(6) Prohibit anchoring on coral on the Fore Reef (consisting of a 

 trapezoid within Loran "C" points 1, 2, 3, 4, and encourage 

 sand anchoring elsewhere within the sanctuary; 



(7) Prohibit tampering with, damaging or removal of natural histor- 

 ical and cultural resources except by permit for scientific and 

 educational purposes; and 



(8) Prohibit all discharges except vessel cooling waters, fish parts, 

 chumming materials and effluents from marine sanitation devices. 



VI. SUMMARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES OF THE PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE 



Sanctuary designation will provide long-term protection for a representa- 

 tive section of the Florida reef tract from Patch Reefs out to the Deep Ridge. 

 Comprehensive management of this area will include emphasis on increasing the 

 level of public awareness of resource values and of the potential for harm 

 through a public education program and research on reef biology and system 

 interactions. Management of a section of the reef tract will allow for appro- 

 priate distribution of visitor uses and consequent control of certain harmful 

 effects. 



Minimal economic impacts will result from proposed restrictions within the 

 preferred boundary alternative (See Chapter Four Environmental Consequences). 



° Boundary 



The preferred alternative for the boundary (5.32 sq nm) will protect the 

 entire Fore Reef and Reef Flat and portions of the adjacent Patch Reef, Deep 

 Reef, and Deep Ridge. A sanctuary of this size will result in the protection 

 and management of a system, rather than simply individual components (see 

 Figure 3). It will help insure accomplishment of all sanctuary goals (See p. 4) 

 by encompassing a "slice of the ecological pie", affording opportunity for focus 

 on education and research. The preferred alternative emphasizes the maintenance 

 of the biological interrelationships of the reef system components in order to 

 maximize public benefits and minimize resource threats. The 5 sq nm sanctuary 

 will also maximize the enforcement capability for sanctuary regulations. In 

 addition, the 5 sq nm will have minimal adverse economic impact on commercial 

 fishing as compared to larger boundary options. 



° Anchoring 



The proposed regulation would prohibit anchoring on coral on the Fore Reef. 

 The regulation will help protect the Fore Reef coral assemblages from snagging, 

 breaking and other anchor damage. Sand anchoring will be encouraged outside the 

 Fore Reef. This will not provide maximum protection for coral growths in this 

 area but will have minimal impact on sanctuary users. An educational program 

 to advise users on anchoring procedures and frequent site inspections will be 

 utilized in order to ensure the success of this regulation. A mooring buoy 

 design and feasibility study will be initiated upon designation, and if such a 

 system seems desirable the proposed regulation would be modified at the time 

 buoys are installed. 



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