Florida Keys

Florida Keys (Monroe County)

Monroe County Conservation (Key West, Marathon, Key Largo, Islamorada, Key Colony Beach, Big Pine Key)

Coastal and Marine Conservation

  • Cities Involved: Key West, Marathon, Key Largo, Islamorada.

  • Key Efforts:

    • Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary:

      • The sanctuary protects coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangroves, and marine species such as manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles.

      • Restoration projects aim to improve water quality, protect coral reefs from bleaching, and restore seagrass and mangrove habitats.

      • Ongoing initiatives focus on coral restoration through programs like the Coral Restoration Foundation, which is active in coral planting and reef management.

    • Barrier Island and Mangrove Restoration (Key West, Marathon):

      • Projects to restore mangrove forests and barrier islands provide critical buffers to coastal erosion and improve water quality in the region.

      • The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and local governments have been involved in restoring degraded mangrove habitats.

    • Marine Protected Areas:

      • Several marine parks within the Florida Keys have been designated to protect sensitive marine ecosystems, including Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary and Dry Tortugas National Park, located at the westernmost part of the Keys.

Seagrass and Coral Reef Restoration

  • Cities Involved: Key Largo, Marathon, Key West, Islamorada.

  • Key Initiatives:

    • Seagrass Restoration: Programs aim to restore seagrass meadows, which provide food and shelter for marine life, including endangered species like the green sea turtle.

    • Coral Nursery and Reef Restoration: Collaborative projects with institutions like the Coral Cay Conservation focus on propagating coral species and restoring damaged reef ecosystems.

    • Mangrove Replanting: Replanting mangrove areas is part of the strategy to protect coastlines from storm surges and increase biodiversity.

Sustainable Fishing Practices

  • Cities Involved: Marathon, Islamorada, Key Largo.

  • Efforts to protect fish populations include:

    • Catch Limits and Restrictions: Enforcing sustainable fishing regulations to protect key species such as snapper and grouper.

    • Aquaculture Projects: Local initiatives encourage sustainable fish farming and responsible harvesting practices to reduce pressure on wild fish populations.

Terrestrial Conservation and Wildlife Protection

Key Areas and Habitats

  • Cities Involved: Big Pine Key, Key West, Marathon, Key Largo, Islamorada.

  • Key Areas:

    • National Key Deer Refuge (Big Pine Key):

      • This 8,000-acre refuge is home to the endangered Key deer, a small species found only in the Florida Keys.

      • Conservation efforts focus on controlling invasive species, restoring native plant habitats, and providing safe environments for Key deer.

    • Cactus Key Preserve (Islamorada):

      • An important conservation area for protecting rare plant species and unique habitats found on Florida Keys islands.

      • Efforts aim to protect endangered species like the Keys tree cactus and American crocodile.

Endangered Species Protection

  • Cities Involved: Key West, Marathon, Big Pine Key.

  • Key Species Protected:

    • Key Deer: Key deer conservation is a top priority, with programs to protect their habitat, reduce human-wildlife conflict, and promote safe corridors.

    • American Crocodile (Key Largo): Ongoing monitoring and protection efforts aim to safeguard this species, which is listed as endangered.

    • Sea Turtles (Key West, Key Largo): Efforts to protect sea turtle nesting sites and reduce light pollution along beaches. This includes monitoring nests and restoring coastal habitats.

    • West Indian Manatee: Habitat preservation and the creation of manatee zones along the coastline help ensure the safety of this endangered species.

Water Quality and Conservation

Water Protection Initiatives

  • Cities Involved: Key West, Marathon, Islamorada, Key Largo.

  • Key Projects:

    • Nutrient Reduction Projects:

      • Programs to reduce nutrient pollution from septic tanks and wastewater systems, which can lead to harmful algal blooms and damage marine ecosystems.

      • The Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program (WQIP) works to upgrade wastewater treatment and reduce nutrient runoff.

    • Stormwater Management:

      • Restoration of wetlands and improvement of stormwater drainage systems in urban areas like Key West and Marathon to prevent pollution runoff into marine environments.

Everglades and Florida Bay Restoration

  • The Florida Bay ecosystem is vital to the Keys’ environment. Efforts focus on restoring the flow of freshwater from the Everglades to improve water quality and support fisheries in the bay.

    • Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP): Part of a larger effort to restore the hydrology of the Everglades, benefiting both freshwater and marine ecosystems in the Florida Keys.

Education and Public Engagement

Environmental Education Programs

  • Cities Involved: Key West, Key Largo, Marathon.

  • Key Institutions:

    • Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: Offers educational programs about marine conservation, including coral reef protection, marine species conservation, and sustainable tourism.

    • The Florida Keys Aquarium Encounters (Marathon): Provides hands-on exhibits and educational experiences focusing on marine life and conservation.

    • Turtle Hospital (Marathon): Educates the public about sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation, offering tours and volunteer opportunities.

Eco-Tourism and Responsible Recreation

  • Cities Involved: Key West, Marathon, Key Largo, Islamorada.

  • Key Programs:

    • Promoting sustainable eco-tourism practices such as responsible boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

    • Certification programs for businesses that follow environmentally responsible practices in the Keys.

    • The Keys Carbon Offset Program promotes sustainable tourism by encouraging visitors to reduce their carbon footprint during their stay.

Regional and Collaborative Efforts

Florida Keys Community Land Trust (FKCLT)

  • The FKCLT plays a key role in land conservation by acquiring and managing natural areas that are ecologically sensitive, ensuring their protection for future generations.

  • Conservation easements are employed to preserve key wildlife habitats, including those used by migratory birds and endangered species like the Key deer.

Florida Keys Wildlife and Environmental Foundation

  • A non-profit organization focused on protecting natural habitats and providing funding for environmental initiatives throughout the Keys. It supports education, restoration projects, and wildlife protection.

Challenges and Future Goals

Climate Change and Sea Level Rise

  • The Keys are highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise and increased storm intensity. Efforts to protect coastal habitats like coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses are essential for mitigating these impacts.

Coral Bleaching and Reef Restoration

  • As ocean temperatures rise, coral bleaching continues to be a significant threat. Collaborative restoration projects, including coral nurseries and transplantation efforts, aim to rebuild coral populations and increase resilience.

Invasive Species Management

  • Managing invasive species, such as the Burmese python and non-native plant species, is a critical conservation priority to protect the biodiversity of the Keys.