Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Accomplishments

Since being established in 1990, the accomplishments in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary have been many. The links below provide information about some of the major accomplishments through the years.

2011 Accomplishments (pdf, 509 kb)
In fiscal year 2011, the sanctuary unveiled a redesigned website to better engage the community, continued to improve the understanding of natural and cultural resources in the Florida Keys, and released the Condition Report 2011 for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary which will help guide a review of its zones and regulations.

2010 Accomplishments (pdf, 957 kb)
From responding to the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill to finalizing a rule to prohibit the discharge of waste from marine sanitation devices into sanctuary waters, netting over 10,000 pounds of marine debris, and more, fiscal year 2010 was a busy one for the staff at Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

2009 Accomplishments (pdf, 1.0 Mb)
During fiscal year 2009, the sanctuary responded to the new lionfish invasion, conducted a coral health survey, launched the Blue Star program to recognize local businesses who promote proper diving and snorkeling etiquette to protect coral reefs, and more.

2008 Accomplishments (pdf, 386 kb)
In fiscal year 2008, the sanctuary released a revised version of its management plan, was presented with a Coastal America Partner­ship Award for its efforts to rescue more than 7,000 coral colonies, and saw the opening of the “Living Reef” exhibit by Mote Marine Laboratory in the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center.

Major Sanctuary Accomplishments: 1990 – 2007
This page reviews major accomplishments from the establishment of the sanctuary in 1990 through the release of the revised sanctuary management plan in 2007.

2011 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Annual Report (pdf, 3.2 MB)
Every year, the sanctuary provides a report to the Florida Governor and Cabinet on sanctuary accomplishments and activities. In state fiscal year 2011, the sanctuary unveiled a redesigned website, reached tens of thousands of people through community events and the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center, and contributed to long term research of the marine environment.