The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the Restoration Blueprint, a major step towards finalizing this long-awaited plan for the Sanctuary. The Blueprint updates the Sanctuary’s management plan, marine zones, regulations, and more for the first time since 1997. This plan will provide additional safeguards for the Sanctuary’s reefs, seagrass meadows, and island havens, which draw visitors from around the globe and make up the lifeblood of Monroe County’s economy. Its final iteration was developed following years of input by local residents and represents a common-sense approach to conserving the area’s most at-risk natural areas.
“I’ve been lucky enough to live in the Keys for decades, and like many residents, I’m deeply concerned about the declining health of our reefs, seagrass beds, and more. Not only does this decline threaten our fish and wildlife, but it also threatens our way of life.” says Jerry Lorenz, PhD, Audubon Florida’s State Research Director and 24-year FKNMS Advisory Council member, on behalf of the Florida Keys Restoration Partnership. “The Restoration Blueprint, informed by stakeholders from across the Keys, gives us a chance to pass this way of life on to our children, and is a welcome step forward for the wildlife and people that call the Keys home.” |