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
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
Public Meetings
NOAA is holding a series of public meetings for stakeholders to learn more about the Restoration Blueprint proposals and offer comments to inform the next step in the process, resulting in a refined proposal that would then also be subject to public comment.
Please keep in mind that time, seating, and parking are limited at these meetings. Speakers making oral public comment, where available, will be limited to three minutes. Groups are strongly encouraged to designate a speaker. Be prepared to present a statement that can be supplemented by a more detailed written comment submitted at the meeting or online at regulations.gov.
Informational Sessions
Given the complexity of the proposals, these sessions are being held to provide information and answer questions. Sessions are 6-9 p.m. Written questions and official comments in writing will be taken.
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
Sanctuary Advisory Council Meetings
These Sanctuary Advisory Council meetings a are NOAA public meetings to receive official oral and written comment. Meetings are 1-9 p.m. and will be streamed live on the Sanctuary Advisory Council's YouTube channel. Agendas are posted here.
October 15
Key West, FL
Marriott Beachside Hotel
3841 North Roosevelt Boulevard
December 10
Islamorada, FL
Islander Resort
82100 Overseas Highway
NOAA public meetings in Marathon, Coral Gables and Fort Myers will receive official oral and written comment. Meetings are 6-9 p.m. Coral Gables and Fort Myers meetings also will provide information and answers to written questions.
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
November 6
Marathon, FL
Marathon Middle High School
350 Sombrero Beach Road
Learn more: Marine Zoning and Regulatory Review
How it works
Successful management of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary relies on our valued partnerships. We are all part of the solution.