Marine zoning is a new concept in this country, although zoning has been used for years on land to both protect resources and separate conflicting uses. Marine zoning has been successfully established in other countries.
Zoning provides a common sense approach to focus protection in critical portions of sensitive habitats, while not restricting activities any more than necessary. Zoning protects the majority of shallow reef habitat while minimizing the effect on commercial and recreational fishing. By using marine zoning to protect critical habitat, the coral reefs will be enhanced in many ways. In the remaining 98% of the Sanctuary that is not zoned, the focus of management is on improving water quality and providing habitat protection.
Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs) There are 18 small SPAs that protect popular shallow coral reefs. In addition to Sanctuary-wide regulations, special regulations have been set in place in these areas in order to protect resources. Activities that will be prohibited in the Sanctuary Preservation Areas include spearfishing, shell collecting, tropical fish collecting, fishing and other activities that result in the harvest of marine life by divers, snorkelers, and fishermen. In addition, direct physical impact to corals in these areas is restricted.
Western Sambos Ecological Reserve In addition to Sanctuary-wide regulations, special regulations have been set in place in this area in order to protect resources. Spearfishing, shell collecting, tropical fish collecting, and other activities that result in the harvest of marine life by divers and snorkelers, and all fishing activities will be prohibited in this zone type. In addition, direct physical impact to corals in this area is restricted.
Special Use Areas There are four areas designated: Conch Reef, Tennessee Reef, Looe Key (patch reef), and Eastern Sambo Reef. These are all designated as research-only areas. No person may enter these areas except as specifically authorized by a valid permit.
SOURCE OF DESCRIPTION:<http://www.fknms.nos.noaa.gov/regs/welcome.html>
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