[Federal Register Volume 87, Number 136 (Monday, July 18, 2022)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 42800-42914]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2022-14554]
[[Page 42799]]
Vol. 87
Monday,
No. 136
July 18, 2022
Part II
Department of Commerce
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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15 CFR Part 922
Proposed Rule for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Management
Review: Blueprint for Restoration; Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 87 , No. 136 / Monday, July 18, 2022 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 42800]]
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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
15 CFR Part 922
[Docket No. 220516-0115]
RIN 0648-BJ14
Proposed Rule for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Management Review: Blueprint for Restoration
AGENCY: Office of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), National Ocean
Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
Department of Commerce (DOC).
ACTION: Proposed rule; request for public comments.
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SUMMARY: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is
proposing several changes to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
(FKNMS) to expand the boundary of the sanctuary, update sanctuary-wide
regulations, update the individual marine zones and their associated
regulations, and revise the sanctuary's terms of designation. In
addition, a revised draft management plan is included in the supporting
material for this proposed rule. FKNMS currently protects 3,800 square
miles of waters surrounding the Florida Keys, from south of Miami
westward to the Dry Tortugas. Within the boundaries of the sanctuary
lie spectacular, unique, and nationally significant marine resources
including North America's only coral barrier reef, extensive seagrass
beds, mangrove-fringed islands, and more than 6,000 species of marine
life. The sanctuary also protects pieces of our Nation's history such
as shipwrecks and other archeological resources. This proposed rule
follows NOAA's publication of a draft environmental impact statement
(DEIS) in August 2019, also referred to as the Restoration Blueprint,
which included a range of alternatives. The proposed rule is necessary
to improve the condition of resources in the Florida Keys through a
series of regulatory measures designed to reduce threats and, where
appropriate, restore coral reefs, seagrasses, and other important
habitats. The intended effect of this proposed rule is to protect and
preserve the living and heritage resources of the Florida Keys for the
benefit of the public. NOAA is soliciting public comment on this
proposed rule.
DATES:
Comments due: October 26, 2022.
Public Comment Meetings: NOAA will host four public comment
meetings during the public comment period, one virtual and three in-
person.
The virtual public comment meeting will occur at the following date
and time:
Tuesday, August 30, 2022, Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
The in-person public meetings will occur at the following dates and
times:
Key Largo, FL; Date: September 20, 2022; Location: Key
Largo Coral Shores High School Auditorium; Address: 89901 Old Hwy.,
Tavernier, FL 33070; Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Marathon, FL; Date: September 21, 2022; Location: Marathon
High School Auditorium; Address: 350 Sombrero Beach Rd., Marathon, FL
33050; Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Key West, FL; Date: September 22, 2022; Location: Key West
High School Auditorium; Address: 2100 Flagler Ave., Key West, FL 33040;
Time: 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
Please check https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/blueprint for meeting
links and the most up-to-date information, should plans for these
public meetings change. NOAA may end a virtual or in-person meeting
before the time noted above if all participants have concluded their
oral comments.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments on this document, identified by
NOAA-NOS-2019-0094, by the following methods:
Electronic Submission: Submit all electronic public
comments via the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal. Go to www.regulations.gov
and search for docket NOAA-NOS-2019-0094, click the ``Comment Now!''
icon, complete the required fields, and enter or attach your comments.
Written comments may also be mailed to: Sarah Fangman,
Superintendent, FKNMS, 33 East Quay Rd., Key West, FL 33040.
Instructions: Comments sent by any other method, to any other
address or individual, or received after the end of the comment period,
may not be considered by NOAA. All comments received are a part of the
public record and will generally be posted for public viewing on
www.regulations.gov without change. All personally identifiable
information (e.g., name, address, etc.), confidential business
information, or otherwise sensitive information submitted voluntarily
by the sender will be publicly accessible. NOAA will accept anonymous
comments (enter ``N/A'' in the required fields if you wish to remain
anonymous).
Copies of the proposed rule, the DEIS, maps of the proposed
management zones, and additional background materials can be found on
the FKNMS website at https://floridakeys.noaa.gov. The notice of
proposed rulemaking can also be downloaded or viewed on the internet at
www.regulations.gov (search for docket # NOAA-NOS-2019-0094).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Beth Dieveney, Policy Analyst, FKNMS,
33 East Quay Rd., Key West, FL, 33040, 305-797-6818 phone, or by email
at [email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Introduction
1. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Designated in 1990, FKNMS was the ninth national marine sanctuary
to be established in a network that now comprises 15 sanctuaries and 2
marine national monuments. As one of the largest marine protected areas
in the United States, the sanctuary currently protects approximately
3,800 square miles of coastal and ocean waters from the estuarine
waters of South Florida along the Florida Keys archipelago to the Dry
Tortugas, encompassing more than 1,700 islands. The ecosystems of FKNMS
provide habitats for more than 6,000 species of fishes, invertebrates,
and plants, in addition to uniquely expansive and diverse seagrass and
coral reef communities.
The Florida Keys have more than 77,000 residents and up to 5.5
million annual visitors, and a local economy of nearly $5.0 billion. In
2018, tourism spending in Monroe County accounted for $2.4 billion,
supporting 44 percent of jobs/employment in the county. Tourism
activity and spending is heavily dependent on the maintenance of a
healthy marine environment. Approximately 60 percent of the economy is
tied directly to marine-related activities, including commercial and
recreational fishing, boating, diving, wildlife viewing, and other
various tourist-related activities. A declining marine environment puts
the Florida Keys' economy and jobs at risk.
2. Need for the Proposed Rule
The statutory bases for NOAA's management of FKNMS are primarily
the purposes and policies of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA;
16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.), and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
and Protection Act (FKNMSPA, Public Law 101-605). The NMSA authorizes
the Secretary of Commerce (Secretary) to, among other purposes and
policies:
[[Page 42801]]
``Provide authority for comprehensive and coordinated
conservation and management of these marine areas, and activities
affecting them, in a manner which complements existing regulatory
authorities'' (16 U.S.C. 1431(b)(2));
``Maintain the natural biological communities in the
national marine sanctuaries, and to protect, and, where appropriate,
restore and enhance natural habitats, populations, and ecological
processes'' (16 U.S.C. 1431(b)(3));
``Facilitate to the extent compatible with the primary
objective of resource protection, all public and private uses of the
resources of these marine areas not prohibited pursuant to other
authorities'' (16 U.S.C. 1431(b)(6));
``Develop and implement coordinated plans of the
protection and management of these areas with appropriate Federal
agencies, State and local governments . . . and other public and
private interests concerned with the continuing health and resilience
of these marine areas'' (16 U.S.C. 1431(b)(7));
``Create models of, and incentives for, ways to conserve
and manage these areas, including the application of innovative
management techniques'' (16 U.S.C. 1431(b)(8)); and
``Evaluate the substantive progress toward implementing
the management plan and goals for the sanctuary, especially the
effectiveness of site-specific management techniques and strategies,
and shall revise the management plan and regulations as necessary to
fulfill the purposes and policies of this chapter.'' (16 U.S.C.
1434(e)).
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act (FKNMSPA,
Public Law 101-605), directs NOAA to protect and preserve living and
other resources of the Florida Keys marine environment, provide
education on and interpretation of sanctuary resources to the public,
and manage human uses of the sanctuary consistent with the FKNMSPA.
The need for this proposed rule is to respond to threats to marine
resources of the Florida Keys, consistent with the purposes and
policies of both the NMSA and the FKNMSPA. FKNMS is currently operating
under the original regulations, including marine zones, that became
effective in 1997, and a 2007 revised management plan, which directs
the sanctuary's non-regulatory management activities. In order to
ensure long-term resource viability and ecosystem function, this
management framework needs to be updated to address current and
foreseeable future threats. Generally, the marine resources within the
sanctuary face increased risk from local, regional, and global threats;
and changes in visitor numbers, use patterns, types, and shifting
recreational interests. Specifically, these threats include diminished
water quality originating from both within and outside the sanctuary,
significant decrease in coral cover, and habitat degradation from
vessel impacts including anchor damage, propeller-scarring, and
groundings. Each of these threats has major implications for FKNMS.
In addition, updates are needed to the management regime in order
to respond to the 2011 FKNMS Condition Report,\1\ which concluded that
resources in the Florida Keys appear to be in fair to fair/poor
condition, and are generally either stable or in decline. Since the
release of the 2011 condition report, sanctuary resources have been
further degraded by Hurricane Irma (2017), a serious and widespread
coral disease outbreak, and a seagrass die-off, among other threats.
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\1\ https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/science/condition/fknms/welcome.html.
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Furthermore, during scoping for the 2019 DEIS, the public
emphasized the need for a more ecosystem-based management approach to
better protect the region's marine resources. To that end, there was
strong support for sanctuary expansion and updated marine zones--
actions that are consistent with the purposes and policies of the NMSA
and the FKNMSPA. More specifically, the need for this proposed rule is
to extend national marine sanctuary protections to areas that have
significant marine resources with demonstrated biological and
ecological connectivity to existing sanctuary resources and to adapt
management strategies to changing conditions, use patterns, and
emerging threats to resources. FKNMS' efforts to update the sanctuary's
regulations and management plan are informed by recent scientific
findings of degraded habitat in the sanctuary and how the condition of
resources can improve with application of long-term management and
conservation strategies, which include marine zoning.
At the same time, as articulated in the revised draft management
plan, continued research, restoration, and education is needed to
conserve and restore these nationally significant sanctuary resources.
This work is critical for assessing changes occurring in the
environment, fostering a stewardship ethic, and developing a better
understanding of the ecosystem services that sanctuary resources
provide for communities throughout the Florida Keys.
In a parallel process, ONMS has been working to update the
sanctuary regulations found at 15 CFR part 922. Part 922 includes
general regulations applicable to all sanctuaries (subparts A through
E) and site-specific regulations that relate to each individual
sanctuary (subparts F through T). An interim final rule that was
published at 87 FR 29606 \2\ on May 13, 2022 updates and reorganizes
the existing regulations, eliminates redundancies across the sanctuary
regulations, eliminates outmoded regulations, adopts standard boundary
descriptions, and consolidates general regulations and permitting
procedures. All regulatory references to 15 CFR part 922 in this
proposed rule are to be read as they will be amended by the interim
final rule.
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\2\ https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-05-13/pdf/2022-09626.pdf.
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3. Incorporation by Reference
The definitions in Sec. 922.162 for ``marine life species'' and
``tropical fish'' incorporate by reference the same definitions under
State of Florida regulations for Marine Life found at Florida
Administrative Code 68B-42.001 and 68B-42.002. Specifically, under
these Florida regulations, the definitions of ``marine life species''
and ``tropical fish'' incorporate lists of species designated as
``restricted species'' found at 68B-42.002. Under Florida regulations,
a fishing permit is required to target any species that fall under the
definition of ``marine life species'' and ``tropical fish.'' Similarly,
sanctuary regulations at Sec. 922.163(a)(12) require that marine life
species only be harvested from the sanctuary if authorized by a state
permit or exemption. Sanctuary regulations at Sec. 922.164(b)(2) also
prohibit the collection of tropical fish from within two areas of the
sanctuary that were formerly the Key Largo and Looe Key national marine
sanctuaries. Florida regulations are readily accessible at https://www.flrules.org/. These Florida regulations are currently referenced in
the existing sanctuary regulations; at this time NOAA is updating the
language in order to comply with Office of Federal Register regulations
for incorporation by reference found at 1 CFR part 51.
The definition of ``traditional fishing'' in Sec. 922.162
incorporates by reference pages 84 through 91 of the 1996 Florida Keys
National Marine Sanctuary Final Management Plan/Environment Impact
Statement (1996 FL Keys NMS FMP/EIS (Vol. II)). This document was
prepared
[[Page 42802]]
by NOAA to accompany the promulgation of the initial regulations for
the newly designated Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The
document provides a detailed description of the commercial and
recreational fishing activities that historically and presently (as of
1996) were conducted in the Florida Keys region, including targeted
species, locations where and seasons when fishing occurred or occurs,
and types of gears used to harvest those species. Exemptions from
several sanctuary prohibitions for traditional fishing are found in
Sec. 922.163(a)(3) (prohibition on altering the seafloor), Sec.
922.163(a)(4) (prohibition on discharges), and Sec. 922.163(a)(14)
(prohibition on fish feeding). For more discussion on NOAA's proposed
update to the definition of ``traditional fishing'' to incorporate by
reference the 1996 FL Keys NMS FMP/EIS (Vol. II), please see part III,
section 2. Sanctuary-wide Regulations, paragraph e Fish Feeding. The
1996 FL Keys NMS FMP/EIS (Vol. II) is readily available at https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/mgmtplans/.
II. FKNMS 2019 DEIS--The Restoration Blueprint Process
1. Notice of Intent & Scoping
On April 19, 2012, NOAA and the U.S. Department of the Interior's
(DOI) U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) published a notice of
intent in the Federal Register. The notice informed the public of the
proposal to develop a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS),
announced five public scoping meetings, and solicited public comment.
ONMS and USFWS held public scoping meetings throughout the Florida
Keys, in Ft. Myers and Miami and accepted written comments from April
19, 2012, to June 29, 2012. The website provides a scoping comments
summary document \3\ and original comments can be found at the
regulations.gov docket for this notice of intent: NOAA-NOS-2012-0061.
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\3\ https://nmsfloridakeys.blob.core.windows.net/floridakeys-prod/media/archive/review/documents/scopingcommentssummary.pdf.
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In addition, as part of formal scoping, the FKNMS Sanctuary
Advisory Council played a significant role throughout this review and
the alternatives development process. Informed by their 2012 Regulatory
and Marine Zone Alternatives Development Work Plan \4\ and input from
four community working groups,\5\ the Sanctuary Advisory Council
provided over 200 recommendations for the sanctuary superintendent as
well as the USFWS Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex
manager to consider when developing alternatives related to regulations
and marine zones within the sanctuary. The website https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/review/workgroups.html provides more information
and summary documents of the Sanctuary Advisory Council and working
groups.
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\4\ https://nmsfloridakeys.blob.core.windows.net/floridakeys-prod/media/archive/sac/othermaterials/121211draftworkplan.pdf.
\5\ These working groups included 35 additional community member
participants, many of whom represented local, small Florida Keys
businesses. For details see: https://floridakeys.noaa.gov/review/workgroups.html.
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2. Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS)
Following the NOI and scoping, in accordance with the National
Environmental Policy Act (NEPA, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the NMSA
(16 U.S.C. 1434), NOAA prepared and released a DEIS and updated draft
management plan on August 20, 2019 (84 FR 45728, September 3, 2019).
The DEIS, also referred to as the Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary Restoration Blueprint, evaluated the environmental
consequences of four specific alternatives (see Table 1) and provided
an in-depth resource assessment. The alternatives in the DEIS
considered sanctuary boundary expansion to protect ecologically
connected habitats, proposed new or modified sanctuary-wide
regulations, proposed to establish new and modify existing marine zones
to protect additional sensitive and threatened coral reef, seagrass,
hardbottom habitats and species dependent on these habitats, and
included an updated draft management plan. The DEIS alternatives aim to
address threats and protect sanctuary resources by separating
conflicting uses and managing high intensity and concentrated use
activities while still allowing sustainable uses compatible with FKNMS
natural resource protection goals.
BILLING CODE 3510-NK-P
[[Page 42803]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP18JY22.000
BILLING CODE 3510-NK-C
All alternatives were consistent with NOAA's mission to conserve
and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources, would further
the
[[Page 42804]]
FKNMS mission to ``protect the marine resources of the Florida Keys
while facilitating human uses that are consistent with the primary
objective of sanctuary resource protection,'' would provide for more
comprehensive management and protection of important and vulnerable
ecological and cultural resources in the Florida Keys, and would
provide important opportunities for research and recovery of resources
from observed impacts. No significant adverse impacts to the human
environment were identified under any alternative considered in the
DEIS.
Due to broad public interest and the comprehensive nature of the
review of FKNMS regulations and management plan, NOAA separated the
DEIS and rulemaking processes to allow increased opportunity for public
and agency input to inform this proposed rule. This proposed rulemaking
combines individual aspects of each of the four alternatives presented
in the DEIS and is directly informed by the thousands of public and
agency comments received on the DEIS (see further discussion in part
II, section 3. Comments Received on the DEIS; Agency Consultations and
Other Coordination and part III. NOAA's Proposed Rule and How it was
Informed by Public and Agency Comment of this document).
3. Comments Received on the DEIS; Agency Consultations and Other
Coordination
This section provides a high-level summary of public and agency
coordination conducted and comments received on the 2019 DEIS. These
comments formed the foundation for many of the changes NOAA considered
and made between the 2019 DEIS Alternatives and this proposed rule.
a. Public Comments
NOAA accepted public comments on the DEIS from August 2019 to
January 2020 through regulations.gov for Docket NOAA-NOS-2019-0094 \6\
by mail, and in person during six public hearings and two Sanctuary
Advisory Council meetings in Key West, FL; Marathon FL; Key Largo/
Islamorada, FL; Coral Gables, FL; and Ft. Myers, FL. Public comments
are available for review at www.regulations.gov docket # NOAA-NOS-2019-
0094.
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\6\ https://www.regulations.gov/document/NOAA-NOS-2019-0094-0001/comment.
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NOAA received 1,213 separate comments during the public comment
period, and several letter campaigns and petitions each with multiple
signatories for a total of well over 35,000 comments. The types of
organizations that commented include the following: state and federal
agencies, local municipalities, homeowners' associations, fishing
organizations, diving organizations, non-governmental organizations,
trade organizations, scientists, permit holders, and school groups.
The public comments are generally summarized below, and, where
relevant to this proposed rulemaking are included in the specific
sections below. A comprehensive summary of public comments along with
responses to comments will be included in the final environmental
impact statement (FEIS), which FKNMS anticipates will be published in
2022 following public review and comment on this proposed rule.
In general, public comments on the 2019 DEIS ranged from supporting
no action or the status quo (Alternative 1) to supporting more
protective actions than those proposed in Alternative 4. Many comments
supported elements of Alternatives 3 or 4 at a minimum to adequately
protect the Florida Keys ecosystem. Comments supportive of the
alternatives in the 2019 DEIS referred to increasing threats to
resources and a need to increase the size and associated regulations of
marine zones. Comments in opposition to the alternatives in the 2019
DEIS primarily spoke against additional marine zones and other
regulations that could potentially restrict user access. Many
commenters cited a need to address large regional threats, including
water quality, education, and enforcement.
b. FKNMS Advisory Council DEIS Review
The FKNMS Sanctuary Advisory Council hosted two meetings (October
and December 2019) to hear public comment on the DEIS alternatives.
From February through April 2020 the Sanctuary Advisory Council
deliberated to prioritize issues and provide NOAA with recommendations.
The range of Sanctuary Advisory Council input is well represented
in the range of general public comments received as outlined above and
in part III. NOAA's Proposed Rule and How it was Informed by Public and
Agency Comment, below, so is not further detailed here.
c. Agency Consultations and Other Coordination
i. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Consultation
NOAA and USFWS jointly published a Federal Register notice of
intent on April 19, 2012, to notify the public of the agencies' intent
to prepare a DEIS and to initiate the scoping process. USFWS
participated in the public scoping events and relevant community
working groups (Shallow Water Wildlife and Habitat Protection) and
provided subject matter expertise throughout development of the DEIS
and this proposed rule. In addition, NOAA initiated Endangered Species
Act consultation with USFWS Ecological Services in August 2019 and
received comment on June 22, 2020. USFWS Ecological Services concurred
with NOAA's determinations for potential effects to protected species
and noted that coordination with the Florida Keys National Wildlife
Refuges would be ongoing in the development of this proposed rule.
USFWS, through the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuge Complex,
provided comments on all proposed Wildlife Management Areas that fall
within their National Wildlife Refuge boundaries. Highlights of USFWS
comments specific to regulatory and marine zone proposals, including
guiding principles that informed their comments, are included in the
relevant sections below.
ii. DOI Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) Consultation
DOI's Bureau of Energy Management (BOEM) considered potential
impacts to offshore wind and determined there would be no effect from
NOAA's proposed sanctuary expansion in the Florida Keys. BOEM further
reviewed potential offshore oil and gas resources and due to
uncertainty provided a low, mid, and high potential impact
determination. BOEM determined effects to recoverable methane hydrates
would be zero. BOEM identified an expired Outer Continental Shelf
Marine Minerals lease less than 200 yards from the northern edge of the
proposed sanctuary boundary expansion area that overlaps with the
Atlantic Sand Aliquots, a potential sand resource site for beach
renourishment projects. FKNMS has since confirmed with the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers and Florida Department of Environmental Protection
that the area has not been used as a sand borrow site since 2012.
iii. Regional Fishery Management Council Consultation: Gulf of Mexico
and South Atlantic
Pursuant to NMSA Section 304(a)(5), ONMS sent letters on August 22,
2019, to initiate consultation with the Gulf of Mexico Fishery
Management Council (GMFMC) and the South Atlantic Fishery Management
Council (SAFMC).
