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 and St. Johns NWR.
Manatee Deck Closed
The road accessing the Manatee Observation Deck on the northeast side of Haulover Canal is being paved and will be closed for construction. The construction period may last until September. If you are interested in viewing manatees a good alternative location is Bairs Cove Boat ramp, located on the southwest side of Haulover Canal. There is a designated gravel parking area for manatee viewing on the left before entering the boat ramp area. The entrance fee will be temporarily waived during this time for people viewing manatees. There is still a fee to use the boat ramp.
New Entrance Fee at Black Point Wildlife Drive and Boat Ramps
Beginning September 1, 2011, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is integrating a new Entrance Fee for Black Point Wildlife Drive and for Boat Launching at three improved Boat Ramps within the Refuge (Bairs Cove, Beacon 42, and Bio Lab). Visitors will have the option to purchase a $5.00 Daily Pass or a $15 Annual Pass. The passes are interchangeable and may be used at either the wildlife drive or boat ramps.
Fee Summary
Law Enforcement
To report a refuge law enforcement violation please call (321) 861-2807. Please provide as much information as possible, i.e. license plate number, color and/or make model of the vehicle, description of individuals, etc. Your voicemail will be checked by the Law Enforcement Officers on duty. In case of an emergency dial (321) 867-7911.
Free Fishing 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.
2012 Fishing Permit & Regulations |
