The 825 miles of sandy coastline fronting the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico or the Straits of Flordia are one of Flordia's most valuable and natural resources. Florida's beaches are very important because of the many functions they serve, each being vital to keeping Flordia's economy and environment healthy.
The sandy beach system is home to hundreds of species of plants and animals that are dependent on the beaches, dunes and shore waters for all or part of their lives. There are over thirty animals within the state, that are considered rare, that inhabit the beach and adjacent habitiats. These animals and plants have adapted to living in harsh enviroments of salt spray, shifting and infertile sand, bright sunlight, and storms.
|