[[Page 42805]]
NOAA also provided multiple updates at the respective Council meetings
and various advisory and technical committees over the course of the
development of the DEIS and throughout the public comment period
following its release.
GMFMC submitted a comment letter dated February 21, 2020, and, in
general, noted the need for additional information to facilitate
stakeholder understanding of the proposals and engagement in the
process and acknowledged the importance of water quality and impacts to
coral and other important fish habitats.
SAFMC submitted a comment letter dated March 13, 2020 and, in
general, noted concern about water quality degradation and its effects
on the fisheries and coral reefs and the need for additional law
enforcement.
Where relevant, highlights of GMFMC and SAFMC comments specific to
regulatory and marine zone proposals are included in the sections
below.
iv. U.S. Department of Defense Coordination
The Department of the Navy provided a summary of their operational
environment and activities at Naval Air Station (NAS) Key West during
development of the 2019 DEIS (see Appendix F of the DEIS). The
Department of the Navy submitted a comment letter on March 2, 2020 and
has continued to provide additional information and clarification on
Navy activities in and adjacent to the sanctuary throughout the
development of this proposed rule. Navy comments included additional
information about existing operations in and adjacent to the sanctuary
and comments on specific zone proposals in the 2019 DEIS that may
impact naval operations are included in relevant sections below.
v. State of Florida Coordination
NOAA has worked closely with several Florida state agencies
throughout the public scoping process, and development of the DEIS and
this proposed rule. As 60 percent of the sanctuary is within Florida
State waters, the sanctuary is cooperatively managed with the State of
Florida, with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) as lead
agencies. The Florida Department of State through the State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) is also a key resource management partner
for sanctuary historical resources. NOAA coordinates with other state
agencies as needed on topic-specific issues. Several co-trustee
agreements outline a framework for this cooperative management
relationship. These agreements are currently under review and any
revised and/or new co-trustee agreements will be included in the FEIS.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection
Florida DEP staff has coordinated directly with sanctuary staff,
was represented by a Florida State Parks staff member at most Sanctuary
Advisory Council community working group meetings where they provided
management perspective and resource status and use data, and has an
official non-voting seat on the Sanctuary Advisory Council. DEP
submitted a comment letter to NOAA on the 2019 DEIS on May 1, 2020.
Generally, DEP comments acknowledged the valuable partnership with the
sanctuary and the role DEP's Division of State Lands plays with regards
to managing State sovereign submerged lands. DEP also commented that
they believed the areas of greatest public concern are water quality,
enforcement, habitat restoration, and education and outreach.
Highlights of DEP comments specific to regulatory and marine zone
proposals are included in the relevant sections below.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Florida FWC staff has coordinated directly with sanctuary staff,
notably with Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI)
experts assigned to provide scientific and technical support for each
of the Sanctuary Advisory Council community working groups. Florida FWC
staff also served as a co-chair with FKNMS to facilitate one working
group, and has an official non-voting seat on the Sanctuary Advisory
Council. NOAA also provided multiple updates at FWC meetings over the
course of the development of the 2019 DEIS and throughout the public
comment period. In addition, FWRI research findings directly informed
various regulatory and zoning aspects of this proposed rule.
FWC submitted a comment letter to NOAA on the 2019 DEIS on April
29, 2020. FWC articulated a suite of guiding principles that informed
their comments. FWC further commented on several management plan issues
including law enforcement, education, water quality, coral reef
ecosystem and recovery, carrying capacity, and artificial reefs.
Highlights of FWC's comments specific to regulatory and marine zone
proposals are included in the relevant sections below.
Florida State Historic Preservation Office
The Florida State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Florida
Division of Historical Resources staff have coordinated with FKNMS
staff to review and develop an updated draft Programmatic Agreement
under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act regarding
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Operations, Management, and
Permitting (Programmatic Agreement), which was included in the DEIS
(Appendix C) for public comment. In addition, the SHPO submitted a
comment letter to NOAA on the 2019 DEIS on January 31, 2020 that noted
the DEIS Preferred Alternative (Alternative 3) would sufficiently
address the sanctuary's National Historic Preservation Act Section 106
(54 U.S.C. 306108) responsibilities through implementation of the new
management plan and Section 106 Programmatic Agreement.
III. NOAA's Proposed Rule and How It Was Informed by Public and Agency
Comment
The following sections summarize the proposed rule including a
brief discussion of comments received on the 2019 DEIS and how they
informed the proposed rule. In addition to comments received the
proposed rule is also informed by additional agency input and
scientific and user data.
These sections are organized in the same way they were presented in
the 2019 DEIS/Restoration Blueprint:
1. sanctuary boundary;
2. sanctuary-wide regulations;
3. marine zone boundaries within the sanctuary; and
4. marine zone regulations.
A revised draft management plan is included as supporting material
and is available at the address and website listed in the ADDRESSES
section of this proposed rule.
1. Sanctuary Boundary
There are three principal areas where NOAA is proposing changes to
the FKNMS boundary. First, NOAA seeks to align the FKNMS seaward
boundary with the northernmost Area to Be Avoided (ATBA) seaward
boundary, which by doing so will also encompass two areas of the
existing ATBA that currently fall outside the sanctuary boundary (two
small areas of the ATBA along the Key West shipping channel); second,
to encompass the proposed modified Tortugas South Conservation Area
(which is currently referred to as the Tortugas South Ecological
Reserve); and third, to include a non-contiguous
[[Page 42806]]
area at Pulley Ridge. First, the boundary expansion to align with the
ATBA would result in a consistent regulatory boundary, which is
intended to provide clarity for mariners and additional ecosystem
protections. The ATBA areas within the sanctuary were established
through the FKNMSPA and prohibit operating any tank vessel or vessel
over 50 meters length within specified areas to protect coral reef
habitat from potential vessel impacts, including groundings. Second,
the proposal for boundary expansion in the Tortugas region takes into
account recently collected and compiled mapping coverage data and
remotely operated vehicle imagery in the southern portion of the
existing Tortugas South Ecological Reserve which show unique and
sensitive habitat features in this area (for more details on this
information see part III, section 3. Marine Zone Boundaries within the
Sanctuary, below). And third, NOAA intends to create a non-contiguous
sanctuary area that encompasses the southern portion of Pulley Ridge to
protect the deepest known photosynthetic coral reef system off the
coast of the continental United States. In addition to sanctuary-wide
regulations, NOAA is proposing a no anchor regulation in Pulley Ridge
that would apply to all vessels to reduce the risk of damage to this
fragile coral marine environment (for more details see part III,
section 3. Marine Zone Boundaries within the Sanctuary, below).
NOAA received many comments that supported the status quo (i.e., no
change to the overall sanctuary boundary). NOAA also received comments
specific to the sanctuary boundary proposals. Of those, the majority
were in support of providing additional protections in the Tortugas
region and Pulley Ridge, and supported aligning the sanctuary boundary
with the ATBA. One comment suggested that NOAA explore other ways to
protect Pulley Ridge from anchors. In response, NOAA is considering
pursuing International Maritime Organization adoption of a no anchoring
area designation for Pulley Ridge, which may affect NOAA's decision
about whether to include boundary expansion at Pulley Ridge in the
final rule. Comments also specifically opposed boundary expansion at
Pulley Ridge because this area is already protected as a GMFMC Habitat
Area of Particular Concern (HAPC), and questioned the need for
additional action and the ability to enforce regulations in this area.
NOAA's proposal considers the HAPC designation. The HAPC is limited to
fishing vessels and will not prevent anchoring and anchor damage by
non-fishing vessels like the ones documented in GMFMC's letter.
Specific to proposed sanctuary boundary expansion in Pulley Ridge, the
FMCs and NMFS emphasized a need to consider the interests of fishermen
who fish in Pulley Ridge but do not live in the Florida Keys and are
therefore potentially unaware of the sanctuary and associated
regulations and management goals. Throughout the scoping and 2019 DEIS
public comment process, FKNMS made a concerted effort to provide notice
and opportunity for engagement by these non-Florida Keys residents
through hosting scoping meetings, informational sessions, and public
comment meetings (e.g., Ft. Myers, FL).
Agency comments, specifically from FWC, requested that the proposed
boundary in the Tortugas region be shifted further north due to a lack
of knowledge about resources in the southern portion of the existing
Tortugas South Ecological Reserve (see part III, section 3. Marine Zone
Boundaries within the Sanctuary for details as to why NOAA is not
proposing this marine zone boundary change).
2. Sanctuary-Wide Regulations
This section describes regulations that would apply throughout the
sanctuary (i.e., sanctuary-wide). This section includes a discussion of
how the proposed rule was informed by comments received on the
sanctuary-wide regulatory alternatives proposed in the 2019 DEIS and
additional relevant information, including discussing why some
regulatory alternatives were not carried forward in these proposed
regulations.
a. Live Rock Aquaculture
NOAA's proposed rule maintains the current exception for live rock
aquaculture from sanctuary-wide regulatory prohibitions if authorized
by a submerged lands lease issued by the Florida Department of
Agricultural and Consumer Services or a National Marine Fisheries
Service (NMFS) Aquacultured Live Rock permit, which is issued under the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA)
authority in conjunction with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers via the
Programmatic General Permit SAJ-71. Additionally, NOAA proposes to
develop a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with NMFS and Florida
Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services related to live rock
aquaculture in the sanctuary. This MOA would enhance inter-agency
collaboration, clarify the process by which such proposals are
reviewed, and ensure that requirements to protect sanctuary resources
are included in live rock aquaculture permits. The proposal to develop
the MOA is included in the revised draft management plan, which is
included with this proposed rule as a supporting document.
The DEIS included a regulatory alternative that would have required
live rock aquaculture operations to obtain a separate sanctuary permit,
in addition to state or NMFS permits. However, public comments
supported either (1) maintaining the status quo (i.e., no change from
current regulations), which provides an exception for permitted live
rock aquaculture operations from sanctuary prohibitions, or (2)
developing a MOA with NMFS and Florida Department of Agricultural and
Consumer Services, which was the preferred alternative (Alternative 3)
in the DEIS. After considering public comment, NOAA believes that a MOA
will allow NOAA to ensure protection of sanctuary resources through
inter-agency collaboration without requiring a separate sanctuary
permit.
b. Discharge Regulation Exception
NOAA proposes to update the existing discharge regulation to
explicitly prohibit discharge by cruise ships, and to simplify and
clarify terminology by removing the exception for ``exhaust gas'' and
``water generated by routine vessel operations.'' Each of these are
explained in more detail below.
NOAA has a long history of regulating various discharges under the
NMSA to ensure that the discharges do not degrade water quality within
the sanctuary. When the original FKNMS regulations were implemented in
1997, NOAA established prohibitions against discharging most items into
the sanctuary, with exceptions for bait or chum, biodegradable effluent
from approved marine sanitation devices, graywater and deck washdown
during routine vessel operations, and vessel cooling water and engine
exhaust. In sanctuary zones, such as Sanctuary Preservation Areas and
Ecological Reserves, NOAA established more stringent regulations to
only allow discharge of vessel cooling water and engine exhaust. The
1997 regulations also prohibited the discharge of material or other
matter from outside the sanctuary that enters and injures a sanctuary
resource. In 1999, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
established a No Discharge Zone under
[[Page 42807]]
the Clean Water Act (CWA) for vessel sewage in Key West, Florida,
within State waters, in response to a petition from the State. The No
Discharge Zone prohibited the discharge of untreated or treated vessel
sewage, including from marine sanitation devices. Subsequently EPA
expanded the No Discharge Zone to all State waters of the sanctuary (67
FR 35735; \7\ May 21, 2002). In 2010, NOAA removed the exception for
discharges from marine sanitation devices in the entire sanctuary under
the NMSA, thereby making all sanctuary waters a no discharge zone under
the NMSA (75 FR 72655; \8\ Nov. 26, 2010). Comments on NOAA's
rulemaking at that time also supported banning harmful vessel graywater
discharges, especially from large cruise ships and cargo vessels. While
NOAA did not ban graywater discharges in 2010, NOAA responded by noting
that additional water quality regulations may be considered in future
FKNMS management plan reviews.
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\7\ https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/FR-2002-05-21/02-12283.
\8\ https://nmssanctuaries.blob.core.windows.net/sanctuaries-prod/media/archive/management/fr/75_fr_72655.pdf.
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Under its NMSA authorities, NOAA now proposes to further restrict
discharges from cruise ships while in the sanctuary. Specifically, the
proposed rule would prohibit discharges of any material or other matter
from a cruise ship, except cooling water. This change would result in
prohibiting the discharges of graywater and deck washdown from cruise
ships, which are currently exempt from the prohibitions. Cruise ships
are among the largest vessels traversing the sanctuary and the source
of a considerable volume of discharges. Scientific literature discusses
the adverse effects of various cruise ship discharges on the marine
environment, including brine from desalination equipment, ballast
water, and spa/pool water, among others. NOAA believes that it is
feasible for cruise ships to successfully avoid discharging in
sanctuary waters because cruise ship operations in sanctuary waters are
extremely limited to entering and leaving the port of Key West. In
addition, certain routine maintenance activities may occur while a
cruise ship is in port within the sanctuary, including hull cleaning or
scraping and application of antifouling paint, which may alter water
quality. These activities may occur in other ports in less sensitive
ecosystems outside of the sanctuary.
This proposed rule is informed by information received through
coordination with the EPA, notably the agency's studies related to
cruise ship discharges and vessel operations in other sensitive marine
environments (classified as ``Waters Federally Protected wholly or in
part for Conservation Purposes'' under the EPA Vessel General Permit).
NOAA also considered information related to the successful management
of cruise ship operations in certain National Parks, including Glacier
Bay, Alaska where, through concession agreements, cruise ships operate
with higher environmental standards when in park waters.
NOAA determined that the 2019 DEIS alternatives, which proposed
instead to specify certain discharges that would be allowed by cruise
ships (e.g., ``clean wash water'') would be extremely difficult to
define based on changing industry standards. The use of such terms
could be interpreted differently among stakeholders, which could create
compliance and enforcement challenges. Further, NOAA reasonably
believes there may be new and emerging technologies and activities on
cruise ships that may result in discharges into ocean waters, such as
the increased use of exhaust gas scrubber systems, the impacts of which
are not fully defined in the scientific literature. As such, instead of
attempting to itemize every current and possible future discharge and
assess whether it would be prohibited or not, NOAA is proposing to
apply the precautionary principle by prohibiting all discharges from
cruise ships, except for cooling water.
NOAA would continue to provide an exception to the discharge
prohibition for cooling water from all vessels, including cruise ships,
because it is currently technologically infeasible for cruise ships to
operate without discharging cooling water. However, this exception does
not apply if cooling water is mixed with other substances. In
particular, cooling water that is mixed with any other substances, such
as exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) scrubber wash water, would be
prohibited.
NOAA proposes to remove the exception for ``exhaust gas'' from its
discharge prohibitions for all vessels to reduce confusion. NOAA
believes the original intent of this exception was to allow the
discharge of boat engine wet exhaust, rather than exhaust emissions,
since NOAA does not regulate air emissions. The term ``cooling water''
encompasses ``boat engine wet exhaust,'' which is defined in the EPA
Vessel General Permit (Section 2.2.21) as the ambient water that is
injected into the exhaust for cooling and noise reduction purposes and
then discharged, typical of marine outboard engine operation. NOAA does
not believe ``boat engine wet exhaust'' or ``cooling water'' would
include any other discharges including EGCS scrubber wash water.
NOAA also proposes to simplify the exception for discharges of
``water generated by routine vessel operations.'' The current
regulatory exception for discharges of ``water generated by routine
vessel operations (e.g., deck wash down and graywater as defined in
section 312 of the CWA), excluding oily wastes from bilge pumping,''
does not clearly explain what types of discharges are allowed.
Specifically, the term ``water generated by routine vessel operations''
is not defined in FKNMS or other agency rules (compared with the
terminology used by the Clean Water Act for ``discharges incidental to
the normal operation of a vessel''), creating ambiguity as to what, if
any, additional discharges are meant to be excepted from the regulatory
prohibition besides deck washdown and graywater. Based on a review of
the original regulations and management plan for the sanctuary, NOAA
believes the intention of this exception was simply to allow discharges
of cooling water (including boat engine wet exhaust), deck washdown,
and graywater, and to explicitly prohibit the discharge of oily bilge
wastes. At this time, NOAA is proposing to make technical corrections
to the discharge exceptions to simplify this provision to clearly
explain that cooling water, deck washdown, and graywater are allowable
discharges from vessels other than cruise ships, but oily wastes from
bilge pumping are not. NOAA continues to intend that the terms
``cooling water,'' ``deck washdown,'' ``graywater,'' and ``oily wastes
from bilge pumping'' have the same meaning as these terms pursuant to
section 312 of the CWA, but believes that inclusion of the citation to
that statute in the regulatory text is unnecessary. Discharges of fish
and fish parts when part of a traditional fishing activity are allowed
under another exception to the discharge prohibitions and would not
change.
Of note, on December 4, 2018, Congress passed the Vessel Incidental
Discharge Act (VIDA) (Title IX of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2018). VIDA requires the EPA to develop new
national standards of performance for commercial vessel incidental
discharges and the United States Coast Guard to develop corresponding
implementing regulations. At the time of publication of this NMSA
proposed rule for the
[[Page 42808]]
FKNMS, implementing regulations for VIDA have not yet been published.
However, NOAA acknowledges that when those regulations are finalized,
there may be additional discharge prohibitions placed on vessels
operating in federally protected waters such as national marine
sanctuaries. NOAA would review any VIDA implementing regulations to
ensure they are consistent with the sanctuary's primary goal of
resource protection and to determine whether conforming changes to the
sanctuary regulations may be necessary and appropriate.
During the 2019 DEIS process, public comments strongly supported
the need to take additional action related to sanctuary water quality;
this included support for revising the existing discharge regulation
exceptions to prohibit graywater discharges from cruise ships. Comments
also requested clarification about specific discharges that may be
allowed and required technological standards (e.g., closed loop or
hybrid exhaust gas cleaning systems). NOAA has intended to address this
concern through simplifying the language and intent of the cruise ship
discharge prohibition from the 2019 DEIS proposal to this proposed
rule.
c. Temporary Regulation for Emergency and Adaptive Management
NOAA proposes updating the existing regulations to allow for rapid,
temporary rulemaking to facilitate time-sensitive, adaptive management
and respond to emergencies. First, the proposed rule would expand the
time frame during which any temporary regulation could remain in place
from 60 days to six months, with the option for one additional
extension of six months (rather than the currently authorized
additional 60 days). While NOAA's proposal is to extend the potential
time frame that a temporary regulation could be in effect, NOAA would
consider the specific circumstances and craft any temporary regulation
for the appropriate duration, which may be less than the maximum time
allowed under this proposed regulation. Second, this proposed rule
outlines three categories for which NOAA would issue temporary
regulations (as outlined below in this section). Third, this proposed
rule would set out the procedure by which a temporary regulation would
be promulgated. This includes the requirement that the agency provide a
justification for the time sensitivity of the action to comply with the
Administrative Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B)). This procedure also
(1) addresses notice and comment requirements, and (2) requires State
approval for any temporary regulations proposed in State waters. NOAA
intends to work with its state partners to clarify the process for
actions in State waters in co-trustee management agreements.
NOAA proposes three categories for temporary regulation to protect
sanctuary resources when time is of the essence. The first category
would allow for temporary regulations to prevent or minimize
destruction of, loss of, or injury to sanctuary resources from any
human-made or natural circumstances, including a concentration of human
use, change in migratory or habitat use patterns, vessel impacts,
natural disaster or similar emergency, disease, or bleaching. Second,
temporary regulations may be used to initiate restoration, recovery, or
other activities where a delay would undermine the success of the
activity. Lastly, NOAA may use temporary regulations to initiate
research where an unforeseen event produces an opportunity for
scientific research that may be lost if it is not initiated
immediately.
