// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did Crystal River say to the manatee? "You're a gem to me.

Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge
IUCN category IV (habitat/species management area)
View of the waterfront
Location within the United States
Location	Citrus County, Florida, United States
Nearest city	Crystal River, Florida
Coordinates	28°53′15″N 82°36′00″W
Area	80 acres (32 ha)
Established	1983
Governing body	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Website	www.fws.gov/refuge/crystal-river

The Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge is part of the United States National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) System, located in Kings Bay, in the town of Crystal River, and consists of 20 islands and several small parcels of land. The 80-acre (32 ha) refuge (only accessible by boat) was established in 1983, to protect the West Indian manatee.

History

Originally named the Crystal River Manatee sanctuary. The history of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge goes back before it was established in 1983. Prior to 1983 there were local advocates proposing the refuge be created to protect the Florida manatees within. Then in 1983 the U.S fish and wildlife services established the refuge to protect manatees that enter the springs to keep warm during the winter.

Management

The Crystal River NWR administration was changed from the Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge Complex to the Crystal River Complex headquartered in Crystal River, Florida. The complex manages Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge, Crystal River Preserve State Park, as well as the three 'Tampa Bay Refuges'; Egmont Key NWR, Passage Key NWR, and the Pinellas NWR.

This is the Kings Spring area. The area behind the buoys and ropes is a manatee sanctuary, where snorkelers and boaters are forbidden to enter.

Visitor guidelines

During the winter months, parts of the Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge are subject to seasonal access restrictions to protect manatees. The refuge’s springs release 72°F (22°C) water, attracting large numbers of Florida manatees during colder months. To protect the manatees from injury or disturbance, certain areas are closed to the public during these times.

map displaying speed zones and manatee protection areas in kings bay

Other efforts

Other than the initial efforts to protect manatees the Crystal River NWR, U.S Fish and wildlife services has expanded to restoring other animal populations that are decreasing, along with managing invasive species.

External links

• Media related to Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge at Wikimedia Commons
• Crystal River National Wildlife Refuge