° Shallow water reef areas easily accessible to the public; ideal for 

 recreational uses by both amateur and experienced individuals. 



The 5 sq nm boundary alternative will provide a reasonable slice of the 

 reef tract which will permit management to achieve the proposed sanctuary 

 objectives as described below and result in minimal economic impact. For 

 these reasons it was selected as the preferred boundary. 



Proposed Management 



The management of Looe Key as a marine sanctuary will focus on the attain- 

 ment of several goals and objectives (Chapter Two Preferred Alternative): 



Goal 1: To maintain, protect and enhance the quality of the natural, 

 biological, aesthetic and cultural resources of Looe Key reef system. 



Objectives: 



° Promulgate protective regulations; 

 ° Provide a framework for onsite management; 

 ° Provide for adequate enforcement; 



° Utilize research data to assess management needs and priorities, 

 modify regulations and to determine management strategies. 



Goal 2: To promote and stimulate marine research efforts directed toward 

 identification and analysis of marine ecological interrelationships. 



Objectives: 



° Encourage and cooperate with interested parties in research and 



study of reef interrelationships; 

 ° To establish competitive funding mechanisms encouraging a wide 



range of scientific expertise to focus attention on reef dynamics; 

 ° Establish a clearing house for dissemination and exchange of 



sanctuary research data; and 

 ° To facilitate effective management of Looe Key. 



Goal 3: To enhance public awareness of the need for conservation and 

 protection of the Looe Key coral reef system. 



Objectives: 



° Provide a means for education and information exchange; 



° Develop educational programs that will increase awareness and 



appreciation of Looe Key through a public information effort 



(including slides, brochures, lectures, etc.); 

 ° Establish a sanctuary information center; and 

 ° Develop interpretative services. 



The Management Plan and Enforcement 



If the sanctuary designation occurs, development of a formal Management 

 Plan (MP) will be undertaken and completed within the first 9-12 months. NOAA 

 proposes to work with the Florida Department of Natural Resources in the 

 formulation of this plan. The MP development process will emphasize public 



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