Importantly, temporary regulations would only allow NOAA to shorten
or bypass minimum public comment periods if NOAA makes a finding of
``good cause'' that such procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary,
or contrary to the public interest'' pursuant to Administrative
Procedure Act (5 U.S.C. 553(b)(B)). This finding must be made before
promulgating a temporary regulation without following the full
rulemaking procedures, including public notice and comment. While NOAA
must make this required finding before promulgating a temporary
regulation under this proposal, NOAA believes that all three of the
temporary regulation categories will satisfy this good cause
requirement because each of these categories requires NOAA to take
rapid, immediate actions in order to address an important and time-
sensitive environmental need. However, when any given issue arises,
NOAA will review it on a case by case basis to determine if application
of this proposed rule is consistent with the Administrative Procedure
Act. Where the agency determines that time is available without
jeopardizing the effectiveness of the action, NOAA will follow notice
and comment procedures, even for temporary actions.
Public comments included support for NOAA's authority to respond to
emergencies and to allow NOAA to be more responsive to emerging issues
that would benefit from immediate management action. NOAA believes this
proposal provides a framework for such immediate actions where one did
not previously exist. Comments also included concerns that the proposal
to expand the time that a temporary regulation could be in place (from
a maximum of 120 days to a maximum of one year) would subvert the
public comment process required for rulemaking. NOAA is addressing this
concern in this proposed rule by identifying categories for which
temporary regulations may be promulgated for the public to provide
comments, and has incorporated the existing requirements from the
Administrative Procedure Act to demonstrate good cause. Some commenters
recommended the sanctuary consider different time frames for sanctuary-
wide versus marine zone emergencies. NOAA believes different maximum
time frames would hamper NOAA's management flexibility. NOAA has
established a maximum time frame (six months with one six-month
extension), but NOAA would consider shorter time frames where
appropriate to meet management needs. Comments also voiced concerns
that ``emergency'' was not clearly defined. NOAA believes it would be
clearer and more efficient to establish well-defined categories,
criteria, and processes for temporary regulations to respond to time-
sensitive needs to manage sanctuary resources, rather than attempt to
define ``emergency.''
State agency, Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, and South
Atlantic Fishery Management Council comments noted concern about
application of the emergency regulation to fishing and related
businesses; however, the comments also supported aligning the time
frame (up to one year) with regulations that provide for emergency
actions in section 305(c) of the MSA. NOAA has chosen to increase the
time frame to harmonize with the emergency time frames as outlined in
section 305(c) of the MSA, as well as other national marine sanctuary
regulations. State agency comments emphasized the need for Governor
approval for all proposed temporary regulations in State waters and
recommended that a process be developed and codified in co-trustee
management agreements for FWC and the Governor to engage on temporary
regulations in State waters prior to approval. NOAA proposes to
maintain the requirements for Governor approval for temporary
regulations in State waters and proposes to work with FWC to develop a
streamlined co-trustee process.
While NOAA is proposing these regulations to allow greater
[[Page 42809]]
responsiveness to emerging issues and in response to public comment, in
the history of the sanctuary FKNMS has only issued emergency
regulations on three separate occasions. In 1997, the emergency
regulation was used to prohibit anchoring of vessels 50 meters or
greater in an area of Tortugas Bank, which was subsequently established
through a full rulemaking process. In 2002, an area of approximately
0.58 acres was identified as an area to avoid for a period of 104 days
at the M/V Wellwood grounding site. Finally, in 2003, two areas
totaling 425 acres were closed for a period of 60 days to prevent
additional injury to living coral in an area impacted by a rapidly
spreading coral disease outbreak.
d. Historical Resources Permitting
NOAA proposes to update historical resource permitting by replacing
the current survey/inventory, research/recovery, and deaccession/
transfer permit categories with a new, single archaeological research
permit category. The proposed rule would define the term
``archaeological research,'' explain criteria that must be met in order
for NOAA to issue an archaeological research permit (including
applicant qualifications), and prescribe certain conditions that would
apply to these permits. This would align sanctuary historical resource
permitting with state permitting regulations for archaeological
research promulgated under Chapter 1A-32, Florida Administrative Code,
and optimize compliance with the Federal archeology program.\9\ The
Federal archaeology program is a general term used to encompass
archeological activities on public land, as well as archaeological
activities for federally financed, permitted, or licensed activities on
non-federal land. Its foundation is based upon historic preservation
laws like the National Historic Preservation Act and Archaeological
Resources Protection Act. Dozens of federal agencies, including NOAA,
undertake archeological activities and contribute to the Federal
archeology program. The Secretary of the Interior is charged with
providing general guidance and coordination for all of Federal
archeology.
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\9\ https://www.nps.gov/archeology/sites/fedarch.htm.
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The proposed archaeological research permit category would simplify
permitting research focused on historical resources in the sanctuary,
including the State waters portion of the sanctuary. While the current
system requires separate NOAA and Florida Division of Historical
Resources permits for archaeological research activities in State
waters, the proposed archaeological research permit category combined
with the process set forth in the draft Programmatic Agreement under
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act regarding Florida
Keys National Marine Sanctuary Operations, Management, and Permitting,
would create a single review process for most types of archaeological
research in State waters. Research that results in adverse effects to
historic properties would not qualify for this simplified permitting
process. For example, adverse effects to historical resources may
result from site excavation in which case the proposed activity would
need to be separately permitted by the State and sanctuary.
The current permitting system is unnecessarily complicated and
confusing to applicants as it artificially bisects the archaeological
research process. Division of permits into either survey/inventory or
research/recovery often resulted in insufficient research plans to meet
project goals. The proposed archaeological research permit category
would require that applicants commit to following an explicit statement
of objectives and that project methods be chosen to gather the
information required to meet the stated objectives.
The proposed archaeological research permit category would also
require that an applicant be the project's supervising archaeologist
whose qualifications meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional
Qualification Standards for archaeology. This aligns with the required
credentials for investigators receiving a state archaeological research
permit under Chapter 1A-32, Florida Administrative Code. Additionally,
the proposed permit category would require that the supervising
archaeologist be on site for any excavation and/or artifact recovery.
As a result of these proposed changes, NOAA believes that the quality
of the research, both proposed and conducted, will be improved. NOAA
anticipates that the reporting of research results will also be of
higher quality when directed by a professional archaeologist with the
required field experience. For the above reasons, NOAA believes that
the proposed archaeological research permit category with associated
application and review criteria will increase the protection of
historical resources throughout the sanctuary.
In addition to the above changes, NOAA proposes to eliminate the
permit category allowing for the deaccession/transfer of historical
resources. Eliminating the deaccession/transfer of historical sanctuary
resources is consistent with Chapter 1A-31, Florida Administrative
Code, which states that the State of Florida will not issue permits for
exploration and recovery of historic shipwreck sites by commercial
salvors or for transferring objects recovered by commercial salvors for
areas of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Eliminating the
deaccession/transfer permit category is also consistent with the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines for Federal Agency
Historic Preservation Programs and Standards for the Treatment of
Historic Properties, which focus on the preservation and long-term
curation of any recovered historical resources for the benefit of the
public (as opposed to private ownership). Likewise, this approach is
consistent with the Abandoned Shipwreck Act Guidelines, which recommend
that, at a minimum, state-owned shipwrecks located within a national
marine sanctuary or in other areas (like habitat areas or coralline
formations) protected under Federal or State statute, order or
regulation not be available for commercial salvage, treasure hunting or
personal collecting. These Federal guidelines, and the statutes that
underpin them, are part of the Federal archaeology program and align
with NOAA's long-standing classification and protection of historical
resources as sanctuary resources under the NMSA.
To date, no deaccession/transfer permit has ever been issued and,
as such, the impact of this change will be minimal. NOAA intends to
continue engaging directly with current sanctuary historical resource
permit holders and entities with pre-existing, valid rights of access
to clarify how updated historical resource permitting regulations would
or would not affect potential future activities.
The DEIS (Appendix C) also included the draft Programmatic
Agreement under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
regarding Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Operations,
Management, and Permitting (Programmatic Agreement), for public
comment. Once finalized, this Programmatic Agreement will be a formal
agreement between NOAA, the Florida SHPO, and the Advisory Council on
Historic Preservation, and will specify procedures NOAA will follow to
satisfy National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) Section 106
obligations for sanctuary operations, management, and permitting. The
draft Programmatic Agreement would provide for streamlined review of
certain archaeological research permits,
[[Page 42810]]
as well as certain sanctuary undertakings that would not adversely
affect historic properties.
This proposal responds to public and agency comments that supported
updating sanctuary historical resources permitting to align with the
State of Florida regulations, creating a consistent approach to
permitting historical resource investigations in both state and federal
sanctuary waters of the sanctuary. NOAA determined that the benefit of
updating the FKNMS historical resource permitting program outweighed
public comment supporting the status quo.
NOAA received agency comments from the Florida SHPO that indicated
that the proposed permitting update presented as DEIS Preferred
Alternative (Alternative 3) would sufficiently address the sanctuary's
National Historic Preservation Act Section 106 responsibilities in
combination with the new management plan and draft Section 106
Programmatic Agreement. The SHPO also acknowledged that when finalized
and executed, the Programmatic Agreement would reinforce the
sanctuary's and state's shared stewardship responsibility for
historical resources and would also ensure NOAA's consistent and
streamlined adherence to National Historic Preservation Act Section 106
regulations. The SHPO noted that comments from other interested parties
and the public should be addressed when finalizing the Programmatic
Agreement language.
e. Fish Feeding
NOAA proposes to prohibit the feeding and attracting of fish,
including sharks, or other marine species, from any vessel or while
diving, and to define ``diving,'' and ``feeding.'' The term
``attracting'' is defined in National Marine Sanctuary System-wide
regulations at 15 CFR 922.11.\10\ The regulatory text in the proposed
rule has been developed with additional input and expertise from NMFS
staff related to impacts to sharks and shark depredation, human safety
concerns, and compliance and enforcement. NOAA has not provided an
express ``grandfather'' clause for current fish feeding operations
(i.e., an exemption for pre-existing operators), although NOAA received
some comments requesting such a provision. Instead, NOAA would consider
issuing general permits to pre-existing eco-tour operators who are able
to satisfy all general permit application requirements. Any permits
would contain specific terms and conditions to protect sanctuary
resources. In order to assist NOAA in identifying appropriate terms and
conditions for such permits, NOAA seeks comments on the numbers, scale,
and types of activities related to feeding and attracting fish,
including sharks, or other marine species that currently occur within
the sanctuary.
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\10\ As discussed above, this rule modifies the regulations in
15 CFR part 922 that will be amended by an interim final rule
published at 87 FR 29606 (May 13, 2022). All regulatory references
to 15 CFR part 922 in this proposed rule are to be read as they will
be amended by the interim final rule.
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NOAA carefully considered public comments regarding extending this
prohibition to shore-based operations (i.e., dock-side fish feeding);
however, NOAA is not proposing to regulate shore-based activity at this
time because additional information is needed about its scope, scale,
and economic impact to develop appropriate regulations.
The proposed new fish feeding regulation would not affect the
existing regulatory exception that allows discharge of fish, fish
parts, chumming materials, or bait that is used or generated while
conducting traditional fishing in the sanctuary.
NOAA proposes modifying the regulatory definition for traditional
fishing to clarify that the 1996 FEIS and management plan describe what
activities are considered ``traditional fishing.'' In addition, in
response to agency and FMC comments and in recognition of decades of
fishery management by state and federal partners that promotes gear
innovations to reduce bycatch and other unintended effects of fishing,
ONMS plans to work with NMFS, FWC, and the Gulf of Mexico and South
Atlantic FMCs on an updated Protocol for Cooperative Fisheries
Management. The updated Protocol would further clarify what traditional
fishing activities consist of and develop a transparent process by
which allowing new or modified fishing activities, such as those that
reduce impacts to sanctuary resources, and other relevant changes to
fisheries management, can be evaluated for potential future rulemaking.
Public comments generally supported additional prohibitions on fish
feeding in the sanctuary. Other comments opposed additional regulation
because of the potential loss of eco-tour and educational opportunities
and questioned the impacts of fish feeding on the environment, human
safety, and fish and shark behavior. In preparing this rule, NOAA has
carefully considered available literature on the effects of fish
feeding, which include potentially harmful impacts on fish behavior,
including shark behavior, and believes that the regulation is
necessary. But, as stated above, NOAA would consider issuing permits to
pre-existing eco-tour operators in order to minimize the economic
impacts of this provision. Agency comments indicated support for
regulating fish feeding and, specifically, FWC noted it would consider
modifying its existing fish feeding regulation in State waters to be
consistent with a sanctuary regulation.
f. Grounded and Deserted Vessels, and Harmful Matter
NOAA proposes including new regulations prohibiting anchoring,
mooring, or occupying a vessel at risk of becoming derelict, or
deserting a vessel aground, at anchor, or adrift in the sanctuary. The
proposed rule would also prohibit leaving harmful matter aboard a
grounded or deserted vessel, and would define ``at risk of becoming
derelict'' and ``deserting.'' The term ``harmful matter'' is defined in
National Marine Sanctuary System-wide regulations at 15 CFR 922.11.
These proposed regulations and associated definitions align with
existing state regulations that outline conditions for at-risk vessels,
and include specific timeframes for giving notice that a vessel has
gone aground and for submitting a salvage plan to FKNMS. In addition,
these notification requirements would apply anytime a vessel operator
strikes the seabed regardless of whether or not sanctuary resources are
injured.
NOAA and Florida DEP have an existing Co-Trustee Agreement for
Civil Claims that would be updated to reflect these new regulations and
processes, and to facilitate coordination and response to grounded and
deserted vessels in State waters.
Finally, the revised draft management plan includes additional
details for how NOAA would engage with towing and salvage operators to
develop best management practices and a permitting process for removing
grounded and deserted vessels.
Public comments were generally supportive of NOAA developing new
regulations to address grounded and deserted vessels; however, many
commenters noted that NOAA should ensure that definitions and
application of any proposed regulations are consistent with state
regulations and enforcement authorities, particularly related to the
term ``at risk vessel.'' NOAA agrees and the proposed regulations are
consistent with state regulations. Commenters also noted that
enforcement of a new regulation could prove challenging given the
number of deserted vessels in the sanctuary and broad geographic area
where they are
[[Page 42811]]
found. NOAA would collaborate with the State, county, and other
partners due to the challenging scope of this issue.
State agency comments were supportive of regulating grounded and
deserted vessels, in part, if it builds upon existing state regulations
including Florida's Coral Reef Protection Act and relevant FWC boating
regulations.
g. Large Vessels and Overnight Use of Mooring Buoys
NOAA proposes to include a new regulation that requires large
vessels to use designated large vessel mooring buoys and small vessels
to use regular mooring buoys. An associated new definition for ``large
vessel'' would also be added. Additional information about sanctuary
mooring buoy management, including plans to engage user groups to help
identify areas of use, numbers of users, and placement of mooring
buoys, is included in the revised draft management plan.
Public and agency comments generally supported delineating large
and small vessel mooring buoys and using the availability of such buoys
to limit access to sensitive areas that have been damaged by
overcrowding and intensive use. Commenters also recommended boater
education courses to increase boater knowledge regarding proper use of
and regulations associated with mooring buoys. The sanctuary currently
has a voluntary boater education course and participates in and
provides sanctuary specific content for boater training courses hosted
by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and others.
Public and agency comments were generally not supportive of
prohibiting overnight use of mooring buoys largely due to issues of
public safety, public access, and enforcement. Some public comments,
however, highlighted concern for new and increasing practice of
anchored and moored vessels being used for overnight accommodation
(e.g., vacation rental by owner) and possible impacts from such use,
including prohibited discharges. DEP comments also suggested limiting
visitors to a maximum 14-day stay to prevent long-term use of moorings,
which would be consistent with Florida State Parks rules. While the
proposed rule does not include a regulation prohibiting overnight use
of mooring buoys at this time, NOAA may reconsider this proposal in the
future if conditions warrant.
h. Military Exemption
NOAA proposes revising the existing military exemption regulation
in two ways. First, NOAA would update the list of exempted military
activities from the list found in the 1996 Final Environmental Impact
Statement and Management Plan (FEIS) for the sanctuary to the
forthcoming Final Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan
for the sanctuary. Second, NOAA would clarify the process for new
military activities to be exempted from sanctuary prohibitions. Each
proposed change is described below.
Current FKNMS regulations reference military activities in the
sanctuary and, for certain activities, provide an exemption from
sanctuary prohibitions. The current exemptions for Department of
Defense (DOD) activities in the sanctuary reference existing classes of
military activities which were conducted prior to the effective date of
these regulations, as identified in the Environmental Impact Statement
and Management Plan for the Sanctuary. This language refers to the
description of military activities contained in the 1996 FKNMS FEIS
(Volume II, pages 93-96). NOAA proposes updating this exemption to
include military activities currently conducted within the sanctuary
that NOAA has determined are appropriate for exemption because the
activities are not likely to injure sanctuary resources or will be
carried out in a manner that avoids to the maximum extent practical any
adverse impact on sanctuary resources and qualities. An updated list
that reflects current DOD activities conducted in the sanctuary that
NOAA considers to be exempt is provided in the revised draft management
plan. The updated list includes activities that are already exempt, the
effects of which were analyzed in the 1996 FKNMS FEIS, and will be
included in the 2022 FEIS. In addition, the updated list includes one
new activity, the effects of which were analyzed in the Navy's 2018
Atlantic Fleet Testing and Training Environmental Impact Statement and
will be incorporated by reference in the forthcoming FEIS. The updated
list of exemptions does not include DOD activities that occur outside
of the sanctuary, or DOD activities that occur inside the sanctuary but
are not prohibited by FKNMS regulations. The updated exemptions would
apply to activities that occur within the current sanctuary boundary
and the proposed boundary expansion area.
Second, NOAA proposes revising the existing FKNMS military
exemption regulation to clarify how new or modified DOD activities may
be exempted from the prohibitions in the future. NOAA commits to
working with DOD to consider exempting new activities from the
prohibitions. NOAA would use the same standard to exempt new activities
as used to update the list of DOD exemptions in the forthcoming FEIS.
In other words, NOAA would exempt a new activity from the prohibitions
if NOAA determines such activity is not likely to injure sanctuary
resources or will be carried out in a manner that avoids to the maximum
extent practical any adverse impact on sanctuary resources and
qualities. Any changes to this list of exempted military activities
would only occur after compliance with all applicable laws, such as the
Administrative Procedure Act and NEPA, as necessary, and after public
notice and comment, as applicable.
NOAA has removed from the military exemption regulation reference
to NMSA 304(d) Interagency Cooperation. The regulation previously
referenced 304(d) as the mechanism for exempting new DOD activities
from the prohibitions. However, NOAA has removed the reference to the
304(d) Interagency Cooperation process because 304(d) applies to all
federal agency actions that are likely to destroy, cause the loss of,
or injure sanctuary resources, including those conducted by DOD,
regardless of whether the specific actions are prohibited by sanctuary
regulations. Additionally, certain activities that DOD may seek to
exempt from the prohibitions would not require 304(d) consultation if
the activities are not likely to injure sanctuary resources.
For those DOD activities that will be exempted and that are likely
to injure sanctuary resources, NOAA believes the information DOD
provided to NOAA, which was included in Appendix F of the FKNMS 2019
DEIS, satisfies the requirements of a sanctuary resource statement
under the NMSA 304(d) Interagency Cooperation provision. Therefore,
NOAA will document in the forthcoming FEIS DOD's compliance with the
NMSA 304(d) process for all activities that the DOD conducts inside or
outside of the sanctuary that are likely to injure sanctuary resources.
If a DOD activity described in the 2022 FEIS for this rule is modified,
or new information becomes available, such that the activity is likely
to destroy, cause the loss of, or injure a sanctuary resource or
quality in a manner greater than considered in the FEIS, DOD would
reinitiate 304(d) consultation.
Since FKNMS designation, DOD has coordinated closely and
successfully with ONMS informally as well as through the Interagency
Cooperation requirement under section 304(d) of the NMSA to ensure that
DOD operations in
[[Page 42812]]
the Florida Keys that are essential to national defense are allowed to
continue and are conducted to avoid and minimize impacts to sanctuary
resources to the greatest extent possible. NOAA is committed to
continued partnership with DOD to facilitate mission-critical defense
activities in the sanctuary, including reviewing and updating new or
changing DOD activities that may warrant exemption from FKNMS
regulations.
i. Technical Revisions to Sanctuary Regulations
NOAA proposes including technical revisions and updates to
regulatory definitions, terms, and provisions (see the general summary
included in Appendix B of the DEIS). As this is the first comprehensive
review of FKNMS regulations since they were implemented in 1997, NOAA
has undertaken a thorough review of all existing regulations. These
technical changes can be grouped in three broad categories described
below.
