A Blueprint for the Future: Restoring Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects the only barrier coral reef in the continental United States, stretching south from Miami to the Dry Tortugas. Within these waters lie nationally-significant resources including seagrass beds, coral reef colonies, mangrove-fringed islands, and thousands of marine species.
But this fragile habitat is increasingly under threat from hurricanes, disease, boat groundings, rising ocean temperatures, pollution, and human interactions.
In an effort to address these threats, the sanctuary is proposing a Restoration Blueprint that embodies what we have learned from nearly 30 years of cutting-edge science, technical experience, and local community involvement.
Meeting the challenges of the future will take dedication, passion, and appreciation from all of us. The health of sanctuary habitats has a profound effect on our economy and our unique way of life in the Keys.
As we continue to develop our proposal, we look forward to your participation in this process.
Restoration Blueprint
Chapter 1 - Introduction & Background
Chapter 2 - Purpose of and Need for Action
Chapter 3 - Description of Alternatives
Chapter 4 - Affected Environment
Chapter 5 - Environmental Consequences
Chapter 7 - References
Sanctuary Boundary and Marine Zone Alternative Maps
Appendices
Appendix A - List of Preparers
Appendix B - Technical Revisions
Appendix C - Draft Programmatic Agreement
Appendix D - Regulatory Framework
Appendix E - Listed species
Appendix F - Navy Operational Environment
Appendix G - Correspondence to Date
Interactive Map
Additional Background and Supporting Material
How it works
NOAA has released a draft environmental impact statement, known as the Restoration Blueprint, for public comment. The proposal includes recommended changes to the current management plan, zoning, and regulations that have been in effect since 1997.
How to get involved
Public comments will be accepted in person, online, and by mail through January 31, 2020. The public comment period will span two Sanctuary Advisory Council meetings and will include opportunities for engagement, including public meetings.
Online
Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal, www.regulations.gov. Use docket number NOAA-NOS-2019-0094.
Comments may be mailed to:
Sarah Fangman
Sanctuary Superintendent
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
33 East Quay Road
Key West, FL 33040
Informational Sessions
Five informational sessions will be held for the public to learn more about the proposals and provide input. Written comments will be accepted at the sessions in Key West, Marathon, and Tavernier, while the sessions in the Miami area (Coral Gables) and Fort Myers will include additional opportunities for oral public comments. Sessions start at 6 p.m.
September 23
Key West, FL
Key West High School
2100 Flagler Avenue
September 30
Marathon, FL
Marathon Middle High School
350 Sombrero Beach Road
October 7
Tavernier, FL
Coral Shores High School
89901 Old Highway
October 28
Coral Gables, FL
University of Miami Newman Alumni Center
6200 San Amaro Drive
November 4
Fort Myers, FL
Holiday Inn Airport at Town Center
9931 Interstate Commerce Drive
Members of the public may provide oral comments on the proposals during the Sanctuary Advisory Council meetings in October and December in the Keys. Meetings start at 9 a.m. These meetings will also be streamed live on the Sanctuary Advisory Council's YouTube channel.
- October 15, 2019
- December 10, 2019
Location: Isla Bella Beach Resort, 1 Knights Key Boulevard, Marathon, FL 33050
Learn more: Marine Zoning and Regulatory Review