Day & Night Magazine 2015-16 New Smyrna Beach | Page 58

Canaver al National Seashore Park
“Sanctuaries For Man and Beast ”
beds provide ideal feeding
and breeding grounds
for mullet, redfish, trout
and other commercial fish
that abound in our area.
Clamming, shrimping and
crabbing are also popular
activities. Fresh water located
in the interior of the Barrier
Island offers fishing for
large-mouth bass and bream.
Freshwater fishing does
require a license by Florida
Local yachts such as this 46’ catamaran owned by Dr. Regis and Cindy Kohring law. Boat launching sites
provide access to both the
are seen daily on the Intracoastal Waterway.
lagoon and the river.
Just a few minutes drive south on Atlantic Avenue
Several short hiking trails are located on
(A1A), this 57,000 acre park is a haven to birds
the island. At the New Smyrna Beach access is
and animals. A barrier island that extends from
Turtlemound, a short self-guided trail that leads
New Smyrna Beach at it’s northern tip to Titusville to the top of an indian shell midden. The midden
at the south.
will give you an idea of the prehistoric lifestyle.
Today, you can enjoy recreational opportunities Its top serves as and excellent point for viewing
of ocean beaches, fishing, boating, hunting and
both the ocean and Mosquito Lagoon, walking
wildlife watching. Bird-life abounds on Merritt
time averages about 15 minutes. Short trails at
Island with more that 280 species recorded. Gulls, the northern end of the park are also located at
terns, sandpipers, herons, egrets, ibises, pelican
the Eldora hammock and Castle Windy midden.
and osprey provide a colorful array of movement A limited amount of backcountry camping is
and song. The patient bird watchers may also get allowed with a permit picnic tables are available
to see the majestic flight of the Bald Eagle.
at the information center in the Turtlemound
Not all wildlife is as evident and spectacular as area. Picnicking is permitted on the beach itself,
some of the bird life. The ghost crab is a creature
although no open fires may be built. Portable
dependent on both land and sea although of
grills may be used if the coals are removed from
marine origin. This nocturnal scavenger lives in
the beach.
the burrows on the upper beach and dunes.
- Daily Use Fee: $3.00 per person (children under
These same beaches serve as nesting sites for
age 16 are admitted free)
giant loggerhead and green sea turtles during
- Annual Park Pass: $35.00 (valid at Canaveral
summer nights.
National Seashore only)
Surf fishing will yield scrappy bluefish, whiting, - Individuals on foot or bicycle; $3.00 per day.
pompano and a variety of other great sport fish.
The Visitor’s Center at the entrance is operated
Size and possession limits are subject to Florida
by National Park Service. It is open Monday
fishing regulations and the law requires a license through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. all year
for any fishing not done from land.
except Christmas Day. The entire Refuge and
The Indian River and Mosquito Lagoon with
Seashore are open for day use only.
shallow brackish water and dense aquatic grass
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