Naples Bay Restoration

The Naples Bay Watershed once drained about 10 square miles, but now extends to approximately 120 square miles as a result of the construction of the Golden Gate Canal system and its connection to Naples Bay. On average, 160 million gallons of freshwater per day enter the bay from the canal and disrupt the delicate balance of salt and freshwater that estuarine flora and fauna depend upon to flourish. The watershed of swamps, marshes and sloughs that once supported a natural ecosystem is now largely an urban/suburban landscape. It culminates in a relatively narrow, shallow estuary ranging in width from 100 to 1500 feet, and in depth from 1 to 23 feet.

As a result of heavy stormwater runoff, the bay is considered to be an “impaired” water body by the State of Florida and the US Environmental Protection Agency for excessive nutrients, bacteria, and heavy metals.

Development has resulted in the loss of 70% of the bay's mangrove fringe, 80% of its oyster reefs, adn 90% of its seagrasses.

Over the last few years, the City of Naples Natural Resources Division has taken many steps to improve the waters and habitat of the Naples Bay estuary. Programs and projects established include systematic sampling of Naples Bay water quality, oyster reef restoration, seagrass protection, mangrove plantings, stormwater pond nutrient reduction, filter marsh construction, and passage of a fertilizer ordinance.