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
Since publication of the initial DEIS economic numbers have been corrected.
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
Existing Sanctuary Regulations
Existing Sanctuary Management Plan
Sanctuary Advisory Council Regulatory and Zoning Alternatives Development Workplan
Sanctuary Advisory Council and working group meetings
Draft Programmatic Environmental Assessment and Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) Assessment (PDF)
How it works
Public comment for the initial draft ended on January 31, 2020.
The comments are being reviewed and NOAA will formally propose a set of draft regulations to establish changes. There will be another round of public comments on that refined proposal. Subsequently, if NOAA moves forward with a final action, a final environmental impact statement and final notice of proposed rulemaking will be published in the Federal Register. That would be followed by an opportunity for review by the governor of Florida as well as by Congress.
Successful management of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary relies on our valued partnerships. We are all part of the solution.
Learn more: Marine Zoning and Regulatory Review
Successful management of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary relies on our valued partnerships. We are all part of the solution.
Mission: Iconic Reefs
NOAA and partners have launched an unprecedented effort to restore seven ecologically and culturally significant coral reefs within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Informed by years of research, successful trials, and expertise, the mission represents one of the largest investments ever undertaken in coral restoration. By focusing additional efforts on coral reef habitat, Mission: Iconic Reefs complements NOAA’s ongoing Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Restoration Blueprint and management plan.
The effort to put Florida Keys coral reefs on track for recovery is an enormous undertaking, requiring long-term collaboration between many partners. A cross-NOAA team is engaging world-renowned scientists, local restoration partners, and other federal and state agencies to save these important, iconic resources.
Learn more about Mission: Iconic Reefs at www.fisheries.noaa.gov/iconic-reefs