Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is home to a diverse community of underwater habitats, ranging from the only coral barrier reef in the continental United States to the largest documented contiguous seagrass community in the Northern Hemisphere. More than 6,000 animal species are found here, along with an array of submerged historical and cultural resources, making this one of the world's most cherished locations for diving, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
NOAA has issued an emergency rule establishing three, temporary special use areas in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary where coral restoration partners can quickly relocate nursery corals to cooler, deeper water. These temporary special use areas and associated access restrictions will expire on August 26, 2024 unless they are extended an additional 60 days.
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The Florida Keys region has become a world leader in coral reef restoration. Now, we are inviting the public to lend a hand through the Iconic Reef Guardians program.
All 3,800 square miles of the sanctuary fit in the palm of your hand with this GPS-enabled guide to Florida Keys waters.
In response to public concerns about threats to the marine environment, NOAA is conducting the first major review of regulations in the Florida Keys since 1997.
NOAA-led project, unprecedented in scope and scale.
Take this free, online course to help You safely navigate the tricky waters of The Florida Keys.
The spirit of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is captured in a mosaic image by artist Matt McIntosh for a poster that commemorates the 50th anniversary of the sanctuary system.
The Office of National Marine Sanctuaries serves as the trustee for a network of underwater parks encompassing more than 620,000 square miles of marine and Great Lakes waters from Washington state to the Florida Keys, and from Lake Huron to American Samoa. The network includes a system of 16 national marine sanctuaries and Papahānaumokuākea and Rose Atoll marine national monuments.
