While species composition of stony corals in the deeper part of this zone 

 remains about the same, the number and size of individual colonies increases, 

 making them the dominant component here. Also with increasing depth, changes in 

 the octocoral fauna take place. Among Pseudopterogorgia species, P. binnata far 

 outnumbers all others, and two deepwater species occur only here: the rare 

 monofilament Ellisella barbadensis , and\the abundant fan-shaped Iciligoria 

 schra,mmi . 



Although species composition resembles that of shallower parts of the 

 reef, a number of hard or stony corals with branching and flower-like growth 

 forms occur on the Deep Reef, which are either not present or very rare in more 

 accessible areas of Looe Key. Species of the genera Madracis and Oculina grow 

 in clusters of small finger-like branches while colonies of Mussa angulos and 

 Eusmilia fasti giata resemble bouquets of densely packed flowers. Disc-like 

 growth forms of striking shape are found among many species of Agariciidae and 

 Mussidae, which only at this depth occur in appreciable numbers. 



Deep Ridge 



This Deep Ridge runs parallel to the margin of the continental shelf in 

 about 45 m depth. It shows very little profile and is only a few meters wide, 

 but, nevertheless, is an outcrop of living coral reef. The reef is formed 

 mainly by plate-like colonies of Montastraea cavernosa and several secies of 

 Agaricidae. Also present are deep water octocoral s, such as Iciligoria schrammi 

 and Ellisella barbadensis , with the latter much more abundant here than on the 

 Deep Reef. 



° Cultural Values 



Looe Key also offers unique cultural resources including the remains of the 

 H.M.S. Looe . The latter is used for research and as an educational tool by the 

 nearby liewfound Harbor Institute. In addition to providing marine archeological 

 information, shipwrecks become coral encrusted and offer unique dive experiences. 

 The potential exists for other shipwrecks in the Looe Key area as such resources 

 are common in the Florida Keys. 



° Commercial Values 



Fishery resources are an extremely valuable component of the proposal area. 

 Commercial fishermen with home ports adjacent to Looe Key derive about 28 percent 

 of their annual catch from the 5 sq nm area which includes the Fore Reef. This 

 catch primarily includes spiny lobster, snapper and grouper. 



In addition, Looe Key is widely used by public charter boats, dive boats, 

 recreational divers and fishermen. 



IV. THE STATUS QUO 



One alternative to marine sanctuary designation of Looe Key is the no action 

 alternative (see Chapter 2). Under this alternative, existing authorities as 

 described in the Legal Status Quo would continue to control activities and 



