What are marine sanctuary threats?

What are marine sanctuary threats?

Some of the most prominent pressures include vessel traffic, commercial and recreational fishing, agricultural and urban runoff, harmful algal blooms, coastal development, marine debris, the introduction of non-indigenous species, and disturbances to wildlife.

How has tourism impacted the Florida Keys ecosystem?

Tourism “is the economic engine of the Florida Keys. Tourism supplies 54 percent of all island jobs and fuels a $2.7 billion economy, according to Monroe County, which includes the Keys and a significant portion of Everglades National Park.

Is overfishing a problem in Florida?

Florida’s coral reefs are already in big trouble. But that’s not the only threat reefs in the Sunshine State face. A Florida Keys study has found a new and alarming problem: Bites from natural reef inhabitants such as parrotfish are also killing corals weakened by overfishing and pollution.

How are the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary marked?

Sanctuary Preservation Areas and Ecological Reserves in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are marked by 30″ diameter yellow buoys around the perimeter of the zone. Mooring buoys within these zones will be marked with a sticker which denotes that fishing is not allowed.

How is the marine environment in the Florida Keys?

There is no denying that the marine environment of the Florida Keys is special. We admire its sparkling turquoise color and refreshing temperatures. We are entranced by the diversity of life within it. We savor the seafood harvested from it and are grateful that the coral reef helps protect the island chain.

Is it safe to anchor in the Florida Keys?

Where to safely anchor: Regulations in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary forbid anchoring on coral or in seagrass. At the most popular reef sites, you’ll find mooring buoys as a required alternative to tossing out an anchor. More than 800 buoys are available throughout the sanctuary, and help conserve the highly-diverse marine environment.

How many groundings occur in the Florida Keys?

More than 300 groundings are reported within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary every year, and many more go unreported. Nearly 80 percent of those groundings impact fragile seagrass habitat.