Contact: Alyson Simmons FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Justin Kenney 1/29/97
Governor Lawton Chiles and his trustees unanimously voted in support of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary yesterday in Tallahassee, Fla., acknowledging the "true partnership" between the state of Florida and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The vote concludes six years of planning and public discussion to establish a marine sanctuary for America's only living barrier coral reef, vast seagrass meadows, mangrove fringed islands, and the rich marine life these marine communities support.
"It has been a challenging effort to address diverse public and private interests while protecting and managing these waters. Our effort now stands as the model for cooperative protection of the world's natural treasures," said Terry Garcia, NOAA acting deputy administrator.
Six years ago, the U.S. Congress asked the state of Florida and NOAA to join forces to protect the Florida Keys reef system. The state and NOAA have worked together with the local community on a strategy to protect the Keys' fragile marine resources while preserving the unique lifestyle and quality-of-life associated with the Florida Keys.
"Partnerships form the backbone of the National Marine Sanctuary Program. And the most important partnership is the one we -- the state of Florida and NOAA -- have with the users and visitors of the sanctuary. Together we serve as the stewards of this fragile environment," Garcia told the Governor and trustees.
"Hopefully, the sanctuary can now bring everyone together to protect this beautiful resource," said Billy Causey, sanctuary superintendent. "Whether it's installing mooring buoys or expanding our volunteer programs, the sanctuary takes an innovative approach to make sure that today's coral reef ecosystem will be here for our children and our grandchildren," he said.
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is one of 12 marine sanctuaries that protect the nation's significant natural and cultural marine resources. The United States Congress established the 2,800-square nautical mile Florida Keys sanctuary in 1990 to protect the world's third largest barrier reef system. Established 25 years ago, the National Marine Sanctuary Program works cooperatively at the local, state and national levels to balance the enjoyment of our oceans with their long-term protection. NOAA, a Commerce Department agency, administers the program.
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