Definitions and Terms would be updated for greater consistency with
the State of Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), National Marine
Sanctuary System-wide regulations, other sanctuary-specific
regulations, proposed FKNMS regulations, and the revised management
plan. For example, due to proposed new regulations, several new terms
and definitions have been added including but not limited to
``anchoring,'' ``archaeological research,'' ``at risk of becoming
derelict,'' ``continuous transit,'' and ``deserting.'' These new terms
are explained in the relevant subsections describing the new
substantive regulatory changes in this proposed rule (i.e., ``at risk
of becoming derelict'' is described in subsection 2.f. of this
document). Several terms that are no longer needed or are being
replaced with new terms would be eliminated, such as ``Ecological
Reserve,'' ``no access buffer,'' and ``closed.'' Terms that are now
defined in National Marine Sanctuary System-wide regulations would be
removed, including ``seagrass'' and ``vessel.''
General Editorial changes would be made to clarify, remove
redundancy, and reorganize and simplify regulations where possible to
make them easier to understand. These changes are solely editorial,
grammatical, or stylistic, and no new requirements are established by
these changes.
Editorial changes to permitting regulations would be made to reduce
redundancy with National Marine Sanctuary System-wide permitting
regulations, which were recently published for consolidation and
updating to 15 CFR subpart D (87 FR 29606; \11\ May 13, 2022). These
changes are solely editorial, and no new requirements are established
by these changes.
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First, since the 1997 FKNMS regulations, ONMS has published
application guidelines to aid potential applicants for ONMS permits.
The application guidelines \12\ explain the necessary parts of an
application and how to submit it. Updated National Marine Sanctuary
System-wide regulations (15 CFR subpart D) codify these requirements.
As such, in the proposed rule, NOAA would remove redundant application
instructions.
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\12\ https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/management/permits/welcome.html.
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Second, the proposed rule would also include two new general permit
categories that are unique to FKNMS--one for Archaeological Research
and one for Restoration--which are discussed in detail in other
sections of this document. A third general permit category specific to
FKNMS, activities that further FKNMS purposes, is found at 15 CFR
subpart D. The proposed rule would only specify where different or
additional information or procedures are needed for general permit
categories that are unique to FKNMS (such as Tortugas North
Conservation Area access permits).
Lastly, NOAA also proposes adding a provision for the certification
of any valid lease, permit, license, or right of subsistence use or of
access that is in existence when the revised sanctuary terms of
designation become effective. Under National Marine Sanctuary System-
wide regulations, FKNMS currently has authority to certify such pre-
existing rights of access or use (15 CFR 922.10). The proposed rule
would add procedures and criteria to clarify how ONMS would issue such
certification permits for FKNMS. A certification permit would be
available to persons holding such valid and pre-existing rights of
access or use in the proposed sanctuary expansion areas, which are
currently not under sanctuary jurisdiction but are proposed to be
regulated. Certification permits would also be available to persons
holding valid and pre-existing rights of access or use to conduct
activities in the sanctuary that were not previously regulated but are
now proposed to be regulated.
3. Marine Zone Boundaries and Associated Regulations Within the
Sanctuary
NOAA's proposed rule includes five marine zone types: Management
Areas, Conservation Areas, Sanctuary Preservation Areas, Restoration
Areas, and Wildlife Management Areas. This section includes a summary
of the marine zones and associated regulations proposed in this rule
with relevant highlights from the 2019 DEIS alternatives, and an
overview of public and agency comments and how they informed this
proposed rule. Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates for all
marine zones included in NOAA's proposed rule can be found in
Appendices II through IX. An interactive map (available at the address
and website listed in the ADDRESSES section of this proposed rule)
showing the existing marine zones and the zoning scheme set forth in
this proposed rule, including the specific purpose and intent and
resources within each, has also been developed. A marine zone summary
table is also provided in the supporting information and is available
at the address and website listed in the ADDRESSES section of this
proposed rule. The summary table includes the marine zones included in
this proposed rule indicating the following: if the marine zone is
existing, modified, or proposed new; and if modified, a description of
how (spatial or regulation change); and the rationale for the proposed
change. In addition to marine zone-specific regulations, sanctuary-wide
regulations apply within all marine zones of the sanctuary.
a. Management Areas
NOAA proposes maintaining Key Largo and Looe Key Existing
Management Areas, with minor modifications, but would rename them the
``Key Largo Management Area'' and the ``Looe Key Management Area.''
These two areas were designated as national marine sanctuaries in 1975
and 1981, respectively, which preceded designation of FKNMS and were
therefore included within the FKNMS boundary and referred to as
Existing Management Areas. The Looe Key Management Area currently
encompasses the Looe Key Special Use Area (SUA) and Sanctuary
Preservation Area (SPA). NOAA proposes only slight modifications to the
Looe Key Management Area due to the proposed elimination of the Looe
Key SUA and the addition of two Restoration Areas within the Looe Key
Management Area boundary (see part III, section 3c. Sanctuary
Preservation Areas and part
[[Page 42813]]
III, section 3d. Restoration Areas, below). By eliminating the Looe Key
SUA, the Management Area regulations would now apply within the former
SUA, and as such, certain fishing activities would be allowed where
they are currently not (see the Management Area regulations for
details). The Looe Key SPA will remain unchanged. The outer boundary of
Looe Key Management Area would not change. With the exception of minor,
technical revisions to regulations as explained in part III, section 2i
Technical Revisions to Sanctuary Regulations, above, all other
Management Area regulations would be maintained in these areas. In
response to public comments, NOAA will not apply a no anchor regulation
in either Management Area as proposed in the 2019 DEIS.
The Key West and Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuges, which
are currently referred to as Existing Management Areas, would simply be
referred to by their full names. Existing regulations in the Key West
and Great White Heron national wildlife refuges would be maintained
with the exception of a minor changes to the area where personal
watercraft are allowed (see part III, section 4q. Personal Watercraft
below).
i. Public and Agency Comment Highlights Specific to the Proposed
Management Areas
NOAA received many comments opposing the no anchor regulation in
the Key Largo Management Area proposed in the 2019 DEIS. Comments noted
that this was a very large area with multi-use activities, including
fishing that would be highly impacted by a no anchor regulation.
Comments also noted that the area includes a variety of habitats
including sandy bottom, where a no anchor regulation is not needed.
Comments did however support the use of no anchor regulations in
smaller, targeted areas with sensitive habitats that would benefit from
protection from anchor damage. In response to these comments, NOAA will
not apply a no anchor regulation in the Key Largo Management Area.
However, NOAA does propose additional no anchor regulations in SPAs and
Restoration Areas as described in the below sections.
NOAA received public comments on changes proposed in the 2019 DEIS
to Looe Key Management Area and associated Sanctuary Preservation Area
(SPA) and Special Use Area (SUA). Commenters did not support the
proposed changes presented in the 2019 DEIS for a no anchor prohibition
for the entire Looe Key Management Area or the proposed expansion of
the SPA and SUA boundaries, which would have eliminated a large portion
of the Management Area where certain fishing activities are currently
allowed. Comments that did not support spatial changes to these zones
noted the potential loss of fishing opportunity and access (e.g., if
the Looe Key SPA and SUA were expanded). In response, NOAA is not
proposing to prohibit anchoring throughout the Looe Key Management Area
or to expand the SPA boundaries. NOAA is proposing to eliminate the
existing Looe Key SUA, as described in the Conservation Area section
below. Comments supported greater protections in this area due to the
presence of coral nursery and transplanting sites, for which NOAA is
proposing to create Restoration Areas, as described in the Restoration
Area section below.
FWC comments did not support the proposed spatial changes for Looe
Key SPA and SUA due to potential loss of fishing access. However, their
comments also noted the presence of coral nursery sites in the vicinity
of Looe Key SPA and recommended expanding the SPA to capture these
sites. Rather than change the SPA, NOAA instead proposes to establish
Restoration Areas to capture these sites (see respective sections below
for additional information about these zone types and proposed
changes).
b. Conservation Areas
NOAA proposes to combine the existing Ecological Reserves and
Special Use Areas into one Conservation Area zone type, and to maintain
and apply the existing Special Use Area (SUA) regulations prohibiting
fishing, requiring continuous transit without interruption, and
requiring stowage of gear in such areas. As defined in this proposed
rule, ``Conservation Area'' means an area of the sanctuary that
provides natural spawning, nursery, and residence areas for the
replenishment and genetic protection of marine life, and protects and
preserves groups of habitats and species, within which activities are
subject to conditions, restrictions and prohibitions to achieve these
objectives. These areas consist of contiguous, diverse habitats,
protect a variety of sanctuary resources and/or facilitate scientific
research that promotes sanctuary management or recovery of sanctuary
resources. In addition, these areas, with the exception of Western
Sambo, have similar regulations, which are intended to provide the
greatest level of protection to these contiguous habitats and areas set
aside to support scientific research.
NOAA's proposed rule includes six Conservation Areas, all of which
are existing sanctuary marine zones. Proposed changes include slightly
expanding the spatial area of three existing zones (Tennessee Reef,
Western Sambo, and Tortugas South), and eliminating one zone (the
existing Looe Key SUA). Western Sambo would also be included as a
Conservation Area with slightly different regulations as outlined
below. With the exception of the zone name change to Conservation Area,
NOAA proposes no changes to the existing Conch Reef SUA, Eastern Sambo
SUA, or Tortugas North Ecological Reserve.
A summary of proposed Conservation Areas and changes from current
FKNMS zoning and regulations follows. Note that for all of the proposed
zones below the zone name would be changed to Conservation Area.
Conch Reef: No changes to the regulations or area.
Tennessee Reef: No changes to regulations. This zone would
be extended to the 90-foot contour line to capture additional deep reef
habitats.
Looe Key: This existing Special Use Area zone would not be
converted to a Conservation Area and would be eliminated. This area
would, instead, be managed as part of the larger Management Area, as
described above in section 3.a. Management Areas.
Eastern Sambo: No changes to the regulations or area.
Western Sambo: This existing zone would extend to the 90-
foot contour line to capture additional deep reef habitats. In
addition, no-anchor restrictions would be included for the southern
portion of the zone in the area of most prominent coral reef
development. All other existing regulations in Western Sambo would be
maintained, including prohibitions on discharging any matter, fishing
by any means, or harvesting any marine life. This is the only
Conservation Area that allows access for snorkeling and diving. The
2019 DEIS included proposals to establish a shoreline idle speed no
wake (Alternative 3) or no entry (Alternative 4) zone, which are not
included in this proposed rule.
Tortugas North: No changes to the regulations or area. In
addition, see part III, section 4. Additional Marine Zone Regulations,
below, for information on administrative changes to Tortugas North
Access Permit requirements.
Tortugas South: No changes to the regulations. This zone
would be extended to the west by one mile along its entire length. This
expansion would capture additional habitat west of Riley's Hump that is
known to support
[[Page 42814]]
fish spawning aggregations and important deep reef habitats. Recently
collected and compiled mapping coverage data and remotely operated
vehicle (ROV) imagery show unique habitat features in this area,
including rock escarpment formations and a well-defined ledge. These
data also showed the presence of a diversity of fish species.
Therefore, the southern boundary of the Tortugas South Conservation
Area would not change.
There are several Conservation Areas that NOAA proposed in the 2019
DEIS that are not included in this proposed rule. These are:
Channel Key Bank and Moser Channel Bank: These proposed
new Conservation Areas were included in Alternatives 2, 3, and 4 to
protect shallow mixed hardbottom habitat that is not currently well
represented in sanctuary marine zones. NOAA's proposed rule does not
include these areas as Conservation Areas due to the level of reported
fishing use in the area (e.g., lobster); however, NOAA includes
proposed marine zones in the vicinity as idle speed no wake Wildlife
Management Areas to protect the bottom habitat from vessel prop
scarring (see part III, section 3e. Wildlife Management Areas, below).
Long Key Tennessee Reef: This area was included as a
Sanctuary Preservation Area in Alternative 3 and a Conservation Area in
Alternative 4, designed to protect large, contiguous, diverse habitats
that support natural spawning, nursery, and residence areas for a
variety of marine species. As proposed in the 2019 DEIS, this zone
would have included important habitat that supports a range of species
life cycle needs (e.g., lobster settlement) and areas of mixed bottom
habitat. Informed by public and FWC comment, NOAA determined that the
zone and associated regulations, as designed, may not outweigh the
possible negative impact to users including loss of fishing access to
local residents, lobster trap fishing, and near-shore flats fishing.
Tortugas Corridor: This area was included as a Sanctuary
Preservation Area in Alternative 3 and a Conservation Area in
Alternative 4. This region of the sanctuary serves as a corridor for
fish traveling between the Dry Tortugas National Park and known
spawning sites in Riley's Hump (within the Tortugas South Conservation
Area). NOAA evaluated the need to close this area to fishing, including
bottom tending gear. Through consultation with FWC, NOAA determined
that the impact to user groups, most notably fishermen, may outweigh
the resource protection goals of this proposed zone and associated
regulations. However, NOAA acknowledges the importance of conserving
fish and wildlife habitat and corridors, and will reconsider this
proposal in the future as needed.
i. Public and Agency Comment Highlights Specific to the Proposed
Conservation Areas
Public comments related to Conservation Areas both supported the
status quo and supported creating additional areas and/or expanding
existing or proposed areas. A selection of specific issues is noted
here.
Public and agency comments supported expanding the existing Western
Sambo Ecological Reserve and the Tennessee Reef Special Use Area to
include deep water coral reef habitats. In these proposed expanded
zones, FWC also specifically requested that in areas deeper than 60
feet, hook and line trolling or drift fishing be allowed. The proposed
rule does not allow fishing in these expanded areas. Conservation Areas
are designed to provide the greatest level of protection for the
habitats and species within these zones, as such NOAA is not including
exceptions for fishing in a portion of these zones. In addition, NOAA
determined that consistent regulations would better facilitate public
understanding and compliance.
Public and agency comments generally supported extending the
existing Tortugas South Ecological Reserve westward to capture
additional habitat and an area shown to support multi-fish aggregation
activity. Agency comments, specifically from FWC, also recommended that
NOAA remove 34 square miles from the southern portion of this zone to
allow for fishing opportunities in an area that has been closed to
fishing since 2001, noting that the vast majority of known coral reefs
in the Tortugas region and fish spawning aggregations would still be
included in marine zones in this area. As noted above, NOAA determined
that maintaining protection in the southern portion of Tortugas South
is warranted due to recently collected and compiled data showing unique
habitat features in this area, which support the presence of a
diversity of fish species.
Specific to the 2019 DEIS proposal to establish three large,
contiguous Conservation Areas in the sanctuary (Carysfort Reef, Long
Key Tennessee Reef, and Tortugas Corridor) to further protect
interconnected habitats and various stages of marine life, public and
agency comments noted the value of providing these additional
ecosystem-level management and protection, however also noted the need
to properly design a network of reserves. Public comments also included
general concern about loss of access and opportunity for use in all the
proposed areas. In response to these comments, NOAA is not proposing
these three specific areas.
While NOAA is not proposing to include these three new large,
contiguous marine zones in the proposed rule at this time, the specific
zones proposed in the 2019 DEIS alternatives and the overarching
concept of protecting diverse, connected habitats, are topics NOAA may
explore more robustly in the future. Specifically, FWC noted that
``[t]he knowledge gained from research and monitoring related to the
existing spatial management in FKNMS provides a body of knowledge
indicating that a properly designed network of reserves containing an
appropriate array of management approaches could have substantial
positive impacts to the Florida Keys ecosystem and fisheries.'' In
light of this, FWC recommended NOAA establish an interagency team to
evaluate the merits of a carefully designed network of marine reserves.
NOAA acknowledges the important research data FWRI scientists have
contributed over the years related to performance of the existing
network of sanctuary marine zones, and NOAA will continue to work with
state and academic partners to monitor the effects of any revised
sanctuary zone network, and to explore new contiguous zones in the
future.
Public and agency comments did not support creating new
Conservation Areas to protect shallow mixed bank and hardbottom habitat
in the middle keys, bayside at Channel Key Bank and Moser Channel Red
Bay Bank. Public comments noted these are important lobster and flats
fishing areas and did not support creating transit only areas; however,
public and agency comments did support additional idle speed no wake
regulations in these general areas (see the Wildlife Management Area
section below).
c. Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs)
NOAA's proposed rule includes 17 SPAs. As defined in NOAA's
proposed rule, ``Sanctuary Preservation Area'' means an area of the
sanctuary that encompasses a discrete, biologically important area,
within which activities are subject to conditions, restrictions and
prohibitions, to avoid concentrations of uses that could result in
significant declines in species populations or habitat, to reduce
conflicts between uses, to protect areas that are critical for
sustaining important
[[Page 42815]]
marine species or habitats, or to provide opportunities for scientific
research.
The proposed rule expands two existing SPAs (Carysfort Reef and
Alligator Reef) to capture deep reef habitat, connects the existing Key
Largo Dry Rocks and Grecian Rocks SPAs, slightly expands Sombrero Key,
eliminates the existing French Reef and Rock Key SPAs, creates two new
SPAs at Turtle Rocks and Turtle Shoal, and makes no spatial changes to
the eleven existing SPAs: The Elbow, Molasses Reef, Conch Reef, Davis
Reef, Hen and Chickens, Cheeca Rocks, Coffins Patch, Newfound Harbor
Key, Looe Key, Eastern Dry Rocks, and Sand Key SPAs.
SPA regulations included in the proposed rule eliminate the current
exception for catch and release fishing in four existing SPAs where it
is currently applied (Conch Reef, Alligator Reef, Sombrero Key, and
Sand Key) and eliminate the practice of issuing bait fishing permits
(See part III, section 4. Additional Marine Zone Regulations for a full
discussion of NOAA's proposal related to bait fishing in the SPAs). In
addition, NOAA proposes to prohibit anchoring in all SPAs and to
include a new definition for ``anchoring,'' which would mean securing a
vessel to the seabed by any means. All other existing SPA regulations
would remain, including prohibitions on discharging any matter except
cooling water and fishing by any means or harvesting any marine life.
Consistent regulations throughout SPAs are intended to clarify for the
public what is allowed and what is restricted to promote understanding
and compliance and to facilitate enforcement and management.
A summary of proposed Sanctuary Preservation Areas and changes from
current FKNMS zoning and regulations and/or the 2019 DEIS alternatives
follows (listed northeast to southwest). For all of the zones listed
below, the SPA regulations as outlined above and at 15 CFR 922.164(e),
would apply.
Turtle Rocks: This is a proposed new SPA. This marine zone
is expanded slightly from the area included in the 2019 DEIS
alternatives to align with the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park No
Lobster Trap zone and to capture additional historical resources.
Carysfort Reef: This existing SPA would be expanded to the
90-foot contour to include additional deep reef habitat. This SPA would
not include any limited entry regulations as had been proposed in the
2019 DEIS preferred alternative (Alternative 3).
The Elbow: Existing SPA; no proposed boundary change.
Key Largo Dry Rocks-Grecian Rocks: This is a proposed
modified SPA that would connect two existing SPAs. The proposed rule
includes a smaller area than was included in the 2019 DEIS preferred
alternative (Alternative 3) due, in part, to public and agency comments
noting that the larger zone included sandy bottom area and that SPA
protections should be focused on the sensitive coral reef habitats.
French Reef: This existing SPA would be eliminated.
General sanctuary-wide regulations would apply in this area and mooring
buoys would be maintained.
Molasses Reef: Existing SPA; no proposed boundary change.
Conch Reef: Existing SPA; no proposed boundary change. The
regulatory exception that allows catch and release fishing by trolling
in the SPA would be removed.
Davis Reef: Existing SPA; no proposed boundary change.
Hen and Chickens Reef: Existing SPA; no proposed boundary
change.
Cheeca Rocks: Existing SPA; no proposed boundary change.
Agency comments from NMFS, FWC and from the SAFMC recommended that
additional areas be included for protection in the Cheeca Rocks SPA.
FKNMS reviewed these proposed areas and rather than making the existing
Cheeca Rocks SPA larger, proposes to include these areas as Restoration
Areas (see part III, section 3d. Restoration Areas, below).
Alligator Reef: This existing SPA would be expanded to the
90-foot contour to include additional deep reef habitat. The regulatory
exception that allows catch and release fishing by trolling in the SPA
would be removed.
