Marine Zones

Just as areas of land may be set aside for specific uses, so too can parts of the ocean. Marine zones help protect sensitive natural resources from overuse, separate conflicting uses, and preserve the diversity of marine life in an area. Zones are an important tool for managing marine resources and have been used around the world. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary established the nation's first comprehensive network of marine zones in 1997 after years of planning, design, and public input. The sanctuary's zones are designed to protect and preserve sensitive parts of the ecosystem while allowing activities that are compatible with resource protection. The marine zoning plan for the sanctuary includes five types of zones with varying levels of protection:

As part of the Restoration Blueprint process, the marine zones are under review for possible changes to existing zones, new zones, and updated zone-specific regulations. For more information on the status of this review, see the Restoration Blueprint.

Existing Management Areas

These areas preceded Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and they remain critical to our mission.

Sanctuary Preservation Areas

Sanctuary preservation areas are marked by yellow buoys and found on the oceanside of the Florida Keys, protecting critical spur and groove and patch coral reef formations.

Wildlife Management Areas

Wildlife management areas have been established to protect wildlife from activities that threaten their safety.

Ecological Reserves

Ecological reserves are the largest of the sanctuary zones, designed to protect a range of marine habitats found in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Special Use Areas

Special-use areas are set aside so important scientific research can take place without disturbances.

Sanctuary Boundary Maps

Access maps of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary