Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

The sanctuary extends over 2,900 square nautical miles of waters from Biscayne Bay National Park to the Dry Tortugas, protecting North America's only barrier reef.

Established in 1990 as the ninth National Marine Sanctuary, this protected area safeguards maritime resources spanning centuries of human interaction with marine environments.

The sanctuary maintains an extensive network of educational programs and research initiatives focused on coral reef restoration and marine species conservation.

Visitors can participate in diving, snorkeling, and fishing activities while following specific regulations designed to maintain the ecological balance of marine habitats.

The protected area contains the largest documented contiguous seagrass community in the Northern Hemisphere and houses more than 6,000 marine species.

Location: Monroe County

Location: Miami-Dade County

Location: territorial waters of the United States

Location: Exclusive economic zone of the United States

Inception: November 16, 1990

Shares border with: Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park

Website: https://floridakeys.noaa.gov

GPS coordinates: 24.68000,-81.24000

Latest update: May 22, 2025 18:55