Turtle Shoal: This is a proposed new SPA. This marine zone
would include the same area as proposed in the 2019 DEIS preferred
alternative (Alternative 3).
Coffins Patch: Existing SPA; no proposed boundary change.
Sombrero Key: This existing SPA would be expanded slightly
to include remnant elkhorn corals, a species listed under the
Endangered Species Act. In addition, this proposed expansion would
square off the existing triangular shape facilitating marking,
compliance, and enforcement. This SPA would not include any limited
entry regulations as had been proposed in the 2019 DEIS preferred
alternative (Alternative 3). The regulatory exception that allows catch
and release fishing by trolling in the SPA would be removed.
Newfound Harbor Key: Existing SPA; no proposed boundary
change.
Looe Key: Existing SPA; no proposed boundary change.
Eastern Dry Rocks: Existing SPA; no proposed boundary
change.
Rock Key: This existing SPA would be eliminated. General
sanctuary-wide regulations would apply in this area and mooring buoys
would be maintained.
Sand Key: Existing SPA; no proposed boundary change. This
SPA would not include any limited entry regulations as had been
proposed in the 2019 DEIS preferred alternative (Alternative 3). The
regulatory exception that allows catch and release fishing by trolling
in the SPA would be removed.
i. Public and Agency Comment Highlights Specific to the Proposed SPAs
The 2019 DEIS included proposals to modify existing SPA boundaries,
add new SPAs, and modify regulations within SPAs. NOAA received public
comments specific to these proposals, too many to include for each
individual SPA; therefore, the summary below is by general theme.
The 2019 DEIS included a proposal to apply idle speed no wake and
no anchor regulations in all SPAs. Public and agency commenters did not
support an idle speed no wake regulation due to several factors,
including the size of many zones and the inclusion of portions of Hawk
Channel. In general, comments supported greater protections to coral
and other sensitive habitats from anchor damage. Comments also
addressed the need for additional, well placed and maintained mooring
buoys, particularly if additional no anchor restrictions would be
applied. Based on the extensive input received through public comment
and agency evaluation of the conservation need and value of idle speed
no wake regulations in all SPAs, NOAA's proposed rule does not include
an idle speed no wake regulation for SPAs. However, NOAA's proposed
rule does include no anchor regulations in all SPAs.
The 2019 DEIS included proposed spatial changes to several existing
SPAs. NOAA proposed expanding two SPAs (Carysfort Reef and Alligator
Reef) and the Tennessee Reef Conservation Area (discussed in part III,
section 3b. Conservation Areas, above) to the 90-foot depth contour, to
include additional deep coral reef habitat. Public comments both
supported and opposed this proposal for a variety of reasons.
Supporters noted such expansions would provide additional protections
to deep reef habitats that show potential resilience to the stony coral
tissue loss disease, could serve as a source for coral reef seed stock,
and would provide greater ecosystem level
[[Page 42816]]
protection. Public comments that opposed this proposal did so largely
due to general opposition to limiting any access for fishing activity.
For these proposed deep reef SPA expansions, FWC also specifically
requested that in areas deeper than 60 feet, hook and line trolling or
drift fishing be allowed, noting their desire to allow as much user
access as possible while still protecting coral reef habitat from
physical damage. NOAA determined that consistent regulations would
better facilitate public understanding and compliance and therefore,
NOAA is not including exceptions for fishing in a portion of these
zones.
Of the eight proposed new SPAs included in the 2019 DEIS
Alternative 3, NOAA proposes including two in this proposed rule:
Turtle Rocks and Turtle Shoal. Both would protect nearshore patch reef
habitats, which is a habitat type that is currently underrepresented in
the sanctuary zoning network and potentially consists of some of the
most resilient areas of the sanctuary. Protecting these resilient areas
from local stressors is intended to maintain the health of these sites,
associated sanctuary resources, and provide a refuge for important
frame-building and Endangered Species Act listed corals, which could
potentially serve to promote recovery of surrounding reef sites by
maintaining resilient reproductive populations of these species whose
offspring can reseed degraded areas. Public and agency comments
supported additional protections in these patch reef areas including no
fishing and no anchoring. Public comments also supported establishing
these areas as Conservation Areas to provide the greatest level of
protection for these sensitive habitats. However, at this time NOAA is
including these areas as SPAs to maintain some level of public access.
FWC comments supported making Turtle Rocks slightly larger to encompass
the existing John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park No Lobster Trap zone,
and DEP recommended that the sanctuary coordinate management with the
State park. The proposed zone at Turtle Rocks is expanded slightly from
what was included in the 2019 DEIS. FKNMS will continue to coordinate
with the State Park for this marine zone and more generally.
The 2019 DEIS did not propose to eliminate any existing SPAs.
However, following public and agency comments, NOAA is now proposing to
eliminate two existing SPAs (French Reef SPA in the Upper Keys and Rock
Key SPA in the Lower Keys) to allow for multiple use in these areas.
Some public commenters expressed concern that NOAA establishes new
marine zones with access restrictions, particularly impacting fishing
access, and does not subsequently re-open areas for fishing once the
marine zone has either achieved its purpose or resource conditions have
shifted. FWC comments specifically supported the elimination of French
Reef and Rock Key SPAs.
NOAA proposes to eliminate French Reef SPA in the Upper Keys and
Rock Key SPA in the Lower Keys because the habitats no longer contain
reproductively viable populations of Endangered Species Act-listed
coral reef species or other important reef-building corals. These areas
also were selected due to their proximity to other SPAs; therefore,
they would promote continued habitat protections and separation of
conflicting uses in the general area. Mooring buoys in these areas
would be maintained. Sanctuary-wide regulations would continue to apply
in these areas.
d. Restoration Areas
Given the increase in important habitat restoration activities in
the sanctuary over the past two decades, NOAA's proposed rule includes
a new Restoration Area zone type. This new Restoration Area zone would
include two distinct designations:
Restoration Area--Nursery zone type would encompass
existing nursery areas and would be regulated similar to Conservation
Areas to provide the highest level of protection to sensitive corals
and other organisms while they are being propagated. These regulations
would prohibit fishing, anchoring, and discharges and would require
that vessels remain in transit through the area.
Restoration Area--Habitat zone type would protect sites
where active transplanting and restoration activities are ongoing.
These areas would be managed with the same regulations that apply to
SPAs to provide for access and educational opportunities while
prohibiting fishing, anchoring, and discharges.
In the proposed rule, ``Restoration Area'' would be defined as an
area of the sanctuary that supports species or habitat recovery,
including protection for short and long-term propagation nurseries
(referred to as Restoration Areas--Nursery) and active restoration
sites (Restoration Areas--Habitat), within which activities are subject
to conditions, restrictions, and prohibitions to achieve these
objectives.
i. Restoration Areas--Nursery
Specifically, the proposed rule includes nine Restoration Areas--
Nursery zones with regulations prohibiting fishing, anchoring, and
discharges and requiring that vessels remain in transit through the
area. All proposed Restoration Areas--Nursery zones are very small
(individual zones are approximately 70 acres (0.1 square miles)) and
are designed to protect the underwater nursery structures and
associated corals growing on them with a 200-yard buffer.
Three of the proposed Restoration Areas--Nursery zones (Pickles
Reef, Marathon, and Sand Key) were included in the 2019 DEIS as
individual SPA zones in Alternatives 2 and 3. These were included in
the 2019 DEIS as representative coral nursery sites in the Upper,
Middle and Lower Keys. NOAA proposes to establish all existing,
permitted coral nurseries as distinct Restoration Areas--Nursery zones.
The following existing, permitted coral nurseries are proposed as
distinct Restoration Areas--Nursery zones (listed northeast to
southwest):
Carysfort Reef--Nursery: This zone is a discrete area
within the larger Carysfort Reef SPA.
Pickles Reef West--Nursery: In the 2019 DEIS alternatives
2 and 3, this area was proposed as a SPA. In the proposed rule this
marine zone would instead become a Restoration Areas--Nursery and be
expanded to include multiple coral nursery sites at this location,
which has been shown to be resilient to high water temperatures,
storms, and coral disease.
The Elbow Reef--Nursery: This area was not proposed in the
2019 DEIS; however, it is proposed here to provide additional
protections to an existing, permitted coral nursery site.
Marathon--Nursery: In the 2019 DEIS alternatives 2, 3, and
4 this area was proposed as a SPA. In the proposed rule this marine
zone would instead become a Restoration Areas--Nursery. NOAA is not
proposing any spatial changes to this zone between the DEIS and
proposed rule.
Middle Keys--Nursery: While not included in the 2019 DEIS,
NOAA proposes Middle Keys--Nursery to provide additional protections to
an existing, permitted coral nursery site.
Looe Key East--Nursery: While not included in the 2019
DEIS, NOAA proposes Looe Key East--Nursery to provide additional
protections to an existing, permitted coral nursery site.
Looe Key West--Nursery: While not included in the 2019
DEIS, NOAA proposes Looe Key West--Nursery to
[[Page 42817]]
provide additional protections to an existing, permitted coral nursery
site.
Key West--Nursery: While not included in the 2019 DEIS,
NOAA proposes Key West--Nursery to provide additional protections to an
existing, permitted coral nursery site.
Sand Key--Nursery: In the 2019 DEIS alternatives 2 and 3,
NOAA included the coral nursery at Sand Key as the Key West SPA;
however, it is proposed here as a Restoration Areas--Nursery. NOAA is
not proposing any spatial changes to this zone between the DEIS and
proposed rule.
ii. Restoration Areas--Habitat
NOAA also proposes establishing four new Restoration Areas--Habitat
to protect existing, permitted active coral reef restoration sites.
These were not included in the DEIS as distinct marine zones. All
proposed Restoration Areas--Habitat are small, ranging from 5 to 220
acres (<0.01 to 0.35 square miles), with an average size of 85 acres
(0.13 square miles), and are designed to protect sites supporting
active coral restoration with a 200-yard buffer. The proposed rule
would establish the following Restoration Areas--Habitat with
regulations prohibiting fishing, anchoring, and discharges:
Horseshoe Reef--Habitat: This is the only Mission: Iconic
Reefs site that is not already included within an existing SPA. The new
proposed Restoration Areas--Habitat zone would specifically encompass
the portion of Horseshoe Reef targeted for active restoration and would
not affect the remainder of the reef.
Pickles Reef East--Habitat: This is an active and long-
term restoration site that includes a large population of Endangered
Species Act listed elkhorn coral and staghorn coral that has been
particularly vulnerable to anchor damage.
Cheeca Rocks East--Habitat: This is an active and long-
term restoration site with one of the largest remaining populations of
Endangered Species Act listed star coral (Orbicella spp.), still
contains intact populations of species susceptible to Stony Coral
Tissue Loss Disease and appears to be a site that is more resilient to
bleaching and disease.
Cheeca Rocks South--Habitat: This is an active and long-
term restoration site with one of the largest remaining populations of
Endangered Species Act listed star coral (Orbicella spp.), still
contains intact populations of species susceptible to Stony Coral
Tissue Loss Disease and appears to be a site that is more resilient to
bleaching and disease. In addition, NMFS, FWC, and SAFMC comments
specifically recommended this site for additional habitat protections.
In this proposed rule all Restoration Areas--Habitat would protect
active coral reef restoration; however, NOAA does not intend to limit
application of this proposed new zone type to coral restoration
activities only. Conceivably, the Restoration Areas--Habitat zone type
could be applied in the future in any area to support and facilitate
restoration of other degraded habitats or species (e.g., seagrass,
hardbottom, etc.). In addition, a framework for establishing short-
term, time sensitive protections to support critical management
including habitat restoration is described in a proposed, updated
temporary regulation for emergency and adaptive management (see part
III, section 2. Sanctuary-wide Regulations above and the proposed full
regulatory text included in 15 CFR 922.165.) Additional information
about how this zone type may be used in the future can be found in the
revised draft management plan. Future nursery and habitat restoration
area site locations, sizes, and duration will be informed by site
specific habitat restoration plans, which could be prepared as part of
a vessel grounding incident, disease response, or Restoration permit
application.
Finally, to further facilitate habitat restoration and complement
this zone type, NOAA proposes including a new category of general
permit for Restoration.
iii. Public and Agency Comment Highlights Specific to the Proposed
Restoration Areas
Public and agency comments on the 2019 DEIS supported additional
protections for coral nursery sites. However, public and agency
comments, specifically FWC's, went beyond the 2019 DEIS to recommend
additional protections for coral reef transplanting sites and that a
specific zone type be created to further advance habitat restoration
efforts and for the purpose of facilitating and educating the public
about habitat restoration.
In addition, FWC comments recommended that NOAA develop, in
partnership with FWC and other stakeholders, a process to quickly open
and close areas for temporary, in-water nurseries. For example, ``pop-
up'' nurseries could be deployed, in which corals are reared directly
adjacent to restoration sites and then transplanted when ready. NOAA
believes that the Temporary Regulation for Emergency and Adaptive
Management, as described in part III, section 2c. Sanctuary-wide
Regulations, above, and at 15 CFR 922.165, serves this purpose.
e. Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
NOAA's proposed rule includes 47 WMAs. In this proposed rule,
``Wildlife Management Area'' means an area of the sanctuary in which
various access and use restrictions are applied to manage, protect,
preserve, and minimize disturbance to sanctuary wildlife resources,
including but not limited to endangered or threatened species, or the
habitats, special places, or conditions on which they rely. The access
and use restrictions applied in each area are specific to the
management goals of that area.
The proposed rule includes no change and/or only minor technical
modifications to existing regulations for nine existing WMAs, spatial
and/or regulatory modifications for 15 existing WMAs, and proposes 23
new WMAs. In addition, the proposed rule eliminates two existing WMAs
and does not include eight zones that were included as new WMAs in the
2019 DEIS. The average size of WMAs (excluding the proposed Pulley
Ridge and existing Tortugas Bank zones) is 0.62 square miles, ranging
from 0.01 to 6.37 square miles (the proposed new Pelican Shoal WMA and
Marquesas Turtle WMA, respectively).
WMAs are generally designed to protect shallow water habitats and
species dependent on those habitats. Access and use restrictions
applied in WMAs address the specific protections necessary to minimize
disturbances to sanctuary habitats and wildlife and are therefore
tailored for the specific location and resource need. In addition,
these access and use restrictions may be for a limited or seasonal time
period. The proposed WMAs aim to balance resource protection with
compatible uses. This action generally favors sanctuary resource
protection over access where biological and impact data demonstrate a
need; however, the least restrictive access regulations and zone size
needed to meet the resource protection goals are proposed.
Due to the number and range of proposed WMAs, they are discussed in
relevant sections below (e.g., existing zones with no change, proposed
new zones etc.); with general overarching public and agency comments
included in this introductory section and where public or agency
comments directly informed the proposed rule, they are included with
the individual WMA description. For a complete list of WMAs in this
proposed rule, see 15 CFR 922.164(d).
[[Page 42818]]
Public comments both supported and opposed the proposed WMA
modifications and new zones. Public comments received also indicated
that many in the community are not fully aware of the existing WMAs and
associated regulations. Many public comments also provided more
tailored input with specific information about the resource status at
certain WMAs, human use and other existing and/or potential impacts to
resources at the site, and in some cases, specific alternate proposals
for where and how to manage the site. These comments generally
supported taking some action to protect sanctuary resources while also
allowing the greatest level of access and use. Most public comments
included some mention of the importance and challenge of marking WMAs
and educating the public and users.
NOAA also received several public comments suggesting additional
areas to include as new WMAs. NOAA used this information to modify the
spatial configuration of one area (proposed in the 2019 DEIS as West
Barracouta Key Flats, but now in this proposed rule called Ballast and
Man Keys Flats). NOAA is not proposing any additional WMAs beyond those
included and analyzed in the 2019 DEIS because NOAA would need
additional human use and natural resource information to fully evaluate
the need and overall benefit of including these additional areas in the
sanctuary zoning scheme. NOAA removed several WMAs that were proposed
in the 2019 DEIS because NOAA does not have sufficient information
regarding use impacts to warrant proposing restrictions. More detail on
these zones is included below in section iv. Existing and DEIS Proposed
WMAs that would be Eliminated.
Agency comments also included input on individual WMA proposals.
FWC commented on all the WMAs, specifically providing additional human
use, ecological, and biological resource data, particularly for bird
species of state interest, and requested that NOAA consider each zone
on a case-by-case basis to more closely evaluate the balance between
resource protection goals and user access. DEP commented on WMAs
located within or adjacent to State Parks and/or Aquatic Preserves, and
USFWS commented on WMAs located within National Wildlife Refuge
boundaries. Agency comments from FWC, DEP, and USFWS also provided
additional use and resource data and considerations for cooperative
management. USFWS additionally provided guiding principles for their
recommendations that focused on the most impacted and their habitat
needs within the National Wildlife Refuges, including migratory birds
(e.g., great white heron, reddish egret, little blue heron, and
magnificent frigatebirds) and wading birds, seabirds and shorebirds.
USFWS recommended, where needed, a 100-yard buffer to minimize
disturbance to wading birds and other migratory bird species that are
documented to be the most impacted by human disturbance from boats. The
Naval Air Station Key West (NASKW) commented on WMAs located within
their testing and training operational area and/or adjacent to their
property, specifically if the proposals may impact their operations.
Notably, NASKW commented on the proposed new Demolition Key marine zone
(which is not included in this proposed rule), the proposals for
shoreline vessel speed restrictions (which is also not included in this
proposed rule), and the Marquesas Turtle zone (which has been modified
in this proposed rule).
Nine of the twenty-eight existing WMAs have no spatial or
regulatory changes, or only minor technical changes, in this proposed
rule. The minor technical changes include (1) spatial changes that
clarify exceptions to access regulations for certain channels and (2)
regulatory changes in zone access terminology such that the existing
``no access buffer'' and ``closed'' regulations would be changed to
``no entry'' to be consistent with the intent of the regulation and
with state regulations.
NOAA proposes to eliminate the existing ``no access buffer'' and
``closed'' zone regulation, replacing them with a ``no entry''
regulation that has the same effect. The existing ``no access buffer''
zone means a portion of the sanctuary where vessels are prohibited from
entering regardless of the method of propulsion. In general practice
the ``no access buffer,'' ``closed,'' and ``no entry'' regulations have
similar intent. In addition, this change in nomenclature creates
consistency in application of this regulation throughout the sanctuary
and aligns with state regulations. In addition to the zones discussed
in this section, the no-access buffer zones at Crocodile Lake and
Marquesas Keys WMAs would be eliminated, however both of these WMAs
would have additional minor spatial and/or regulatory changes, so are
more fully discussed in the section below.
ii. Existing WMAs With Proposed Spatial or Regulatory Changes
The WMAs in this proposed rule with no spatial or regulatory
changes, or only minor technical changes, follow:
Horseshoe Key: This is an existing 300 foot no access
buffer zone with the island closed by the USFWS to decrease disturbance
to nesting and roosting birds. NOAA proposes a technical update to
change the existing no access buffer regulation to no entry.
West Content Keys: This is an existing zone with idle
speed no wake in selected creeks and no access buffer in one cove to
decrease disturbance to shorebirds using the area for nesting and
foraging. NOAA proposes a technical update to change the existing no
access buffer regulation to no entry.
Sawyer Key: This is an existing zone where the tidal
creeks on the south side are closed to decrease disturbance to nesting
birds. NOAA proposes a technical update to change the existing closed
regulation to no entry.
East Harbor Key: This is an existing 300 foot no access
buffer zone to decrease disturbance to various resting and nesting
birds. NOAA proposes a technical update to change the existing no
access buffer regulation to no entry.
Cayo Agua Keys: This is an existing zone with idle speed
no wake in all navigable creeks to decrease disturbance to nesting and
roosting birds, including great white heron, osprey, and the large
numbers of resting shorebirds. There would be no change from the status
quo.
Big Mullet Key: This is an existing 300 foot no motor zone
around the island to decrease disturbance to nesting birds and resting
shorebirds. There would be no change from the status quo.
Little Mullet Key: This is an existing 300 foot no access
buffer zone to decrease disturbance to nesting, roosting, and foraging
birds and shallow seagrass flats around the island, which exhibit prop
scarring. NOAA proposes a technical update to change the existing no
access buffer regulation to no entry.
