The Dying Sanctuaries of the Florida Keys

 

Flying into Miami today we could see the beautiful blue water on the shore. It is easy to see why this area can be a home to coral reefs and many marine wildlife species. 

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary had fair or poor conditions 2011 and has since seen increased boating. The Restoration Blueprint is supposed to preserve, protect, and restore the flora and fauna of the coral reefs around Florida. It is meant to regulate activities and travel within the management areas created by the Restoration Blueprint in the sanctuary. Within the sanctuary there are 47 proposed management areas comprised of sanctuary preservation areas, restoration areas and conservation areas. Together these areas have the only coral barrier reef in North America and 6,000-plus species of marine life. Within in the newly preposed plan their would also be patch reefs with corals that are resistant to bleaching and disease and the largest remaining population of wild staghorn coral. 

The newly proposed Restoration Blueprint has been modified after taking feedback from public. Because of this feedback some areas in the sanctuary would be reopened some areas and modify access to certain channels. New rules would also stop feeding or attracting fish in federal waters and would regulate what materials can discharged from cruise ships. The Restoration Blueprint would also prohibit anchoring in certain areas of the sanctuary depending on the time of year. All these proposals are meant to protect and preserve the coral reefs and their inhabitants. Without the protection of these areas, they would be destroyed by the overuse and disregard many people have for the area and its wildlife. We must all work together in order to preserve these areas so we can continue to enjoy them. To see more proposals and updates about the Restoration Blueprint click here. For more information about coral reefs and how to protect click here.