Conservation Areas

A closeup of a coral reef with a diver's silhouette in the background
A primary goal of conservation areas, such as Tortugas Conservation Area pictured here, is to protect habitats to promote long-term sustainability. Photo: Greg McFall/NOAA

Conservation areas are contiguous, diverse habitats featuring natural spawning, nursery, and residence areas for the replenishment and genetic protection of marine life, while protecting a variety of sanctuary resources and/or facilitating scientific research that promotes sanctuary management or recovery of sanctuary resources. They were known previously as ecological reserves and special use areas. In addition, these areas, with the exception of Western Sambo, have similar regulations, which are intended to provide the greatest level of protection to these contiguous habitats and areas set aside to support scientific research.

In addition to activities prohibited by sanctuary-wide regulations, the following activities are prohibited in conservation areas:

  • Discharging any matter except cooling water or engine exhaust
  • Fishing by any means; removing, harvesting, or possessing any marine life
  • Touching or standing on living or dead coral
  • Anchoring except in a portion of the Western Sambo Conservation Area where anchoring is allowed landward of the offshore high relief reef area

Additional regulation for the Tortugas South Conservation Area:

  • Vessels may only enter if they remain in continuous transit with fishing gear stowed (diving and snorkeling are prohibited)

Additional regulations for the Tortugas North Conservation Area:

  • Anchoring is prohibited
  • Mooring by vessel(s) more than 100 feet in total or combined length overall is prohibited
  • Access permit is not required if the vessel remains in continuous transit with fishing gear stowed
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