Pelican Shoal: This is an existing zone that was proposed
to be eliminated in the DEIS; however, in recent years this area has
been repopulated with nesting roseate terns and is an area that is
thought to be the last active ground-breeding location for this ESA-
listed species in Florida. Additionally, this is an FWC Critical
Wildlife Area that was established in 1990. For these reasons, NOAA
would retain Pelican Shoal WMA in the proposed rule.
Tortugas Bank: This is an existing sanctuary zone
prohibiting anchoring by vessels over 50 meters in length, which
protects coral and hardbottom habitats
[[Page 42819]]
on Tortugas Bank from anchor damage. NOAA proposes no change in the
spatial area or regulations for this zone; however, it would be
included as a WMA since the purpose and intent of the zone align with
those of WMAs.
ii. Existing WMAs With Proposed Spatial or Regulatory Changes
As noted above, WMAs protect important habitats and species
dependent on those habitats with access and use restrictions tailored
for the specific location and resource need. Listed below
(approximately northeast to southwest) are existing WMAs with proposed
changes to spatial boundaries, regulations, or a combination of both.
These proposed changes were informed by public and agency comments, and
additional data on resources and human uses. With this additional
input, NOAA refined the spatial areas included in WMAs and the specific
regulations that apply to most efficiently protect sanctuary resources
while allowing the greatest level of use compatible with the resource
protection goals. A summary of proposed changes follows:
Crocodile Lake: This existing March 1 to October 1 no
access buffer WMA would be modified to become a year-round no entry
zone but would allow transit through Steamboat Creek. The portion of
the existing Crocodile Lake WMA on the northwestern shoreline of
Eastern Lake Surprise would become part of the Eastern Lake Surprise
WMA as it is contiguous with that area. Crocodile Lake WMA is intended
to decrease disturbance to ESA-listed species, including American
crocodile and West Indian manatee, and various bird species that use
the area for foraging, nesting and roosting. This WMA is also intended
to protect the shallow seagrass flats near Card Sound Bridge that have
been impacted by vessel groundings and exhibit prop scarring. This is a
slight modification from the 2019 DEIS alternatives including shifting
a portion of the zone to Eastern Lake Surprise and allowing transit in
Steamboat Creek, which was requested through public and agency comment.
Eastern Lake Surprise: This existing WMA would be modified
to include a no entry area along the western shoreline that is
currently part of the Crocodile Lake WMA. In the canal and basin on the
southeast side of Eastern Lake Surprise, the existing regulations would
be changed from idle speed no wake to no entry. All other regulations
would be maintained. Like Crocodile Lake WMA, this WMA is intended to
decrease disturbance to ESA-listed species including American crocodile
and West Indian manatee. This is a slight modification from the 2019
DEIS alternatives due to the addition of the western shoreline that is
now included in Crocodile Lake WMA.
Dove and Rodriguez Keys: These two existing WMAs would be
combined to create one no motor zone WMA. The existing regulations that
close two small islands near Dove Key would be eliminated. This WMA is
intended to decrease disturbance to a variety of birds, fish, and the
benthic community, including seagrass and hardbottom habitat. The
shallow seagrass flats in this area have been impacted by vessel
groundings and exhibit prop scarring. This proposed rule modifies the
2019 DEIS preferred alternative (Alternative 3), which included a no
entry zone around Dove Key and a no anchor regulation throughout.
Tavernier Key: This is an existing no motor zone. NOAA
proposes to maintain the existing no motor regulation, add no anchor,
and provide exceptions to these regulations in Tavernier Creek and the
unnamed channel to the northeast leading to it. This WMA is intended to
decrease disturbance to a variety of birds, fish, and the benthic
community, including seagrass and hardbottom habitat. The shallow
seagrass flats in this area have been impacted by vessel groundings and
exhibit prop scarring. The proposed rule would be the same as the 2019
DEIS preferred alternative (Alternative 3).
Snake Creek: This existing no motor zone would be extended
to the west along the shoreline up to but not including the existing
Monroe County no motor zone as was included in the 2019 DEIS preferred
alternative (Alternative 3). An exception to the no motor regulations
would be made for Snake Creek itself and the three channels providing
access to Windley Key. This WMA is intended to decrease the disturbance
to a variety of birds using the area for nesting, roosting, and
foraging, and protect shallow water habitat used by various fish
species. The shallow seagrass flats have been impacted by vessel
groundings and exhibit prop scarring.
Cotton Key: This existing no motor zone would be extended
to include an area west of Cotton Key that exhibits prop scarring. The
2019 DEIS preferred alternative (Alternative 3) included expanding the
WMA to include additional area to the south east of the existing zone;
however, this expansion is not included in this proposed rule due to
public and agency concerns related to proximity and the potential to
interfere with access to Whale Harbor Channel. In addition to
protecting shallow seagrass habitats, this WMA is intended to decrease
disturbance to nesting and roosting birds.
East Content Keys and Upper Harbor Key Flats: East Content
Keys and Upper Harbor Key Flats are both existing marine zones that are
proposed to be modified in this proposed rule. East Content Keys WMA
consists of an existing small idle speed no wake zone in the largest
tidal creek. NOAA proposes applying additional idle speed no wake
regulations in the remaining tidal creeks at East Content Keys. In
addition, the seagrass flats to the east, north, and south of East
Content Key, extending beyond Upper Harbor Key, would be designated as
idle speed no wake as this area exhibits scarring. This large, idle
speed no wake zone was included in the 2019 DEIS Alternative 4 as the
Upper Harbor Key Flats WMA. Upper Harbor Keys WMA is an existing 300-
foot no access zone around the entire island. NOAA proposes changing
this no access buffer zone to a no entry zone that would be encompassed
within the larger proposed East Content Keys and Upper Harbor Key Flats
idle speed no wake WMA.
Snipe Keys: This existing marine zone would have a no
entry area added, which is an important roosting area for magnificent
frigatebirds that are easily disturbed by motorized and non-motorized
boat traffic. This proposed expansion is just south of the existing no
motor and idle speed no wake areas, which would not change. The
proposed rule would be the same as the 2019 DEIS preferred alternative
(Alternative 3).
Mud Keys: This existing marine zone includes idle speed no
wake and closed areas within the channels. NOAA proposes updating this
to idle speed no wake in all channels. Through discussion with USFWS,
NOAA determined that idle speed no wake would be sufficient to decrease
disturbance to nesting, roosting, and foraging birds while also
providing user access in this area.
Lower Harbor Keys: This existing zone includes idle speed
no wake in selected tidal creeks. NOAA proposes expanding the idle
speed no wake area to further protect and decrease disturbance to
various nesting, roosting, and wading birds. The expanded area would
also capture surrounding seagrass flats that exhibit prop scarring.
NOAA also proposes including slightly more area than the 2019 DEIS
preferred alternative (Alternative 3) included to provide better
protection for wading bird species in this location.
Bay Keys: This existing marine zone would expand the
current idle speed no
[[Page 42820]]
wake area in the channel leading to the northwest island, maintain that
island as no motor, and would include an additional adjacent island to
the southeast as no motor. Southwest Bay Key, the existing no motor
zone, is used as a roosting area for magnificent frigatebirds, a
species that is highly disturbed by boater use. These proposed
modifications, informed by USFWS data, would decrease disturbance to
nesting and roosting birds, including great white heron, tricolored
heron, little blue heron, cormorant, osprey, and various other small
birds. The WMA in this proposed rule would be the same as the 2019 DEIS
Alternative 2.
Cottrell Key: This existing no motor zone would be updated
to a no entry zone to decrease disturbance to nesting and roosting
birds. Cottrell Key has one of the highest annual counts of nesting
great white herons in the Lower Keys, and serves as an important island
for other nesting, roosting and foraging birds. The WMA in this
proposed rule would be the same as the 2019 DEIS preferred alternative
(Alternative 3).
Woman Key: This existing marine zone, which currently
includes one-half of the beach and sand spit as closed, would be
changed to no entry and expanded to include 300-feet offshore of the
beach to further decrease disturbance to nesting and roosting birds and
ESA-listed sea turtles, which may be impacted during nesting by high
concentrations of visitors. The WMA in this proposed rule would be the
same as the 2019 DEIS preferred alternative (Alternative 3).
Boca Grande Key: This existing marine zone currently
includes a closed area on the south half of the beach and the island is
closed by the USFWS. In this proposed rule the WMA would be changed to
no entry and expanded to include 300-feet offshore of the beach to
decrease disturbance to nesting and roosting birds and ESA-listed sea
turtles, which may be impacted during nesting by high concentrations of
visitors. The WMA in this proposed rule would be slightly smaller than
the 2019 DEIS preferred alternative (Alternative 3), which extended
further along the shoreline at both ends of the marine zone (to the
north and east).
Marquesas Keys: This is an existing zone with a 300-foot
no motor regulation around three keys, a 300-foot no access buffer zone
around one island (all on the western side of Mooney Harbor), and idle
speed no wake in a southwest tidal creek. NOAA proposes to maintain all
of these areas; however, the no motor and no access buffer zones would
be updated to no entry and would add one additional island on the south
end of Mooney Harbor as no entry. The idle speed no wake zone in the
southwest tidal creek would not change. Based on public comments and
discussions with USFWS related to the resource status and protection
needs for the main island of Long Beach, NOAA does not propose to
include a no entry area around the main island, which was included in
the 2019 DEIS preferred alternative (Alternative 3). USFWS noted the
potential value of a no motor zone; however, at this time no additional
marine zone would be proposed for this area. Therefore, the WMA in this
proposed rule is a combination of status quo and the 2019 DEIS
preferred alternative (Alternative 3) as outlined above.
iii. Proposed New WMAs
NOAA proposes including 23 new WMAs. All of these areas were
included in the 2019 DEIS with various spatial and regulatory options
across Alternatives 2, 3, and 4. However, nine of the newly proposed
WMAs have been modified in NOAA's proposed rule in either their spatial
boundary, access regulations, or both (Whitmore Bight, Channel Key
Banks, Red Bay Bank, Marathon Oceanside, Happy Jack Keys, Western Dry
Rocks, Marquesas Turtle, Barracuda Keys, and Ballast and Man Keys
Flats). These changes have stemmed directly from public and agency
comments, resource status, and existing or potential resource impact.
Barnes-Card Sound: This is a proposed new WMA intended to
decrease disturbance to nesting and wading birds, shallow water
gamefish, and impacts to the benthic community including seagrass and
macroalgae where shallow seagrass flats exhibit prop scarring. The WMA
in this proposed rule would be the same as the 2019 DEIS preferred
alternative (Alternative 3).
Whitmore Bight: This is a proposed new no motor WMA which
has been modified slightly from the 2019 DEIS Alternative 2. The
proposed rule would include an area along the shoreline in John
Pennekamp State Coral Reef Park up to but not including the State Park
managed no motor zone. This proposed zone is intended to decrease
disturbance to the benthic community, including hardbottom habitat that
supports juvenile lobster and various reef and game fish. Shallow
seagrass flats in this area exhibit prop scarring.
Pelican Key: This is a proposed new no entry WMA, which is
the same as the 2019 DEIS Alternative 4. The proposed rule would
include the most protective measures for this area to decrease
disturbance of roosting and wading birds including magnificent
frigatebirds and pelicans. Shallow seagrass flats in this area exhibit
prop scarring.
Pigeon Key: This is a proposed new no entry WMA intended
to decrease disturbance to nesting wading birds including roseate
spoonbills and roosting magnificent frigatebirds. The WMA in this
proposed rule is the same as the 2019 DEIS preferred alternative
(Alternative 3).
Ashbey-Horseshoe Key: This is a proposed new no entry WMA
intended to decrease disturbance of brown pelicans and magnificent
frigatebirds roosting in Lignumvitae Key Aquatic Preserve and
Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park. In addition, recent monitoring
documented many nesting cormorants and great egrets, including great
egret hatchlings. The WMA in this proposed rule is the same as the 2019
DEIS preferred alternative (Alternative 3).
Channel Key Banks: This is a proposed new idle speed no
wake WMA, which has been modified from the 2019 DEIS alternatives. The
proposed rule would include a much smaller and targeted zone in the
area with the greatest amount of prop scarring. This WMA is intended to
protect seagrass and hardbottom habitat that supports a diverse
assemblage of corals, sponges, macroalgae, seagrass, and many juvenile
fish species prior to their movement to the coral reefs. This habitat
type is not currently well represented in the existing FKNMS marine
zones.
Red Bay Bank: This is a proposed new idle speed no wake
WMA, which has been modified from the 2019 DEIS alternatives. The
proposed rule would include a much smaller and targeted zone in the
area with the greatest amount of prop scarring. This WMA is intended to
protect seagrass and hardbottom habitat that supports a diverse
assemblage of corals, sponges, macroalgae, seagrass, and many juvenile
fish species prior to their movement to the coral reefs. These habitat
types are not currently well represented in the existing FKNMS marine
zones.
Marathon Oceanside Shoreline: This is a proposed new idle
speed no wake WMA to decrease disturbance to nearshore seagrass and
hardbottom habitats from vessel impacts in areas with prop scarring.
The 2019 DEIS preferred alternative (Alternative 3) included this zone
as a no motor area and based on public comment, the WMA in this
proposed rule would be idle speed no wake with exceptions for
established channels.
East Bahia Honda Key: This is a proposed new no motor WMA
intended
[[Page 42821]]
to decrease disturbance to nesting and foraging birds. Shallow seagrass
flats in this area exhibit prop scarring. The WMA in this proposed rule
is the same as the 2019 DEIS Alternative 2.
West Bahia Honda Key: This is a proposed new no motor WMA
intended to decrease disturbance to nesting and foraging birds. The WMA
in this proposed rule is the same as the 2019 DEIS Alternative 2.
Little Pine Key Mangrove: This is a proposed new no entry
WMA intended to decrease disturbance to nesting and roosting birds
including magnificent frigatebirds, reddish egrets, and tricolored and
great white herons. The WMA in this proposed rule is the same as the
2019 DEIS preferred alternative (Alternative 3).
Water Key Mangroves: This is a proposed new no entry WMA
intended to decrease disturbance to nesting, wading, and foraging birds
and to decrease impacts to habitats for shallow water foraging
shorebirds. The WMA in this proposed rule is the same as the 2019 DEIS
preferred alternative (Alternative 3).
Howe Key Mangrove: This is a proposed new no entry WMA
intended to decrease disturbance to nesting birds including great white
heron, great blue heron and reddish egret. The WMA in this proposed
rule is the same as the 2019 DEIS preferred alternative (Alternative
3).
Torch Key Mangroves: This is a proposed new no entry WMA
intended to decrease disturbance to nesting and roosting habitat for
various birds including white-crowned pigeon and reddish egret, and is
shallow water foraging habitat for wading and shorebirds. The WMA in
this proposed rule is the same as the 2019 DEIS preferred alternative
(Alternative 3).
Crane Key: This is a proposed new no entry WMA intended to
decrease disturbance to nesting and roosting birds including
magnificent frigatebirds and great white heron. Crane Key has the
highest post-Hurricane Irma annual count of nesting great white herons
in the backcountry, and serves as an important island for other
nesting, roosting and foraging birds. Additional protections would
reduce flushing of these birds from their nests and roosting sites.
Shallow seagrass flats exhibit prop scarring. The WMA in this proposed
rule is the same as the 2019 DEIS preferred alternative (Alternative
3).
Northeast Tarpon Belly Keys: This is a proposed new no
motor WMA intended to decrease disturbance to nesting and roosting
sites for reddish egrets and other wading birds. The WMA in this
proposed rule is the same as the 2019 DEIS Alternative 2.
Happy Jack Key: This is a proposed new no entry WMA
intended to decrease disturbance to wading bird foraging habitat and
nesting reddish egret and great white heron. Happy Jack Key supports
high numbers of nesting and roosting reddish egrets, while the
surrounding shallows provide pristine foraging habitat. The WMA in this
proposed rule includes a smaller and different island to the southeast
of the island and area included in the 2019 DEIS preferred alternative
(Alternative 3).
Western Dry Rocks: This is a proposed new WMA that would
mirror newly established FWC regulations \13\ (February 2021) with a
seasonal no fishing prohibition from April 1 to July 31, and include a
no anchor regulation during this same seasonal time period.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\13\ https://www.flrules.org/gateway/ruleNo.asp?id=68B-6.004.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOAA received hundreds of public comments related to including
Western Dry Rocks as a sanctuary marine zone. The 2019 DEIS included
options for a 796 acre (1.2 square mile) trolling only Wildlife
Management Area (Alternatives 2 and 3) and a transit only Conservation
Area (Alternative 4). Public comments both strongly supported and
opposed these proposals. Comments in support noted the need to protect
this site due to its importance as a multi-fish spawning aggregation
site; comments included support for both a year-round closure and
seasonal closure during the peak spawning time, particularly for permit
species, which are not managed through an existing fishery management
plan. Public comments in opposition noted the importance of this site
for charter fishing activity, questioned the definition of trolling,
and noted that any action at Western Dry Rocks should be taken through
fishery management plan action and referenced recent action taken to
modify bag and size limits for mutton snapper, one of several fish that
spawn at this site. Agency comments, specifically those from FWC, did
not support NOAA taking any action at Western Dry Rocks and recommended
it be removed from further consideration. FWC commented that fisheries
management in State waters at this location should remain under the
sole authority of FWC, and further noted that FWC would consider
rulemaking for this area. Since submitting their comments on the 2019
DEIS, FWC proposed various options for protecting fish spawning
aggregations at Western Dry Rocks, and at their February 2021 FWC
Commission meeting, adopted a seasonal closure that prohibits fishing
from April 1 through July 31 annually in an area that mostly
encompasses NOAA's 2019 DEIS proposal, but is slightly smaller (0.98
square miles). As a result, and because it is customary for federal and
state agencies to craft complementary regulations to ensure consistency
and transparency and improve enforcement, NOAA also proposes including
a seasonal no fishing WMA at Western Dry Rocks. Further, FWC has
requested that anchoring by vessels be prohibited during the seasonal
fishing closure, so NOAA is proposing to establish no anchoring
regulations at the same time of year as the no fishing regulations.
NOAA would work cooperatively with FWC to place marker buoys to
delineate the Western Dry Rocks WMA.
Barracuda Keys: This is a proposed new idle speed no wake
WMA intended to decrease disturbance to important shallow water
habitats and the large numbers of resting shorebirds that use the
shallow seagrass flats. Shallow flats exhibit prop scarring. Informed
by public comment, the proposed rule modifies the 2019 DEIS preferred
alternative (Alternative 3), which included this area as a no motor
zone. In the 2019 DEIS this WMA was referred to as Marvin Barracuda Key
Flat.
Archer Key: This is a proposed new no anchor WMA intended
to decrease disturbance to nesting and roosting birds and protect
seagrass habitat and associated species, which exhibit prop scarring.
The WMA in this proposed rule is the same as the 2019 DEIS Alternative
2.
Ballast and Man Keys Flats: This is a proposed new idle
speed no wake WMA intended to protect important hardbottom and seagrass
habitat, which exhibit prop scarring. Additional regulation in this
area would also reduce user conflict between flats fishers and
recreational boaters. The WMA in this proposed rule is modified from
the 2019 DEIS preferred alternative (Alternative 3), which proposed no
anchor in an area slightly to the north. The shift in location and
regulation is based on public comment, user feedback and prioritizing
protection in the area of greatest prop scarring.
Marquesas Turtle: This is a proposed new idle speed no
wake zone to decrease disturbance to ESA-listed green sea turtles on a
rare, internationally-important foraging ground. NOAA proposes
including a smaller area than was proposed in the 2019 DEIS preferred
alternative (Alternative 3). The WMA boundary included in this proposed
rule removes the southern portion of the area that was
[[Page 42822]]
included in the DEIS proposal due to public and agency comment
regarding needing this area for safe transit to the Marquesas Keys. The
WMA in this proposed rule also captures the area of greatest habitat
variability and highest numbers of turtle sightings.
Pulley Ridge: This area is proposed for overall sanctuary
boundary expansion where sanctuary-wide regulations would apply.
Additional regulations would prohibit anchoring by all vessels. This
proposed new WMA would protect the deepest known photosynthetic coral
reef system off the coast of the continental United States with
demonstrated connectivity to the Florida Keys. These nationally-
significant mesophotic reef ecosystems are threatened by anchor damage.
This zone overlaps with an existing Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management
Council Habitat Area of Particular Concern (HAPC), which prohibits
anchoring by fishing vessels and bottom tending fishing gear, with an
exception for long-line gear in a portion of the HAPC. The proposed no
anchor regulations for all vessels would complement the existing HAPC
anchoring restrictions that only apply to fishing vessels. The WMA in
this proposed rule is the same as the 2019 DEIS Alternative 4 proposal.
