---

Can I SWIM, SNORKEL and SCUBA in the Sanctuary?

Answer: With the exception of four research only areas, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving are encouraged throughout the Sanctuary. Designated Sanctuary Preservation Areas and the Sambo Ecological Reserve are protected from most harvesting of marine life. These may be particularly attractive areas for those snorkeling/diving activities within the Sanctuary. The research areas total less than 1 square mile and require a scientific/monitoring research permit for access.

---

Can I fish in the Sanctuary?

Answer: Fishing is allowed in 98% of the Sanctuary, consistent with existing Federal and State fisheries regulations. Fishing is only restricted within specific zones.

---

How will the Sanctuary affect landowners in the Florida Keys?

Answer: Sanctuary regulations only apply in the marine environment, they do not apply to land-based activities.

---

Will personal watercraft be regulated in the Sanctuary?

Answer: Reckless boating behavior that endangers the safety of swimmers and boaters will not be tolerated regardless of the vessel. Recognizing that personal watercraft have been a particular concern in some areas of the Florida Keys, new no wake and idle zone rules for personal watercraft and other boats will address public safety concerns along residential shorelines. The Personal Watercraft Industry has been advised that it must improve safety education among users and that there may be a need to consider additional regulatory action of safety problems persist.

---

How will the Sanctuary Management Plan improve water quality in the Florida Keys?

Answer: There is no higher priority for researchers and managers than improving water quality in the Florida Keys and Florida Bay. The management plan focuses on solutions for problems related to stormwater runoff, inadequate sewage treatment, marinas, live-aboards, landfills, hazardous spills, pesticides and herbicides.

---

While these regulations appear to be reasonable, I am concerned that more restrictive regulations will be put in place in the future.

Answer: Sanctuary Managers have very limited authority to unilaterally establish regulations. Except for restricted access to a limited area in the event of an emergency, all changes to Sanctuary regulations will require much the same process as the development of this final plan including public notice and comment before a change can occur. Even emergency closures will require consultation with the Governor who will have the ability to appeal closures in state waters.

---

What can I do to help protect the Sanctuary?

Answer: We can each make a difference in the effort to protect Sanctuary resources. Options available to us ranging from something as simple as making sure we use only bio-degradable products around the water to opportunities like joining one of our many volunteer efforts in the Sanctuary.

---

Where can I go to find information on size limits for recreational fishing?

Answer: For information on Recreational Fihsing Regulations go to the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Pulication "Fishing Lines." This pulication is available on line and can also be found in hard copy at many fishing and boating stores in the Florida Keys.

---

Is there any danger from marine life such as sharks, barracudas, or jellyfish while swimming in the waters of the Sanctuary?

Answer: While there are not many incidents of altercations between marine life and humans in the Keys the potential is always there. It is the Atlantic Ocean and there are sharks, eels, barracudas, urchins, jellyfish, fire coral and other flora and fauna that could cause injury to snorkelers, divers, and fishers. When in the water it is always important to pay attention to your surroundings and not provoke any animal to use its defensive behavior (i.e. sticking your hand into a hole that might have an eel in it).

Millions of people dive and snorkel in the Florida Keys each year with no problem.