Around the Sanctuary

Coral documentary to premiere in the Florida Keys on July 14th!
Coral reefs around the world are vanishing at an unprecedented rate. A team of divers, photographers and scientists set out on a thrilling ocean adventure to discover why and to reveal the underwater mystery to the world. Free showings of the award-winning, landmark documentary, Chasing Coral, are presented by Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Mote Marine Laboratory, REEF and Coral Reef Foundation.  More...

FKNMS expands access to Shipwreck Trail wrecks with 3D modelling
In June, FKNMS and partners documented the Benwood and City of Washington in 3D. Digital 3D photogrammetry is based on the principle of “structure through motion,” whereby a scene is rendered as a 3D model from a series of photographs taken from all angles and perspectives. A digital representation of an entire shipwreck allows anyone access to these underwater museums. The 3D models also document the current status of the wrecks.

Virtual Dives of the Florida Keys
Can't get to the Florida Keys? Don't snorkle or SCUBA dive? Thanks to the wonders of 360-degree photography, plus virtual reality, the underwater treasures of the Keys are now as close as your smartphone, tablet, or personal computer. These virtual dives lets any user have a SCUBA diver's perspective of many dive sites along the Keys just as if you were there in person.  More...

Volunteers, with Lazy Dog Adventures staff, conduct cleanup in mangroves
FKNMS volunteers, along with friends and staff from Lazy Dog Adventures, used kayaks to access mangrove shorelines along the Cow Key Channel, and dove head first into the channel to clean the debris from above and below the water.  More...

Alternative Spring Break in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
While some college students enjoy spring break in Key West for the plethora of bars, restaurants, beaches, and watersports, one group of students had a different agenda while on their vacation: combat marine debris!  More...

Team OCEAN partnered with Margaritaville volunteers on cleanup
Team OCEAN coordinated a shoreline cleanup with volunteers from local restaurant Margaritaville, during their ‘week of service’. More than 300 pounds of marine debris was removed from Boca Chica beach, prior to entering the Western Sambo Ecological Reserve.  More...