Management Plan
Regulations to protect sanctuary resources are only one instrument in the sanctuary's management toolbox. The backbone of the sanctuary's management - the management plan - determines how the sanctuary and its staff conduct daily operations, including activities such as outreach, education, scientific research, and collaboration with partners.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary operates under a management plan driven by scientific advances, technological innovation, and new partnerships. Evaluating past, present, and future management approaches ensures that we and our partners are making the most effective use of programmatic resources.
While the management plan represents the full suite of activities needed to advance Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary management goals and objectives, implementation is dependent upon the available resources including funding, staff capacity, and partnership contribution.
Previous management plans can be found here:
- 2007 Management Plan
- 2000 Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Final Management Plan for the Tortugas Ecological Reserve
- 1997 Management Plan
Cooperative Management
Approximately 49% of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary falls within state waters, and is cooperatively managed with the state of Florida. To help guide coordinated and cooperative management, NOAA and the state of Florida are developing a suite of cooperative management agreements, which are currently under review. The links below represent previous iterations.