Partners and Cooperating Institutions

A person in an orange life jacket labeled US coast guard observes a boat in the distance.
The U.S. Coast Guard plays an important role in making sure residents and visitors are aware of and follow regulations. Photo: Scott Atwell/NOAA

From law enforcement, to habitat restoration projects and education programs, it takes a village to maintain such a complex and fragile ecosystem. The sanctuary calls on many partners to lend a helping hand. Formal partnerships involve a Memorandum of Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding, while other projects operate through informal partnerships. This list is representative of the scope and variety of partnerships that have taken place in the past, exist today, or will continue on into the future. As new partnerships are established, we will add to this list.

Federal Government Partners

State/Regional Government Partners

Museums, Aquariums, and Nature Centers

  • The Florida Aquarium
  • MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium

Academic (Research and Education) Partners

  • College of the Florida Keys
  • Keys Marine Laboratory
  • Florida Atlantic University Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
  • Florida International University
  • Florida Sea Grant
  • Florida State University
  • Indiana University
  • Nova Southeastern
  • University of Florida
  • University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science
  • West Virginia University

Non-Governmental Organizations

  • Boy Scouts of America - Florida Sea Base
  • Coral Restoration Foundation
  • Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida
  • Florida Public Archaeological Network
  • I.CARE
  • Marine Preservation Society
  • National Audubon Society
  • National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
  • National Marine Sanctuary Foundation
  • National Parks Conservation Association
  • Plant A Million Corals
  • Reef Environmental Education Foundation
  • Reef Relief
  • Reef Renewal USA
  • The Nature Conservancy

Business and Industry Organizations