“Marine Zoning Works for Me” Offers Presentations on the Benefits of Marine Zoning in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

The Future of the Florida Keys is in your hands and we want to show you how to make a difference! The health of our marine resources has been in decline for years. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, responsible for balancing the protection of these natural resources with sustainable use by the public, is currently in the process of deciding how to manage the Sanctuary in the future. We invite you to attend a presentation by Marine Zoning Works for Me to learn more about how marine zoning sustains and protects marine wildlife and habitats in the Florida Keys.

In the Florida Keys, our quality of life and economy are dependent on a healthy environment. A decline in the health of our waters will have a negative effect on us, impacting our quality of life and visitations by tourists traveling to enjoy our waters. To better protect the Sanctuary, NOAA and the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges are in the process of updating their management plans. Under consideration are additions and changes to the zoning system that currently manages activities in Keys waters. The decisions made during this process will not only affect marine wildlife and habitat, but also how we boat and recreate in our waters. Marine zoning is a relatively simple and inexpensive tool that allows for the recovery of threatened marine areas while also providing access for recreation.

Please join us at one of our upcoming presentations throughout the Keys to learn more about the health of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and efforts to update marine zoning plans that protect it. This is a public process that will only be successful with input and support from citizens.

Monday, February 13, 2017, 6-7 pm
Big Pine Community Park
31009 Atlantis Drive
Big Pine Key, FL

Thursday, February 16, 2017, 6-7 pm
Sugarloaf Volunteer Fire Department
17175 Overseas Highway
Lower Sugarloaf Key, FL

Thursday, February 16, 2017, 6-8 pm
Islamorada Public Library
81830 Overseas Highway
Islamorada, FL

Tuesday, February 21, 2017, 6-8 pm
Marathon Public Library
3251 Overseas Highway
Marathon, FL

Tuesday, February 28, 2017, 7-8 pm
Key Largo Public Library
101485 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL

About Marine Zoning Works for Me: Marine Zoning Works for Me is a coalition of organizations and citizens dedicated to the health of the Florida Keys. We are focused on engaging people in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges efforts to update their management plans with the goal of improving the condition of natural resources in the Keys and promoting sustainable use long into the future. To learn more, visit www.marinezoningworksforme.org.

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