Tell NOAA to Strengthen Critical Protections for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary—through October 26

From PennEnvironment (http://www.pennenvironment.org):

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is a uniquely special place.

Spanning more than 3,800 miles of waters surrounding the Florida Keys, the National Marine Sanctuary is known for its mangrove-fringed islands and seagrass beds. It’s also home to North America’s only coral barrier reef.¹

Unfortunately, this wild place is at risk.

The Florida Keys are threatened by overuse, water pollution and climate change. In order to save it, we’re calling on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to strengthen protections for the area.

Join us in calling on NOAA to strengthen critical protections for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary at https://pennenvironment.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=52043.

Decades of overuse, water pollution and climate change have taken their toll on the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Nearly 90% of the live corals that once dominated the area have been lost.² Virtually every seagrass bed has been damaged.³

Ww have the opportunity to prevent future damage.

NOAA has released a draft plan to increase protections for some of the Marine Sanctuary’s most vulnerable habitats. The proposal is an important step forward, but it could be even more ambitious.

NOAA is currently accepting public input on its draft proposal, and it’s legally required to review all comments. We’re working to show NOAA broad public support for the strongest possible protections for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary by collecting tens of thousands of supporter signatures. Will you join us?

NOAA is only accepting public input through Oct. 26. Submit your comment today.

1. “NOAA releases proposal to restore protected Florida Keys habitats,” Phys.org, July 13, 2022.
2. “Restoring Seven Iconic Reefs: A Mission to Recover the Coral Reefs of the Florida Keys,” NOAA Fisheries, March 8, 2022.
3. “Human activities such as dredging and careless boating are threatening South Florida’s mangroves and seagrass,” National Ocean Service, last accessed August 24, 2022.