Proposed Marine Zone Changes

NOAA has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking ("proposed rule") for public comment for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. This proposed rule follows NOAA's publication of a draft environmental impact statement in August 2019, which provided a range of alternatives for modified and new marine zones. The proposed modified and/or new marine zones are informed by public comments on the draft environmental impact statement, additional agency input, and scientific and user data. NOAA's proposed rule includes five marine zone types: management areas, conservation areas, sanctuary preservation areas, restoration areas, and wildlife management areas. NOAA has used marine zoning as a management tool in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary since 1997. Since that time, much has changed in relation to specific habitats and marine species that could benefit from modified or enhanced marine zone designation.

The documents on this page provide information on marine zones in NOAA's proposed rule.

Carysfort Reef Lighthouse sits at the north end of the Key Largo Existing Management Area
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Proposed Marine Zone Changes

Upper Keys Region

Carysfort Reef Lighthouse sits at the north end of the Key Largo Existing Management Area
Download Upper Keys Region and Marine Zones

Middle Keys Region

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Download Middle Keys Region and Marine Zones

Lower Keys Region

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Download Lower Keys Region and Marine Zones

Marquesas Region

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Download Marquesas Region and Marine Zones

Tortugas Region

fish swimming over a coral reef at Tortugas Ecological Reserve North
Download Tortugas Region and Marine Zones