The Fore Reef is frequented by divers because of the spectacular nature 

 of the coral formations and the size and diversity of reef fish populations. 

 In order to gain access to this area, most boats anchor directly in this zone, 

 which is no deeper than nine meters or in the Reef Flat nearest the Fore Reef. 

 By prohibiting anchoring on coral in this area and encouraging sand anchoring 

 in adjacent areas, anchor damage to the Fore Reef can be substantially reduced. 



The Reef Flat offers suitable protection from high waves because of its 

 location behind the reef crest. The bottom consists primarily of sand, 

 coral fragments, seagrass, macro-algae and occasional colonies of living 

 coral. As a result, this area can withstand much greater anchoring 

 pressure than the Fore Reef Zone with its well developed coral structure. 

 Because of the substrate and protected location of the Reef Flat, small 

 sand anchors, e.g. Danforth, are capable of holding all but the largest 

 boats with a shallow enough draft to enter this zone. Divers and 

 snorkelers entering the water can swim through this shallow (less than 

 two meters) area and pass through one of the surge channels of the 

 reef crest and dive on the Fore Reef. Only in rough weather is passage 

 through the reef crest somewhat hazardous. 



The area seaward of the Fore Reef is less protected but convenient to 

 the Fore Reef and would also be suitable as an anchoring area. With 

 adequate enforcement and management at the sanctuary site, boats can 

 be directed to sandy areas, suitable for anchoring adjacent to the Fore Reef. 

 This alternative might inconvenience recreational and commercial hook and 

 line fishing in the area of the Fore Reef. Fishermen would have to 

 spend additional effort to insure sand anchoring within this small core 

 area. 



Enforcement of this regulation will entail frequent site inspections 

 and the development of an educational program to advise users on anchoring 

 procedures. 



This regulation would serve as an interim measure until information 

 is gathered to allow evaluation of alternative measures. Research and 

 assessment of the feasibility and possible design of or appropriate 

 mooring system for Looe Key will provide a basis for management decisions 

 which will better insure maximum opportunities for both public use and 

 resource protection. If the sanctuary is designated, such a study will 

 be designed as a part of the management plan. 



3. Placement of a mooring buoy system or systems in strategic areas of 

 the Fore Reef zone in all boundary options. 



This would enable divers, particularly SCUBA divers, with heavy 

 equipment, to dive safely near their boats and it would provide safe 

 access to the Fore Reef for novice divers. Biscayne National Monument 

 has an optional mooring buoy system which not only guides visitors to 

 certain coral reef areas but offers them the opportunity to tie up to 

 a buoy to prevent anchor damage. 



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