For thousands of years, the resources and beauty of the Florida Keys have attracted humans. Nutrient-rich wastewater is released from cesspits, septic tanks and sewage treatment plants. Moving, removing, injuring, or possessing historical resources. Except in officially marked channels, operating a vessel at more than 4 knots/no wake within 100 yards of residential shorelines, stationary vessels, or navigational aids marking reefs. Florida's official state animal, the endangered Florida panther also lives in dwindling numbers in the Everglades area. Anchoring on living or dead coral or any attached organism. Additional Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Administration and Legislation, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations, 15 CFR Parts 922, 929, and 937 (Federal Register, Vol. Public-access restrictions in these areas include idle speed only/no wake, no access buffer, no motor, and limited closures and are marked as such. The Florida Keys are a coral cay archipelago that extends about 100 miles from the southern tip of the Florida peninsula in an arc to the southwest and then west into the Gulf. Chances are you’ve visited a Marine Protected Area and didn’t even know it. a push pole, paddle, sail, electric motor or similar means of propulsion. Planning Your Visit. Administered by NOAA, a federal agency, and jointly managed with the state of Florida, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects 2,900 square nautical miles of waters surrounding the Florida Keys, from south of Miami westward to encompass the … Vessels may only enter if they remain in continuous transit with fishing gear stowed (diving and snorkeling are prohibited). “closed” zone:  prohibited from entering or using the area. If you’ve gone fishing in central California, diving in the Florida Keys, swimming in Cape Cod, or hiking along the Olympic Coast, you’ve probably been one of millions of visitors to a Marine Protected Area, usually referred to … This area is also home loads of marine life — nearly 1,400 species of marine plants and animals live here. Miami Blue Butterfly – Highly-endangered and considered among the rarest insects in the United States. It was designated by Congress and exists under federal law, and became effective in state waters with the consent of the state of Florida. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is one of the largest marine protected areas in the United States, encompassing 2,896 square nautical miles (9,933 square kilometers). 11, Wednesday, January 17, 2001) (pdf, 8.2 Mb), Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations – Anchoring on Tortugas Bank, 15 CFR Part 922 (Federal Register, Vol. Note: The Florida Keys officially reopened for tourism October 1, 2017, after the island chain was hit hard by Category 4 storm Hurricane Irma. SPAs have mooring buoys for boaters to use in order to prevent anchor damage to corals. 74, No. Anchoring when a mooring buoy is available. Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge. “idle speed only/no wake” zone:  prohibited from operating Just to be sure, call ahead to be sure your hotel and planned activities are fully up and running. And the whole reef system is protected by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Note that the text below is intended as summary only; for the full text of sanctuary regulations, see 15 CFR 922 Subpart P. With certain exceptions, the following activities are prohibited sanctuary-wide: Additionally, there are other existing state and federal laws regarding fishing and vessel discharges that apply in the sanctuary. Fishing by any means; removing, harvesting, or possessing any marine life. Touching or standing on living or dead coral. However, commercial taking of spiny lobster and stone crab by trap and recreational taking of spiny lobster by hand or hand gear consistent with applicable state and federal fishery regulations are allowed. Discharging any matter except cooling water or engine exhaust. Catch and release fishing by trolling is allowed in Conch Reef, Alligator Reef, Sombrero Reef, and Sand Key SPAs only. 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