Around the Sanctuary - 2014

Sanctuary Seminar Series to Cover Rays, Roseatte Spoonbills and More
We’ve all seen something out on the water that sparked our curiosity. Anyone interested in the marine life and maritime heritage of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary can learn more in the Florida Keys Community College's "Sanctuary Seminar," a six-week, non-credit lecture series hosted by Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.   More...

Expedition Offers Deep Insights into Fish Use of Tortugas, Marquesas
When it comes to the question of how fish are faring in the sanctuary, fish tales are always easier to come by than hard scientific data. For two weeks in September, a group of NOAA, state and university scientists went on a mission to look at fish populations in remote parts of the sanctuary.   More...

Underwater Mystery Mingles with Human History in Sinking World Art
Shipwrecks offer a thrill to divers when they teem once more with new life, thanks to the inexorable ecology of marine creatures. This winter at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, visitors can catch a top-side viewing of this spectacle in The Sinking World exhibition, as artist Andreas Franke transforms two ‘creaky steel monsters’ – World War II ships intentionally sunk to create artificial habitat – into enchanting scenes.  More...

Marine Debris Cleanup Efforts Highlighted in Recent "Waterways" Episode
Seabirds ingesting balloons, marine mammals entangled in discarded fishing gear, and sea turtles abandoning plans to nest are among the issues caused by marine debris that are covered in a recent episode of “Waterways.” The episode focuses on efforts by Biscayne National Park and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to address the harm caused by marine debris.   More...

Be Prepared for Lobster Season!
Florida spiny lobster season is one of the busiest times in the Florida Keys. Thousands of visitors as well as residents enjoy boating, diving and catching of the delicious lobsters. Make the right choices so that when you head out you can do so responsibly and can help to protect the very resources that you are here to enjoy.  More...

“Waterways” Highlights Wading Birds of the Everglades and Benthic Studies in the Florida Keys
The "Waterways” series continues to showcase the south Florida ecosystem in a new two-part episode featuring the unique wading birds of Everglades National Park and an overview of benthic studies looking at the make-up of the seafloor in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.  More...

Ecosystem Protection: Ecological Reserves, Preservation Areas and Wildlife Protection Working Group holds additional meetings
In response to requests by members of the public, shifting environmental conditions and threats in the Keys, better scientific information, and legal requirements, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is conducting a review of sanctuary regulations, including the rules and boundaries for marine zones in the sanctuary and surrounding national wildlife refuges.  More...

FWC Division of Law Enforcement awards team of the NOAA Vessel Peter Gladding as 2013 Team of the Year
The offshore team of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s (FKNMS) Patrol Vessel Peter Gladding has been named the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Division of Law Enforcement’s Team of the Year for 2013.  More...

"Waterways” Showcases Spawning Aggregations and Tropical Connections
The "Waterways" series continues to educate viewers about the south Florida ecosystem in a new two-part episode.  This latest episode delves into the importance of fish spawning aggregations in the Florida Keys and the new book Tropical Connections: South Florida’s Marine Environment. More...

Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center features works by Tropical Botanic Artists
The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center located at 35 E. Quay Rd., Key West is hosting an art exhibit by The Tropical Botanic Artists titled “Botanical Exploration in the Everglades: Braving One of North America’s Last Frontiers” from January 15 to March 26, 2014. More...

Florida Keys Community College offers "Sanctuary Seminar" non-credit course
Registration is open for Florida Keys Community College's "Sanctuary Seminar", a six-week, non-credit lecture series hosted by Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. More...