Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Marine sanctuary in Florida Keys, United States.
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary covers about 2,900 square nautical miles of coastal and ocean waters from South Florida along the Florida Keys and the Hawk Channel passage, encompassing more than 1,700 islands and reaching the Dry Tortugas. It includes the Florida Reef, North America's only barrier coral reef and the world's third-largest, plus mangrove forests and seagrass fields.
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary was designated on December 28, 1990, as the ninth national marine sanctuary in the United States. It was created to protect the Florida Reef, the only barrier coral reef in North America and the third-largest in the world, together with mangrove forests and seagrass fields. Its waters reach from South Florida along the Keys and Hawk Channel to Dry Tortugas National Park.
The name reflects the Keys region and its deep connection to the sea. Visitors notice signs of fishing traditions and how the community has long depended on these waters for their way of life.
Water sports like diving and snorkeling are possible, though visitors must follow rules to protect the environment. It is important to check access points and local guidelines, as some areas may have restrictions or be off-limits.
The sanctuary contains the largest continuous seagrass meadow in the Northern Hemisphere, a feature less visible than the coral reefs but equally important. These underwater fields serve as nurseries where young fish grow before moving to deeper waters.
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