Unique Features of St. Andrew Bay

• Inflow of freshwater is minimal and originates primarily from the spring-fed flow of Econfina Creek
• The presence of river sediments typical of most estuaries is practicality non-existent in St. Andrew Bay
• Without these deposits, the bay remains deeper than most north F lorida bays, lacks river-carried turbidity, and has minimal flushing from freshwater land drainage
• Because of its location on the Gulf of Mexico, the Bay has minimal tidal exchange.
• The vertical difference of the maximum tidal range (spring tides) is just over two feet (0.7m)
• Lack of a river-driven impact and minimal tides results in water that is generally saltier than most estuaries and has unusually good clarity allowing maximum light penetration and marine plant photosynthesis.
• These conditions allow exceptional growth of seagrass beds and a high diversity of marine animals.

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