Ordinance 05-16 prohibits any person from willfully or intentionally leaving lost or abandoned vessels upon County waters and provides a means for their removal.

[more]

Manatee Protection

Manatee Protection

In order to adequately protect manatees, Manatee County has implemented slow-speed zones in many of our waterways. Signage installed throughout County waters identifies regulated zones that manatees frequent. [more]

Publications and Maps