Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we ask that you Recreate Responsibly.

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information.
  • Operations vary based on local public health conditions.
  • Consistent with CDC recommendations, people who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear masks indoors and in crowded outdoor spaces.
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick and continue to watch for symptoms of COVID-19 and follow CDC guidance on how to protect yourself and others.


Features

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    Black Point Wildlife Drive is OPEN

    The Black Point Wildlife Drive is OPEN. Check Facebook for current drive conditions and temporary closures due to wet weather.

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    Support the Friends Group!

    The non-profit group helps the refuge put on special events, promotes awareness, and so much more!

    Merritt Island Wildlife Association

  • Rotator Promo Manatee Viewing

    Manatee Viewing

    The Manatee Observation Deck is NOW OPEN !

    Learn More

Latest News

Current Conditions

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Due to the CoronaVirus Health Emergency the Merritt Island NWR Visitor Center is CLOSED and other refuge locations are CLOSED until further Notice. An information station is available outside the visitor center on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 AM until 4 PM.

CLOSURES DUE TO CORONAVIRUS (COVID19)

PUBLIC INFORMATION BULLETIN

Public Scoping Comments Requested on the Proposed Merritt Island NWR 2022-23 Hunt Package

See Bulletin for the Proposed 2022 thru 2023 Hunt Package

New Hunt/Fish Opportunities

The New Hunt Program Changes as of August 31, 2020. Merritt Island NWR has made changes to the hunt program in the Final 2020-2021 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations process.

Learn the Details . . .

INFORMATION BULLETIN Commercial Fishing

INFORMATION BULLETIN Merritt Island NWR is Accepting Commercial Fishing Guide Permit Applications

View the INFORMATION BULLETIN Commercial Fishing Guide Permit Applications
Featured Stories

Duck Stamp

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Duck Stamps are pictorial stamps produced by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They are not valid for postage. Created in 1934 as federal licenses required for hunting migratory waterfowl, Federal Duck Stamps have a much larger purpose today.

Duck Stamp Program

About the Complex

Merritt Island Complex

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is managed as part of the Merritt Island Complex.

Read more about the complex
About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
Follow NWRS Online