In addition, as noted in part III. section 1. Sanctuary Boundary, NOAA
is also pursuing International Maritime Organization adoption of a no
anchoring area designation for Pulley Ridge.
iv. Existing DEIS Proposed WMAs That Would Be Eliminated
Several new WMAs were proposed in the 2019 DEIS alternatives,
which, for various reasons, including extensive public and agency
comments, are not included in NOAA's proposed rule. One existing WMA,
Little Crane Key, which was proposed to be eliminated in the DEIS, is
also proposed to be eliminated in NOAA's proposed rule. Another
existing WMA, Tidal Flat South of Marvin Key, was not proposed for
elimination in the DEIS alternatives but is proposed to be eliminated
in NOAA's proposed rule. Table 2 provides a summary of the eight WMAs
that were proposed in the DEIS and are not being included in NOAA's
proposed rule and the two existing WMAs that would also be eliminated.
Table 2--Summary of Existing or DEIS Proposed WMAs Not Included in the
Proposed Rule
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reason for not
Zone name Purpose and intent carrying forward
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alligator Reef.............. Protect a NOAA determined that
significant amount due to FWC and FMC
of ESA-listed coral interest in
by providing evaluating all
additional lobster trap
protections to an exclusion zones,
existing fishery NOAA will await
management plan this review prior
area closed to to including this
lobster trap gear. area as a sanctuary
marine zone.
Key Lois Loggerhead Key..... Decrease impacts to NOAA determined that
shallow water the burden to local
habitat adjacent to homeowners
Bow Channel. Many outweighed the
of the shallow resource protection
seagrass flats in goals and that the
this area exhibit original intent to
light-to-moderate separate
prop scarring. conflicting users
Decrease (boating and
disturbance to fishing) may not be
migrating tarpon needed.
that use this basin
from February
through June.
Decrease user
conflict between
flats fishermen and
transiting boaters.
Western Sambo Shoreline..... Decrease disturbance NOAA determined that
in the nearshore current zone
foraging and regulations of
nursery habitat for Western Sambo
various fish Conservation Area
species. Provide are sufficient for
stricter the resource
protections to meet protection goals.
the advisory
council goal to
protect large,
contiguous, diverse
and interconnected
habitats, including
for fish moving
inshore to offshore
through their life
cycle.
Demolition Key.............. Decrease disturbance NOAA determined that
to nesting and the impacts to uses
roosting birds, including general
including great transit, fishing,
white heron and and military
magnificent testing and
frigatebirds. training outweighed
the resource
protection goals of
this proposed zone.
Little Crane Key............ Decrease disturbance NOAA determined the
to nesting and existing zone is no
roosting birds. longer needed as
the area shifted
during Hurricane
Wilma and no longer
supports the bird
species it was
designed to
protect.
Tidal Flat South of Marvin Decrease disturbance NOAA determined the
Key. to nesting and existing zone is no
foraging shorebirds longer needed as
that use the the nearby proposed
shallow seagrass Marvin Barracuda
flats. Keys WMA would be
more effective for
decreasing bird
disturbance in this
general area.
Marvin Key.................. Decrease disturbance NOAA determined that
to nesting and the impacts to
foraging shorebirds access to popular
that use the recreation sites
shallow seagrass outweighed the
flats. resource protection
benefits of this
zone and the nearby
proposed Marvin
Barracuda Keys WMA
would be more
effective for
decreasing bird
disturbance in this
general area.
East Barracouta Key......... Decrease disturbance NOAA determined
to ESA-listed sea resource conditions
turtles and protect are not severe
important enough to warrant
hardbottom habitat. restricting access.
Shallow seagrass
flats in the area
exhibit light prop
scarring.
Boca Grande Woman Key Flat.. Decrease disturbance NOAA determined that
to nesting and the resource
roosting birds and protection needs of
shallow water this site, at this
habitats including time, are not
seagrass and sufficient to
hardbottom. Limit restrict access.
user conflict in a USFWS specifically
high traffic area. noted that if this
shallow flat were
used by nesting
birds in the
future, they would
work with NOAA on
options to use the
proposed Temporary
Regulation for
Emergency and
Adaptive
Management.
[[Page 42823]]
Wilma Key................... Decrease disturbance NOAA determined that
to nesting and the resource
roosting birds. protection needs of
Decrease this site, at this
disturbance to ESA- time, are not
listed sea turtle sufficient to
nesting beaches restrict access.
that may be USFWS noted
impacted by high interest in working
concentrations of with NOAA to
visitors. Shallow potentially use the
seagrass flats proposed Temporary
around the island Regulation for
exhibit light-to- Emergency and
moderate prop Adaptive Management
scarring. if bird nesting
occurs here in the
future.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
v. Shoreline Slow Speed
In addition, NOAA has decided not to include a shoreline slow speed
regulation in this proposed rule. The existing regulation requiring
idle speed no wake operation within 100 yards of residential shorelines
would remain in effect and not be modified. NOAA's deliberation on this
draft regulation considered the value that additional shoreline
protections could provide in light of potential impacts from climate
change and sea level rise and therefore NOAA does not rule out
potential future, additional shoreline vessel speed regulations.
Public comments were generally supportive of a proposed shoreline
slow speed regulation because it would potentially decrease the number
of individual Wildlife Management Areas (where speed is regulated),
reduce the need for marker buoys and signage, and provide additional
protections for nearshore habitats and species. However, several
comments noted concern regarding the feasibility of enforcing a
shoreline slow speed regulation and the number of exceptions that may
be required for channels, passes, and ability to access deeper areas
nearshore. Agency comments both supported this proposed regulation and
noted similar concerns to those included in public comments.
4. Additional Marine Zone Regulations
a. Motorized Personal Watercraft
NOAA proposes including regulatory changes to allow motorized
personal watercraft (PWC) operation in a small portion of the Key West
National Wildlife Refuge, west of the Key West main ship channel around
marker G13, where PWC operation is otherwise prohibited.
The 2019 DEIS included this proposal in Alternatives, 2, 3, and 4.
Public comments on the operation of PWCs in the sanctuary ranged from
banning PWCs throughout the sanctuary to opposing any restrictions for
where PWCs could operate. Public comments also included more specific
recommendations, such as allowing PWC use in areas parallel to the
entire length of the Key West ship channel to further public safety,
and that the State of Florida should take the lead for regulating PWCs
under Chapter 327.60 Florida Statutes, which states that personal
watercraft must be regulated as any other vessel on waters of the
State. USFWS comments supported allowing PWC operation in this small
section with no other changes to PWC operations within the National
Wildlife Refuges.
b. Tortugas North Access Permits
NOAA proposes streamlining the permit application process for
persons wishing to enter the Tortugas North Conservation Area. The
current regulation requires that access permits must be requested at
least 72 hours but no longer than one month before the date that access
is requested. NOAA proposes to remove the current requirement to
request access permits no longer than one month before the date of
entrance to the area, and remove the requirement to notify FKNMS before
entering and upon leaving the area. The requirement to request an
access permit at least 72 hours in advance will remain. This permit
would also refer to the zone as Tortugas North Conservation Area rather
than Ecological Reserve due to the zone type name change.
NOAA received minimal public and agency comments regarding this
specific proposal, but those comments received were supportive of it.
c. Catch and Release Fishing by Trolling in Four SPAs
NOAA proposes eliminating the exception allowing catch and release
fishing by trolling in four SPAs (Conch Reef, Alligator Reef, Sombrero
Key, and Sand Key). NOAA believes that user compliance is greatly
reduced and enforcement greatly hindered when exceptions to regulations
in specific zones are provided. Over two decades of management
experience with marine zones in the sanctuary points to providing zones
with consistent and clear regulations.
The 2019 DEIS included this proposal in Alternatives 2, 3, and 4.
Public comments included support for additional and consistent
protections and opposition for the loss of fishing access in these
SPAs. FWC comments noted that state rules at 68B-6, F.A.C. allow catch
and release by trolling in Sand Key SPA, which is in State waters.
Modification to fishing activities in this area would constitute a
fisheries management action under FWC authority, and the FWC was not
supportive of access limitations without information to justify that
such an action was in response to a specific problem. Considering these
comments, NOAA determined that the effects of removing the exception
for catch and release fishing at Sand Key SPA, in State waters, would
be insignificant given the small size of this zone (0.45 square miles)
and because fishermen are able to access multiple reef areas nearby but
outside this zone. As noted above, consistent no fishing and no harvest
regulations in fully protected SPAs facilitate compliance by all users.
d. Bait Fishing Permits
NOAA proposes eliminating over a three-year period the practice of
issuing bait fishing permits of any kind in SPAs in federal waters and
the practice of issuing permits to bait fish using cast nets in SPAs in
State waters. FKNMS regulations currently prohibit fishing within SPAs,
with exceptions for catch and release fishing in four SPAs (see 15 CFR
922.164(d)). However, NOAA has been issuing a very small number of
general permits for limited bait fishing in SPAs since the original
FKNMS regulations became effective in 1997. Permits issued to date
allow the harvest of bait fish from all 18 SPAs using either a hand-
thrown cast net (which is the gear used by recreational and charter
fishermen) or modified lampara net (which is the gear type used by
commercial fishermen in the State's limited endorsement lampara net
fishery). NOAA also issues general permits that authorize the use of
small hair hooks (i.e., sabiki rig) to remove baitfish from just three
of the SPAs in federal waters offshore of Islamorada. All permitted
fishermen are required to report their catch inside and outside of the
SPAs to FKNMS annually. NOAA's
[[Page 42824]]
proposal to eliminate the practice of issuing bait fish permits does
not require a change to the regulations and would be implemented via
changes to FKNMS's permitting policies. When final FKNMS regulations
become effective, existing bait fishing permit holders would have the
option to renew their permit annually for three years but NOAA would
not issue any bait fishing permits to any new persons. After the third
year, NOAA would no longer issue permits for this activity.
Public comments supporting this proposal noted that allowing this
activity in SPAs creates an incentive to fish in no-fishing zones more
generally and supported consistency of regulations in all SPAs. Public
comments opposing this proposal noted that allowing bait fishing in
SPAs was part of an original trade-off with fishermen to gain their
support for the establishment of SPAs, noting that this agreement
should continue to be upheld.
Agency comments from FWC and SAFMC supported phasing out the use of
cast nets for bait fishing in SPAs, stating that the use of this gear
may cause impacts to coral reef and hardbottom habitats. GMFMC noted
that NOAA may want to consider specific gear types that could be
allowed and recommended consulting with FWC. More specifically, FWC
supported continuing to allow the use of modified lampara nets to
commercially harvest baitfish in the SPAs. FWC also noted that even
though this proposal does not impact the ability of fishermen to fish
for bait outside of SPAs, SPA areas have been identified as important
areas for bait fishing in the Keys. FWC noted that a limited entry
lampara net endorsement exists in State waters and therefore
recommended that those endorsement holders be allowed to continue to
fish within designated SPAs. FWC explained that gear contact with the
reef is unlikely and conflict with other user groups is unlikely based
on the time of day they fish.
NOAA considered FWC's comments regarding continuing to allow
lampara net use in SPAs in federal waters, but believes that allowing
only certain gear types increases conflict with other users and
importantly, complicates compliance with the existing prohibition
against fishing in these areas. This proposed decision is based on over
25 years of management of the network of marine zones within the
sanctuary, including a review of catch log data submitted by permit
holders over the past five years. These reports indicate that there is
a limited number of recreational and commercial fishermen using the
permits to catch bait fish, with over half of the permitted fishermen
reporting annually they are not using the permit (i.e., not catching
baitfish within the SPAs). Those fishermen that do state they are
harvesting baitfish within the SPAs report very low catch numbers,
leading NOAA to believe that very few users will be adversely affected
by this change and that most fishermen are already catching baitfish
outside of the SPAs. NOAA has also received input from dozens of
recreational (cast net) fishermen over the last two decades through log
form reporting and other means (e.g., phone calls, emails) noting
conflicts with commercial lampara net fishermen when in the SPAs.
NOAA considered all of this input when proposing the change in bait
fishing permits in this proposed rule. Specifically, in support of the
comments from FWC summarized above, NOAA would work with state fishery
managers to develop a process for fishermen currently managed through
the State's limited entry endorsement program to use lampara nets in
existing SPAs in State waters.
e. Restricted Access in Select Sanctuary Preservation Areas
NOAA's proposed rule does not include a regulation to restrict
commercial operator access in three SPAs (Carysfort Reef, Sombrero Key,
and Sand Key), as proposed in Alternatives 3 and 4 in the DEIS. In
these regulatory alternatives, NOAA would have only allowed charter
operator access to these areas to dive/snorkel businesses that
participate in the Blue Star program. The Blue Star program is an
existing program that recognizes tour operators who are committed to
promoting responsible and sustainable diving and snorkeling practices
to reduce the impact of these activities on ecosystems in the Florida
Keys, participate in training for their staff, and conduct conservation
activities. NOAA received many public comments specific to these
alternatives to limit access, with the majority of comments opposing.
While not supporting this specific proposal, comments also noted
concern about increasing numbers and intensity of use and supported
considering ways to manage numbers of users in the sanctuary including
in coral reef and backcountry areas. In addition, many commenters
acknowledged that other resource protection entities (U.S. Forest
Service, National Park Service, international marine parks, among
others) manage use, access, and overall numbers of users through
various regulatory and non-regulatory mechanisms, and some commenters
provided ideas and recommendations for consideration, which NOAA will
evaluate as additional management plan activities are considered. In
response to these comments, the revised draft management plan includes
additional information about NOAA's intent to better assess sanctuary
carrying capacity, evaluate regulatory and non-regulatory tools to
manage use and use numbers in the sanctuary, and consider how existing
regulations and management activities can be more strategically applied
to better manage use and impacts from use (e.g., boater education,
mooring buoys, proposed no anchor regulation in SPAs, etc.). With this
additional evaluation and further public and agency engagement, NOAA
may consider regulatory action to manage numbers of users and impacts
of this use on sanctuary resources in the future.
5. Sanctuary Management Plan
NOAA has revised the draft management plan that was published along
with the 2019 DEIS. While NOAA received very few direct comments on the
specific content in that draft plan, public comments did highlight
several management issues of interest including: (1) water quality, (2)
enforcement, (3) education, (4) mooring and marker buoys and signage,
(5) better understanding of carrying capacity and managing high and
conflicting uses, (6) habitat restoration, (7) artificial habitats and
artificial reefs, and (8) management effectiveness monitoring and the
ability to be more flexible in responding to outcomes of such
monitoring.
The revised draft management plan, which includes the non-
regulatory actions, complements and further supports this notice of
proposed rulemaking. The revised draft management plan actions are
largely focused on understanding and improving the condition of
sanctuary resources through reducing threats and addressing emerging
issues. Actions also include the need to engage with and strengthen
partnerships to address issues and impacts that occur outside the
sanctuary boundary and fall within the jurisdiction or authority of
partner federal or state agencies. For example, a priority is
strengthening the NOAA partnership with the South Florida Ecosystem
Restoration Task Force to ensure Florida Keys water quality, habitat,
living marine resource conditions, and community interests are
considered and integrated into regional restoration and management
plans.
[[Page 42825]]
NOAA has revised the draft management plan to provide more detail
on these and other topics identified in this Notice. A copy of this
revised draft management plan is available at the address and website
listed in the ADDRESSES section of this proposed rule.
IV. Summary of Proposed Changes to the Sanctuary Terms of Designation
Section 304(a)(4) of the NMSA requires that the terms of
designation for national marine sanctuaries include: (1) the geographic
area of the sanctuary; (2) the characteristics of the area that give it
conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, research,
educational, or aesthetic value; and (3) the types of activities
subject to regulation by NOAA to protect those characteristics. This
section also specifies that the terms of designation may be modified
only by the same procedures by which the original designation was made,
including public notice and comment, and preparation of an EIS. Terms
of designation include the geographic area of the sanctuary,
characteristics of the area that give it value, and the types of
activities that will be subject to regulation. Therefore, through the
proposed rule, the revised FKNMS terms of designation would:
1. Modify Article I (``Designation and Effect'') to include the
expanded sanctuary boundary;
2. Modify Article II (``Description of the Area'') by changing the
geographic description and size of the sanctuary;
3. Modify Article III (``Characteristics of the Area That Give it
Particular Value'') by updating the size of the sanctuary and the
description of the special resources contained within it;
4. Modify Article IV (``Scope of Regulation'') by simplifying
descriptions of the categories of activities that may be subject to
regulation. As originally drafted, the Terms of Designation contain a
level of detail similar to, if not the same, as the regulations.
Instead, NOAA proposes to provide broad categories of activities to be
more consistent with the legislative intent of section 304(a)(4) of the
NMSA to merely identify the ``types of activities,'' and rely instead
on the regulations themselves to provide the specific regulatory
details. Otherwise, the ``Scope of Regulation'' section would be
duplicative of the regulations and serve no purpose. By simplifying the
activity descriptions, NOAA is not broadening in any way the scope of
the regulations and is not adding any new or different activities to be
subject to regulation. The regulations themselves contain the operative
language and only the regulations are enforceable;
5. Modify Article V (``Effect on Leases, Permits, Licenses, and
Rights'') by modifying language to be consistent with section 304(c) of
the NMSA related to any valid lease, permit, license, approval, or
other authorization or right in existence prior to the effective date
of the revised terms of designation, and to cite the correct section of
Office of National Marine Sanctuaries regulations for certifying such
valid rights;
6. Modify the ``Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Boundary
Coordinates'' to include the expanded sanctuary boundary.
For the proposed modified FKNMS Designation Document, please refer
to appendix J.
V. Classification
1. National Marine Sanctuaries Act
Section 301(b) of the NMSA (16 U.S.C. 1431) provides authority for
comprehensive and coordinated conservation and management of national
marine sanctuaries in coordination with other resource management
authorities. Section 304(a)(4) of the NMSA (16 U.S.C. 1434) requires
that the procedures specified in Section 304 for designating a national
marine sanctuary be followed for modifying any terms of designation.
This action is revising the terms of designation (e.g., expanding the
boundary) for FKNMS. Section 304(a)(5) of the NMSA also requires that
NOAA consult with the appropriate federal fishery management council on
any action proposing to regulate fishing in federal waters.
Consultation with the SAFMC and GMFMC is discussed above in part II,
FKNMS 2019 DEIS--The Restoration Blueprint Process, section 3c, Agency
Consultations and Other Coordination. Pursuant to Section 304(a)(1) of
the NMSA, Congress and the Governor of Florida will also have the
opportunity to review this proposed action.
2. National Environmental Policy Act
In accordance with Section 304(a)(2) of the NMSA (16 U.S.C.
1434(a)(2)), and the provisions of NEPA (42 U.S.C. 4321-4370), NOAA has
prepared a DEIS to evaluate the impacts of this action. For more
information on the DEIS and steps leading to the action, please refer
above to part II, FKNMS 2019 DEIS--The Restoration Blueprint Process,
section 2, Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS). The DEIS
contains a statement of the purpose and need for the project,
description of proposed alternatives, including the no action
alternative, description of the affected environment, and evaluation
and comparison of environmental consequences including cumulative
impacts.
NOAA has determined that a supplemental NEPA analysis is not
required for this proposed rule because the DEIS presented the public
with a comprehensive analysis of the spectrum of environmental impacts
among several alternative scenarios from which this proposed rule was
derived. Any changes reflected in the proposed action are insubstantial
in that they do not differ from the impacts already analyzed in the
DEIS. The specific combination of elements from the alternatives
analyzed in the DEIS and reflected in the proposed rulemaking will not
have any synergistic or cumulative impacts not already analyzed in the
DEIS. Based on the evaluation of the alternatives, NOAA determined that
no significant adverse impacts to resources and the human environment
are expected if any of the alternatives are adopted, and this
conclusion applies to this proposed action. Copies of the DEIS are
available at the address and website listed in the ADDRESSES section of
this proposed rule. NOAA will analyze the comments that have been
previously received on the DEIS when the final rule and FEIS are
prepared and issued. NOAA also invites the public to provide additional
comments on the DEIS based on the proposed rule as presented herein.
3. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Impact
OMB has determined this rule is significant as that term is defined
under Executive Order 12866. NOAA anticipates the associated costs with
this proposed rule will be de minimis, as explained more fully in the
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis, a copy of which is available at the
address and website listed in the ADDRESSES section of this proposed
rule.
