Barracuda Keys Wildlife Management Area

Barracuda Keys encompasses a shallow area of flats and mangrove islands sandwiched between Snipe and Sawyer Keys in the backcountry area due north of Lower Sugarloaf Key. Large numbers of shorebirds rest on seagrass flats near deep-water channels that cut through shallow water habitat, where boat noise can easily disturb wildlife. A 2.53 square-mile-area has been designated idle speed to not only protect wildlife, but also seagrass beds that exhibit light-to-severe propeller scarring.

Special regulations apply here. Learn more about what activities are allowed in this type of zone.

A summary of all sanctuary regulations is available online. For the full text of sanctuary regulations, see 15 CFR 922 Subpart P.