What does the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary do?
The sanctuary also protects pieces of our nation’s history such as shipwrecks and other archaeological treasures. Visitors to the sanctuary are encouraged to take advantage of the many recreational activities this amazing ecosystem has to offer, including world-class diving, swimming, snorkeling and fishing.
Can you fish in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary?
Fishing and Lobstering in the sanctuary is allowed except for distinctly marked marine protected areas throughout The Keys. Except for catch and release fishing by trolling in the Conch Reef, Alligator Reef, Sombrero Reef, and Sand Key SPAs, fishing by any means is prohibited within marked areas.
How big is the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary?
3,800 square miles
Administered by NOAA, a federal agency, and jointly managed with the State of Florida, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects 3,800 square miles of waters surrounding the Florida Keys, from south of Miami westward to encompass the Dry Tortugas, excluding Dry Tortugas National Park.
What water sports can you enjoy at the Florida Keys Marine sanctuary?
Explore the many ways visitors like you enjoy their sanctuary by navigating through the options below.
- Diving and Snorkeling.
- Fishing.
- Boating.
- Experience Maritime Heritage.
- Paddle Sports.
- Surfing.
- Whale Watching.
- Wildlife Viewing.
Can you snorkel Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary?
A: The sanctuary does not conduct snorkel or dive trips; however, we encourage you to book such trips with Blue Star operators, to help protect our coral reefs.
Why are the Florida Keys important?
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects North Ameria’s only coral barrier reef. These reefs are intricately tied to our area’s economy, attracting tourists for diving, snorkeling, and other recreational opportunities and providing homes for many commercially important fish species.
Can you anchor at Alligator Reef?
Anchoring on hardbottom is allowed. Except in officially marked channels, operating a vessel at more than 4 knots/no wake within 100 yards of residential shorelines, stationary vessels, or navigational aids marking reefs. Operating a vessel at more than 4 knots/no wake within 100 yards of a “divers down” flag.
Is Alligator Reef protected?
Protection. The protected reef is located four nautical miles offshore and is trademarked by the black and white lighthouse present within the reef. Four yellow buoys designate the perimeter of the reef; as anchoring in the SPA is forbidden, there are several buoys in the SPA for mooring boats.
Are the Florida Keys coral reefs?
Coral reefs lay the foundation of a dynamic ecosystem with tremendous biodiversity. Florida’s Coral Reef stretches approximately 360 linear miles from Dry Tortugas National Park west of the Florida Keys to the St. Lucie Inlet in Martin County.
Where are jet skis not allowed in the Florida Keys?
Wildlife Refuges
Personal watercraft and airboats are prohibited in all National Parks and Wildlife Refuges in the Florida Keys.
How long is the boat ride from Tampa to Key West?
It takes about 3 hours. It’s a nice way to travel. They also have a bar on board.
What animals live in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary?
The coral reef ecosystem of the Florida Keys is alive with an abundance of fish, stony corals, octocorals, sponges, jellyfish, anemones, snails, crabs, lobsters, rays, moray eels, sea turtles, dolphins, sea birds, and other sea life. The reef is home to many of Florida’s threatened and endangered species.
Why is Key West so popular?
Key West, the southernmost point in the United States, is famous for watersports, lively nightlife, beaches, historic sites and its pastel, conch-style architechture.
Why are the Florida Keys called keys?
The Keys were originally inhabited by the Calusa and Tequesta tribes, and were charted by Juan Ponce de León in 1513. De León named the islands Los Martires (“The Martyrs”), as they looked like suffering men from a distance. “Key” is derived from the Spanish word cayo, meaning small island.
Are there sharks at Alligator Reef?
A 10- to 12-foot great white shark was spotted on Alligator Reef off Islamorada in the Keys. The shark circled the charter snorkeling boat “Happy Cat” for about 30 to 45 minutes.
Are there alligators in Alligator Reef?
Don’t be fooled by its name — there are no alligators to be found. The reefs namesake comes from an 1800s Navy Schooner that kept the islands safe from dangerous pirates.
Can you jet ski to Alligator Reef?
So the Alligator Reef Lighthouse is just under five nautical miles off the coast of Islamorada (to the east), and you can only get there by water vessel. If you don’t have the means to a water vessel (boat/ jet ski), luckily for you, we have done a LOT of research for you and asked around!
How healthy is the reef in the Florida Keys?
WATER QUALITY DECLINE
Corals require clean, nutrient-free waters to thrive. A healthy coral reef has from 30-40% live coral coverage. However, in the Florida Keys, coral coverage is now reduced to an alarming 3%. Coral spawning has been reduced due to lack of healthy coral colonies and clean water.
Where is the largest reef in the United States?
Florida
Florida’s Coral Reef is the largest coral reef ecosystem in the continental U.S., with its extensive shallow coral reefs that span 358 miles from the Dry Tortugas near Key West, north along the Atlantic coast to Martin County. Our treasured coral reefs provide Florida with many benefits.
What should you not do in Key West?
What NOT To Do On Your Key West Vacation
- Don’t Drive in Key West.
- Don’t Think Duval Street Has All the Restaurants.
- Don’t Let Prices Scare You Off.
- Don’t Forget These Key West Essentials:
- Don’t Feel Bad Taking a Trolley or Train Tour.
- Don’t Miss Sunset in Key West.
- Don’t Expect Sandy Beaches.
Can you touch key deer?
Feeding, touching or capturing, or harassing of Key deer, alligators and other wildlife is strictly prohibited.
Can you get around Key West without a car?
If you decide to not have a car in Old Town, be assured that there are many ways to get around Key West, including: walking, bicycling, taxis, electric rental cars, mopeds, pedi-cabs, city buses, trolleys, and hotel shuttles.
Can you take a car on the Key West ferry?
No cars, just passengers. They do carry bicycles, and the crew will help you load them and stow them away. A car is a big burden in Key West.
Are there bears in the Keys?
While Florida black bears once inhabited the entire state including portions of the Florida Keys, the bear’s present range is much more sporadic, with isolated populations occurring in various locations throughout the state.
Are there monkeys in the Florida Keys?
Key Lois, with 75 free-roaming monkeys, is on the Caribbean side of the Keys. Raccoon Key, with 880 wandering monkeys, is on the Gulf side in the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge.