For Boaters

a person on a small boat is talking to a group of people on another boat while out at sea — During peak recreational boating season and holiday weekends, Team OCEAN volunteers in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary help educate boaters at high-use reef sites. Photo: NOAA

One way to get involved and make a difference in the protection of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary resources is through the sanctuary's "Ocean Conservation Education Action Network," or Team OCEAN program.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Team OCEAN volunteers are stationed at high-traffic sites throughout the Keys during peak recreational boating seasons and heavy-traffic holiday weekends. Volunteers inform the public about the sanctuary and its special zones, encourage proper use of sanctuary resources, and provide tips on how to practice basic safety.

Boat groundings frequently occur because boaters are unfamiliar with the water and with the need to navigate around reefs instead of motoring directly across the reef. Team OCEAN volunteers directly prevent groundings by being present, watching for errant boaters, waving them off when they attempt to cross the shallow reef crest, and providing informational materials to help familiarize new or visiting boaters with the sanctuary. Informational packets are offered to vessels, and include the charts, sanctuary information, and other helpful tips for navigating Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

A net extends from a boat efforting to remove debris floating on the water — Team OCEAN volunteers clean up debris while out at sea, and educate others about best practices. Photo: NOAA

As a Team OCEAN volunteer, you will provide important information and local knowledge both on-the-water and before visitors launch boats at local public ramps. This important point of contact helps educate and inform visitors while enriching the experiences of visitors to Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Team OCEAN makes a difference in the health of the Florida Keys marine ecosystem!

To sign up to receive email updates on upcoming volunteer training and opportunities, join our volunteer listserv. For specific questions or for further information, contact our volunteer coordinator, Elizabeth Trueblood.