Eastern Dry Rocks Sanctuary Preservation Area
Eastern Dry Rocks Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) contains a concentration of important bank reef habitats within a small area, and ranges in depth from 5 to 35 feet. Eastern Dry Rocks is located a half-mile east of Rock Key SPA and designated as one of the seven featured sites of Mission: Iconic Reefs. Eastern Dry Rocks SPA is typical of most reef formations in the area, with a rubble zone and long fingers of coral with sand and coral-filled canyons.
Very high water temperatures in the summer of 2023 have caused widespread coral bleaching and mortality in the Florida Keys. Descriptions of coral cover or coral health on this page may not be accurate based on current conditions.
Special regulations apply here. Learn more about what activities are allowed in this type of zone.
A summary of all sanctuary regulations is available online. For the full text of sanctuary regulations, see 15 CFR 922 Subpart P.