DEP Finalizes Plan to Protect Southeast Florida Reef

“Florida is fortunate to provide a home for a substantial portion of the coral reefs in the United States,” said DEP Secretary Colleen M. Castille. “Safeguarding and restoring these unique marine habitats will infuse local economies with the benefits of a healthy ecosystem, biodiversity and a piece of natural history right in our own backyards.”

The Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative Team -- a coordinated effort of public and private marine resource professionals, and reef users -- targeted coral habitats that are close to shore, co-exist with urbanized areas and currently lack a comprehensive management plan.

The Local Action Strategy addresses threats to local reefs through four focus areas: Fishing, Diving and Other Uses; Land Based Sources of Pollution and Water Quality; Maritime Industry and Coastal Construction Impacts and Awareness and Appreciation. Many projects outlined in the three-year action plan are already underway, such as assessing current reef resources and water quality, evaluating protective measures, developing educational materials and surveying public awareness.

“Healthy reefs promote recreation, education, scientific research and stewardship -- all of which are vital components of the Real Florida experience,” DEP’s director of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas Katherine Andrews. “A thorough and transparent public process has generated a plan that will balance economic use with reef conservation to preserve this precious marine environment.”

Coral reefs protect coastal areas by reducing wave energy from storms and hurricanes. As a source of food and shelter, coral reefs also provide critical habitat for marine wildlife and sustain important recreational and commercial fisheries. Coral reefs are important centers of biodiversity and support the local economy through tourism, fisheries and biomedical research.

The Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative was developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission with guidance from the United States Coral Reef Task Force. The Local Action Strategy has been in development since May 2003. For additional information on the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative Team and to read the Local Action Strategy, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/programs/coral/.