Welcome to Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 as an overlay of NASA’s John F. Kennedy Space Center. Consisting of 140,000 acres, the Refuge provides a wide variety of habitats: coastal dunes, saltwater estuaries and marshes, freshwater impoundments, scrub, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks provide habitat for more than 1,500 species of plants and animals.
Many recreational opportunities are offered at the Refuge. Bird and wildlife observation, a wildlife drive, manatee observation deck, fishing and hunting opportunities, and boating and paddling are examples of available activities.
The Visitor Information Center located 4 miles east of Titusville, Florida, is a great place to start your visit.
The Staff at Merritt Island NWR also manages Lake Woodruff NWR, Pelican Island NWR, Archie Carr NWR, St. Johns NWR and Lake Wales Ridge NWR.
Rescued Birds Released
About a dozen birds rescued from the oil spill in Louisiana were released On June 6.
 
Law Enforcement
To report a refuge law enforcement violation please call (321) 227-0107 or toll free 1-888-503-1776 and leave a message. The message will go directly to the Refuge Law Enforcement Officers. In case of an emergency dial (321) 867-7911.
Free Fishing Permit Required
Beginning February 1, 2009 any person fishing on Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge without a signed FREE refuge fishing permit will be cited. The fine for violating the permit requirement is $125.00. The permit is required for ALL fishermen - those fishing from land and those fishing from a vessel in refuge waters.
You can pick up a permit at two information kiosks located at either entrance to the refuge or you can download it here. Once you have your fishing permit, read it, sign the business card sized permit and keep it in your wallet.
2010 Fishing Permit & Regulations |
