What is the Florida Keys Reef Guide?
The Florida Keys Reef Guide presents users, from first-time reef explorers to committed environmentalists, with a visually stimulating, interactive experience and at the same time educates about responsible reef interaction. Our goal is for this immersive resource to help users feel closer to and learn more about the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Our vision is a world of people who are inspired, informed, and empowered to take care of our reefs instead of taking them for granted.
Coral Reef Protection Tips
- When snorkeling or diving at the reef, avoid all contact from fins, hands, equipment and anchors. Never stand or rest on corals. If you need to rest or adjust equipment, lie on your back or float in a seated position. If you need to stand to adjust equipment, return to the boat.
- Don’t collect “souvenirs” from the reef. Everything has its place—from plants and animals to even dead coral and rocks. Removing items could disrupt the balance of the reef.
- Interaction with animals can stress them, disrupting feeding and mating or provoking aggressive behavior. Remember that you are visiting the animals’ home – treat them and their home with respect.
- Dumping trash at sea is illegal; plastic bags and other marine debris can injure or kill animals. Bring your trash back to shore and recycle it. Try to retrieve fishing gear and equipment, especially monofilament line.
- Reef mooring buoys maintained by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are available for use free of charge at many coral reefs; use them instead of an anchor to secure your boat. Add extra line to the pick- up to reduce stress on the buoy. Anchoring in the Sanctuary Preservation Areas is prohibited; if a buoy is not available, ask permission to tie onto a boat that is on a buoy.
- The Florida Keys is a No Discharge Zone for boater sewage. Please close the through-hull fitting on your marine toilet when in the Keys and find a vessel pump out facilities or call a mobile service.
- Divers and snorkelers decontaminate your gear. Remove debris and sediment following each dive. Between dives, sanitize gear that contacts corals with a bleach solution. Other gear should be washed in freshwater with an antibacterial soap. Properly dispose of disinfectant solutions and rinse water in a sink, tub or shower. Never pour into the ocean or a storm drain.
- Avoid sunscreens having one or more of the following active ingredients that are toxic to our coral reefs and marine ecosystems: 1. Oxybenzone 2. Octinoxate 3. Octocrylene 4. PABA (Aminobenzoic Acid) 5. Enzacamene 6. Octisalate 7. Homosalate 8. Avobenzone
This is by no means an exhaustive list of rules and regulations for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Visit the organizations below to learn more about keeping our reefs safe!
Organizations
These organizations are working to preserve coral reefs and educate the public about responsible reef interaction. Visit these websites to learn more about conservation efforts and about how you can help keep our reefs beautiful.