The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
The Florida Keys is home to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The State of Florida and the federal government have been working together for over 25 years to protect and preserve the local environment.
Such a combined effort provides a comprehensive ecosystem management approach for the long-term protection of the diverse natural resources in the Keys waters.
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary does so much for the local environment of the Florida Keys and surrounding areas.
Sail Fish Scuba is just one of many Key Largo dive operators to take tourists and locals to the protected areas of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
To book at tour to visit the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary just click here.
Scuba Diving, Dive Courses, Snorkeling and Kayak Tours – Sail Fish Scuba – Key Largo FL
North America has only one living coral barrier reef and it is the third longest barrier reef in the entire World.
We humans must all band together to protect and preserve this wonderful treasure. The living coral reef provides many benefits to the human race.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
The geographic location of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is
about six miles seaward of the coast line of the Florida Keys. It is home to this living coral barrier reef.
The Florida Keys 1,700+ islands run along an area just over 220 miles long and extending South and West from the southernmost tip of Florida mainland.
Creation of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary was created in 1990.
In recognition of the significance of the living coral reef ecosystem, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary was created by Congress.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary extends 2,800 square nautical miles on both sides of the Florida Keys.
During the year 2001, the boundary was increased to 2,900 square nautical miles. This as well as improved protections will greatly help our area for years to come.
Many tour operators have adopted plans such as Blue Star and Project AWARE to help protect the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary as well.
This was due to the addition of the Tortugas Ecological Reserve.
What is a National Marine Sanctuary?
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary embraces part of our collective riches as a nation.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s protected water areas allows giant humpback whales to breed and calve their young.
Hundreds of thousands of nurse sharks breed and live peacefully on the reef systems and Coral colonies flourish.
Mangrove trees and other wetland trees grow and protect our coast lines.
Over hundreds of years there have been thousands of shipwrecks in this ares. The underwater remains live to tell stories of our maritime history and these shipwreck events.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary can provide a safe habitat for species close to extinction such as the Sawtooth Sharks.
Sanctuary habitats include beautiful living coral reef and spectacular deep-sea waters. You can also stay closer to shore and enjoy lush sea grass beds.
There are mangrove filled coastlines and sand bars filled with shallow water critters. These are all part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
We invite you to come visit Sail Fish Scuba and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.