Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Summary form only, substantially as follows. Congress, recognizing the degradation of this unique ecosystem, passed the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Act. The act requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a comprehensive management plan with implementing regulations to govern the overall management of the sanctuary and to protect sanctuary resources and qualities for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The act also establishes the boundary of the sanctuary, prohibits any oil drilling and exploration within the sanctuary, prohibits the operation of tank ships greater than 50 meters in the “Area to Be Avoided”, and requires the development and implementation of a water quality protection program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Florida, in conjunction with NOAA. The author describes this coastal and marine area and the management plan in greater detail