What You Need to Know About the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary if You Live in the Keys
The Florida Keys is, without a doubt, one of the most special and unique ecosystems in the country. But did you know that it is also protected as a part of the National Marine Sanctuary System? The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary designation was created on November 19, 1990 and is run by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in the federal government along with the State of Florida. The sanctuary encompasses more than 3,800 square miles of waters, beginning just south of Miami and extending out toward the Dry Tortugas in the west. The high-water line marks the beginning of sanctuary-protected waters, so if you are touching water in the Florida Keys you are in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
The designation was given to the area to offer funds and protection to the unique natural environment in the Keys. Did you know that the only natural barrier reef in North America is located off the coast of the Florida Keys? The inclusion in the National Marine Sanctuary system was meant to protect the coral reef, as well as the thousands of species of marine life, seagrass, mangrove islands, and myriad other natural resources that can be found in the waters of the Florida Keys. The sanctuary status also protects things in the water that are not naturally occurring, like the shipwrecks that line the ocean floor and other archeological and historical artifacts.
Residents and tourists visit the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary everyday! It is, in fact, arguably the largest draw to the area. From boating, diving, and snorkeling, to swimming and fishing, a huge part of Florida Keys living revolves around the sanctuary. But, whether you are visiting, moving here, or already live in the Keys it is important to know the rules that are in place to protect the sanctuary that you are expected to follow so that you can help protect the Florida Keys environment for generations to come - and avoid hefty fines or worse.
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary operates under a strict plan called “marine zoning” to partition the waters and section off zones for particular purposes and with particular rules. Zones that can be found throughout the sanctuary include Ecological Reserves, Wildlife Management Areas, Existing Management Areas, Sanctuary Preservation Areas, and Special Use Areas. Each zone has specific rules and regulations governing it.
There are also sanctuary-wide regulations that apply anywhere in the waters of the sanctuary. These have been designed to limit human impact to the environment, avoid water quality damage, and protect natural habitats and species. Throughout the Florida Keys, you cannot touch the living rock or coral, discharge trash or sewage from any vessel, damage any seabed, remove any protected species, anchor on a coral bed in less than 40 feet of water, operate any vehicle in a way that could injure any living creature or organism, or release any species that is not native to the Florida Keys. This list is certainly not exhaustive.
A full list of regulations, both zone-specific and sanctuary-wide can be found here. Also take note that there are separate laws relating to fishing regulations as well.
It is important to understand the laws pertaining to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary if you live here, or are planning on purchasing a home for sale in the Florida Keys. No doubt, you will spend ample time exploring the beautiful waters around the Keys. But you want to do so safely, and in a way that does not impact our fragile environment or get you in hot water with the law!
