Hen and Chickens Sanctuary Preservation Area
Hen and Chickens Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) is located in the middle of Hawk Channel just off of Plantation Key, encompassing approximately 106 acres. Similar to Cheeca Rocks SPA, Hen and Chickens is located closer to shore with easy access from Islamorada. This SPA surrounds a patch reef of clustered corals that resemble chicks around a mother hen, hence its name, protecting large populations of Endangered Species Act-listed star corals and brain corals.
Very high water temperatures in the summer of 2023 have caused widespread coral bleaching and mortality in the Florida Keys. Descriptions of coral cover or coral health on this page may not be accurate based on current conditions.
Special regulations apply here. Learn more about what activities are allowed in this type of zone.
A summary of all sanctuary regulations is available online. For the full text of sanctuary regulations, see 15 CFR 922 Subpart P.