4. Executive Order 13132: Federalism Assessment
NOAA has concluded this regulatory action does not have federalism
implications sufficient to warrant preparation of a federalism
assessment under Executive Order 13132. This proposed rule will not
have a substantial or direct effect on states or local governments.
NOAA has coordinated closely with state partners throughout the
development of this proposed rule and, where applicable and
practicable, aligns with and/or defers to existing state regulations
for proposals within State waters of the sanctuary. NOAA has aimed for
consistent regulations throughout
[[Page 42826]]
sanctuary waters including those within state and federal jurisdiction.
5. Executive Order 13175: Consultation and Coordination With Indian
Tribal Governments
Executive Order 13175 reaffirms the Federal government's commitment
to tribal sovereignty, self-determination, and self-government. Its
purpose is to ensure that all Executive departments and agencies
consult with Indian tribes and respect tribal sovereignty as they
develop policies on issues that impact Indian communities. This
proposed action is not anticipated to have substantial direct effects
on one or more Indian tribes, on the relationship between the Federal
government and Indian tribes, or on the distribution of power and
responsibility between the Federal government and Indian tribes. The
Seminole Tribe of Florida Tribal Historic Preservation Office provided
comments on the DEIS specific to the Programmatic Agreement under
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act regarding Florida
Keys National Marine Sanctuary Operations, Management, and Permitting,
and consultation related to archaeological research permits.
6. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) requires Federal agencies to
prepare an analysis of a rule's impact on small entities whenever the
agency is required to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking, unless
the agency can certify, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b), that the action
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities. NOAA has prepared a Socioeconomic Report, in which
Chapter 6 serves as the factual basis for certification. A copy of this
report is available as a supporting document to this rule (see
ADDRESSES). Chapter 6 of the report, Economic Effects on Small
Entities, is also included here.
This section evaluates the quantitative potential effects of marine
zone boundary changes on small entities. There are three primary
industries considered in this section; commercial fishing, recreational
for-hire fishing and dive/snorkeling for-hire operations. Based upon
quantitative and qualitative analysis, the quantitative assessment
provided here is an overestimate of the negative potential impacts of
the proposed rule. We conclude that the economic impacts are expected
to be much smaller because, based on other studies of marine protected
areas, fishers are anticipated to be able to relocate their effort to
other areas or other species.
The RFA requires agencies to consider the effects of rules on small
entities. The RFA does not require the agency to necessarily minimize a
rule's impact on small entities. There are no decision criteria in the
RFA. Instead, the goal of the RFA is to inform the agency and public of
expected economic effects of the proposed rule contained within the
regulatory action and to ensure the agency considers alternatives that
minimize the expected economic effects on small entities while meeting
the goals and objectives of the applicable statutes.
This analysis supports NOAA's decision to certify that the proposed
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of entities, and, therefore, no further analysis is needed under
the RFA (US EEOC, 2021). The analysis provided here supports NOAA's
decision to certify that there will not be a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of entities.
Small entities are defined by the Small Business Administration
(SBA). The definition of the relevant small businesses are presented
here and are from the most recent size standards published by the SBA
in 2019 (US SBA, 2019). Size standards are based upon the average
annual receipts (all revenue) or the average employment of a firm. The
commercial size standards for finfish fishing (NAICS code--114111) is
$22.0 million, shellfish fishing (NAICS code--114112) is $6.0 million
and other marine fishing (NAICS code--114119) is $8.0 million. Scenic
and sightseeing transportation, water-based businesses such as for-hire
recreational fishing operations, and dive/snorkeling for-hire
operations (NAICS code--487210) have size standards of $8.0 million.
a. Commercial Fishing
All data presented in this chapter uses the five-year average
(2015-2019). The data was provided by FWC. The data set requested by
ONMS only includes data for landings that occur within the statistical
areas and subareas described in Chapter 4 of the Socioeconomic Report.
It is possible that some of the vessels with landings in the evaluated
statistical areas have additional landings outside of the data
requested from the State. This means that some of the vessels evaluated
may not be classified as small businesses as defined by the SBA if
their landings within Monroe County-associated statistical areas in
addition to those outside Monroe County surpass the SBA size standards.
Additionally, complete ownership and cost data for businesses and
vessels that participate in commercial fishing and other industries is
not available.
Consequently, NOAA is not able to determine affiliations between
multiple vessels and businesses. As a result, NOAA assumes that each of
the vessels are independently owned by a single business. Either one of
these two factors alone could result in an overestimate of the actual
number of small businesses directly impacted by the proposed regulatory
action. Additionally, the spatial data provided is for the statistical
subareas and data are not available related to the specific catch or
number of businesses that operate within the proposed marine zones. In
this regard, there is a spatial mismatch between the data available and
the size of the marine zones, which are likely to affect commercial and
recreational activity. Chapter 4 of the Socioeconomic Report documents
the assumptions made with regards to how affects to these specific
industries are estimated.
i. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to Which
the Proposed Action Would Apply
NOAA has calculated the potential number of vessels that may be
impacted by this proposed rule. If a vessel operates in a statistical
subarea that has a proposed zone or zone change that would impact
commercial fishing, these vessels were considered. Unless otherwise
stated, the supporting Socioeconomic Report (see Table 4 in Chapter 2)
shows the statistical areas associated with the Gulf of Mexico or South
Atlantic regions and which statistical areas include proposed rule zone
changes that would restrict commercial fishing. In total, there are six
statistical areas that have zone changes within habitat that the
species analyzed are likely to be associated with. Impacts are
considered by fish groups below. It is possible, and likely, that
vessels may target multiple species and thus would be accounted for in
several of the individual fish groupings provided below.
Reef Fish
The reef fish analyzed here include red grouper, grunts, hogfish
(hog snapper), mutton snapper, grey (mangrove) snapper, lane snapper,
black grouper (carberita), gag grouper, and yellowtail snapper. Please
see Chapter 4 of the Socioeconomic Report for a more detailed
explanation of why the analysis of reef fish focused on these nine
specific reef associated species. The analysis for reef associated
species is provided for the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic
fisheries. The five-year
[[Page 42827]]
average (2015-2019) of the number of vessels that reported at least $1
or more of harvest revenue for reef associated species in statistical
areas affected by the proposed rule are presented here. In the Gulf of
Mexico region, there was an annual average of 39 vessels. For the South
Atlantic fishery there was an annual average of 231 vessels. (The
estimates of vessels should not be summed to get the total number of
vessels, as some vessels may fish in both regions and this would result
in double counting.) Further, the maximum annual average revenue (2011-
2015) of vessels operating within the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery
is $4.9 million (GMFMC, 2017). Within the South Atlantic Snapper
Grouper Fishery, the maximum average annual revenue (2012-2016) is $1.7
million (SAFMC, 2019). The SBA commercial size standard for finfish is
$22.0 million, all vessels that have reported $1 or more of reef fish
harvest revenue do not surpass this threshold. Consequently, all the
vessels potentially affected by this regulation are considered small
entities.
Shrimp
Commercial vessels that fished pink, brown, white, royal red, rock,
and ``other'' shrimp species (as reported in FWC trip tickets) were
considered in this analysis. The number of vessels engaged in the
shrimp fishery was estimated for the Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic
regions. Statistical subarea 2.8 (Federal Waters Gulf of Mexico) is the
only statistical subarea in which the shrimp fishery may be affected by
the proposed rule; thus, no South Atlantic region vessels engaged in
the shrimp fishery would be affected. From 2015-2019, an average of 108
vessels per year reported at least $1 or more of harvest revenue in
statistical subarea 2.8. The SBA commercial size standard for shell
fishing is $6.0 million. From 2011-2014, the maximum annual average
revenue for a single vessel harvesting shrimp in the Gulf of Mexico was
$2.0 million (GMFMC, 2017b). Consequently, all vessels potentially
affected by the proposed rule were considered small entities.
Lobster
The five-year average of the number of vessels that reported at
least $1 or more of harvest revenue for lobster in statistical areas
affected by the proposed rule are presented here. The analysis for
lobster is not differentiated by South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico
regions and 521 vessels on average (2015-2019) were identified as
harvesting $1 or more in lobster revenue. The maximum annual average
revenue (2012-2016) from all species reported by a single vessel that
harvested lobster was $2.0 million (GMFMC, 2018). The SBA commercial
size standard for shell fishing is $6.0 million, all vessels that have
$1 or more of lobster harvest revenue do not surpass this threshold.
Consequently, the vessels potentially affected by this proposed rule
are considered small entities.
Stone Crab
The five-year average of the number of vessels that reported at
least $1 or more of harvest revenue for stone crab in statistical
subareas affected by the proposed rule are presented here. The analysis
for stone crab is not differentiated by region and only considered
harvesters in the State of Florida. An annual average of 282 vessels
were identified as harvesting $1 or more in stone crab revenue within
the statistical subareas where there are proposed zone changes. The SBA
commercial size standard for shell fishing is $6.0 million, all vessels
that have $1 or more of stone crab harvest revenue do not surpass this
threshold. Consequently, the vessels affected by this proposed rule are
considered small entities.
ii. Significance of Economic Effects on Small Entities: Reef Fish
Substantial Number Criterion
The proposed rule is likely to impact those that fish within the
statistical areas affected by the proposed rule zone changes. On
average (2011-2015), there were 585 vessels that landed at least one
pound within the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery (both Individual
Fishing Quota (IFQ) and non-IFQ species) managed under the Gulf reef
fish fishery management plan (GMFMC, 2017). The maximum average annual
gross revenue earned by a single vessel was approximately $4.9 million
(GMFMC, 2017). There is an average of 39 vessels that were identified
(annually from 2015-2019) that may be affected by the proposed rule
within the Gulf of Mexico.
The number of vessels that used their commercial permits annually
for harvesting purposes on average between 2012 and 2016 was 584
vessels in the South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Fishery (SAFMC, 2019). In
the South Atlantic, the maximum average annual gross revenue from 2012-
2016 for a single vessel within the snapper grouper fishery was about
$1.7 million (SAFMC, 2019 F-3). Within the South Atlantic region, an
average of 231 vessels were identified (annually from 2015-2019) that
used the statistical areas likely to be affected by the proposed rule.
Based upon the maximum average gross revenue all these commercial reef
fishing businesses are believed to be small entities. Consequently,
this action would affect a substantial number of small entities within
the reef fishery in the South Atlantic region (39.6 percent), but not
the Gulf of Mexico (3.8 percent).
Significant Economic Impacts
Profitability: Do the regulations significantly reduce profits for
a substantial number of small entities?
The maximum potential average annual loss of harvest revenue across
all vessels within the South Atlantic Snapper Grouper Fishery is
estimated to be $19,900 and the estimated maximum potential loss within
the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery is roughly $1,400 for the reef
species analyzed. (The above estimates are totals across the fisheries
and not per vessel maximum potential losses.) Although profit loss is
not analyzed here, the loss in profit would be smaller than the loss of
harvest revenue. The loss of profit considers the avoided costs of not
spending the time and effort to catch the fish, where the harvest
revenue does not. It is unknown how this loss would be distributed
across individual vessels. However, the areas where fishing is
prohibited are a small fraction of the overall sanctuary. The targeted
zones, of which 95 percent are less than 5 square kilometers and 90
percent are less than 1 square kilometer, are spread throughout the
sanctuary. Consistent with previous studies that analyze the impact of
marine zone changes, it is likely that fishers would not experience the
maximum potential loss and would be able to substitute places within
the proposed zones for areas just outside or elsewhere (CDFG, 2008,
Hackett et al., 2017, Jeffrey, et al., 2012, Murray & Hee, 2019, and
PISCO, 2013). Further, each spatial zone is small and it is likely that
commercial harvesters will, in the long-run, find replacement areas
and/or benefit from spillover from improvements to reefs and fish
communities within closed areas. Because of the above information, a
significant reduction in profits for a substantial number of small
entities is not expected from the proposed rule to these reef fish
fisheries.
iii. Significance of Economic Effects on Small Entities: Lobster
Substantial Number Criterion
On average (2012-2016), there were 770 commercial fishing
businesses with recorded landings of spiny lobster in the State of
Florida (GMFMC, 2018). During this time, these businesses earned an
average annual revenue of approximately $84,000 ($2017) and
[[Page 42828]]
spiny lobster accounted for 67 percent of revenue (GMFMC, 2018). The
maximum average annual revenue from all species reported by a single
business that harvested spiny lobster from 2012 to 2016 was about $2.0
million (GMFMC, 2018). There are 521 vessels that were identified on
average between 2015-2019 that may be affected by the proposed rule.
Since these commercial fishing businesses are believed to be small
entities, it is assumed that this proposed rule would affect a
substantial number of small entities.
Significant Economic Impacts
Profitability: Do the regulations significantly reduce profits for
a substantial number of small entities?
The maximum potential total loss of lobster harvest revenue per
year (for the 2015-2019 average) was estimated to be $966,000. The
average harvest revenue per year in the Monroe County statistical areas
was roughly $42.0 million. This represents a maximum potential loss of
2.3 percent of harvest revenue when compared to the harvest revenue in
Monroe County statistical areas. If this potential loss of harvest
revenue is evenly distributed across the 521 vessels, the average
annual loss per vessel would be $1,900. Although profit loss is not
analyzed here, the loss in profit would be smaller than the loss of
harvest revenue. The loss of profit considers the avoided costs of not
spending effort (time and money) to catch the fish, where the harvest
revenue does not. Further, as stated earlier, most targeted zones are
small, and it is unlikely that the maximum potential loss would occur.
A significant reduction in profits for a substantial number of small
entities is not expected from the proposed rule in the lobster fishery.
iv. Significance of Economic Effects on Small Entities: Shrimp
Substantial Number Criterion
On average (2011-2014), there were 1,140 vessels with valid permits
that actively fished (had landings) in the Gulf of Mexico Shrimp
Fishery. From 2011-2014 the average annual gross revenue was about
$413,900 for vessels with a shrimp moratorium permit (GMFMC, 2019).
There are 108 vessels on average (from 2015-2019) that may be affected
by this proposed rule.
From 2014-2018, the average number of vessels with a valid permit
that actively fished (had landings) in the South Atlantic Shrimp
Fishery was 262 (SAFMC, 2020). However, in the South Atlantic fishery,
zero vessels that reported shrimp landings would be affected by the
proposed rule.
These commercial fishing businesses are believed to be small
entities. However, it is assumed that this proposed rule would not
affect a substantial number of small entities. Less than 10 percent of
vessels in the Gulf of Mexico fishery and zero percent of vessels in
the South Atlantic fishery would be affected.
Significant Economic Impacts
Profitability: Do the regulations significantly reduce profits for
a substantial number of small entities?
The proposed zone changes in the proposed rule are not expected to
affect the South Atlantic shrimp fishery. Within the Gulf of Mexico
shrimp fishery, there is a de minimis effect that is expected. Small
marginal areas of existing zones that were previously closed to
shrimping will be opened, while other areas that have been closed may
see minor increases in size due to slight boundary changes. Although
the analysis found the resulting estimated benefit of $5 of harvest
revenue occurring across the fishery, it is likely that these small
boundary changes will have no economic impact or alter the location of
effort. Consequently, a significant reduction in profits for a
substantial number of small entities is not expected from the proposed
rule in the shrimp fishery.
v. Significance of Economic Effects on Small Entities: Stone Crab
Substantial Number Criterion
This proposed rule would apply to all commercial fishing businesses
that harvest stone crab in sanctuary waters. On average (2015-2019),
there were 754 commercial fishing vessels with recorded landings of
stone crab in Florida, but on average 282 of these vessels (2015-2019)
harvested stone crab in the statistical areas that contain marine zones
that are affected by the proposed rule. In the absence of more specific
data, it is assumed that a maximum of 282 vessels may be affected
within the stone crab fishery. The stone crab commercial fishing
vessels are believed to be small entities, it is assumed that this
proposed rule would affect a substantial number of small entities.
Significant Economic Impacts
Profitability: Do the regulations significantly reduce profits for
a substantial number of small entities?
The maximum potential loss of harvest revenue across all vessels
from the proposed rule is roughly $37,700. Within Monroe County
statistical subareas, the average annual total harvest revenue was
$20.2 million. The maximum potential loss represents a potential loss
of 0.2 percent of harvest revenue from the Monroe County statistical
areas. Given the information above, a significant reduction in profits
for a substantial number of small entities is not expected from the
proposed rule. Although profit loss is not analyzed here, the loss in
profit would be smaller than the loss of harvest revenue. The loss of
profit considers the avoided costs of not spending effort (time and
money) to catch the fish, where the harvest revenue does not.
vi. Summary of Effects to Commercial Fisheries
Table 3 provides a summary of the maximum average harvest revenue
and maximum average revenue to the various fisheries provided in this
section based upon their total catch. These numbers include total
catch, regardless of targeted species. Additionally, the estimated loss
of harvest revenue because of the proposed zone changes are provided,
along with the loss of revenue on average to each vessel that reported
fishing in the affected statistical areas. The last column provides
information on the percent of total average annual harvest revenue lost
per vessel. Except for the lobster fishery, losses are expected to be
less than one percent. The lobster fishery vessels may experience a
loss of roughly two percent. The losses are assumed to be evenly
distributed across vessels operating in the statistical subareas
affected by the proposed zone changes. Data on the costs, harvest
revenues, and profits to individual businesses are not available to
NOAA.
This estimate of losses is considered the maximum potential loss
(MPL). This MPL is not expected to occur. First, the MPL is based on
gross revenue, which does not consider a reduction in costs (e.g.,
fuel, labor) from decreased fishing effort. Further, these losses do
not account for substitution of activity outside of the proposed zones
or for harvesting of other species.
Most targeted zones are small, and it is unlikely that the maximum
potential loss would occur. The Restoration Areas--Nursery, a new type
of zone, are all roughly a half square kilometer or less in size. This
new zone type results in an additional 2.4 square kilometers being
added as transit only areas. Wildlife Management Areas may vary in
regulations from idle speed, no wake, no motor, and no entry. In total,
4.0 square kilometers of area will be converted or expanded to Wildlife
Management Areas. The smallest zone change proposed is 0.001 square
kilometers and
[[Page 42829]]
the largest zone change is 0.56 square kilometers. Additionally, as
noted above, several studies across multiple geographies have
demonstrated that the maximum potential losses do not occur because of
the availability of substitute places with the proposed zones for areas
just outside or elsewhere (CDFG, 2008, Hackett et al., 2017, Jeffrey,
et al., 2012, Marry & Hee, 2019, and PISCO, 2013). Each spatial zone
proposed to be added is small and it is likely that commercial
harvesters will find substitute areas and benefit from spillover
improvements from the proposed closed areas. Within the commercial
fishing industry, a significant economic effect is not expected to
occur to a substantial number of small businesses from the proposed
rule.
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b. Recreational For-Hire Fishing
i. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to Which
the Proposed Action Would Apply
For hire recreational fishing includes both charter and headboats.
Charter boats, generally, are fishing vessels that are hired to take up
to six anglers on a fishing trip. Typically, the charge is on a per-
trip basis. Headboats usually operate on a schedule, and may provide
several trips in a single day, taking many different fishing parties at
a time. The charge is on a per-person basis. Headboats are usually
larger and able to accommodate more anglers than a charter boat.
Headboats are defined in Souza & Liese, 2019 as vessels with a
passenger capacity of 18 or more individuals or were included in the
Southeast Region Headboat Survey, and make up less than ten percent of
permit holders (This definition differs from the NMFS definition.)
There were 172 headboats identified, of which 51 percent (or 87
vessels) operated within Florida (Souza & Liese, 2019).
The summary provided here is for federally permitted for-hire
vessels. In 2017 (from September to October) 1,166 charter vessels were
identified to have active permits in the South Atlantic of which 29
percent reported they had not taken a trip within the past year,
yielding 828 active charter vessels in the South Atlantic. Within the
Gulf of Mexico, 956 charter vessels were identified with 24 percent of
vessels reporting they were not active within the last year. Only
active vessels would be affected by this proposed rule (Souza & Liese,
2019). There are 828 charter vessels associated with the South Atlantic
that may be affected and 727 charter vessels that may be affected
within the Gulf of Mexico.
The maximum average annual gross revenue for a headboat in the
South Atlantic in 2017 was about $779,100. On average, annual gross
revenue for charter vessels is less than half of that for headboats, so
it is assumed that the maximum annual gross revenue for charter vessels
in the South Atlantic is less than $779,100 (85 FR 43135; July 16,
2020). As of 2018, annual average gross revenue was estimated to be
approximately $89,600 for for-hire charter vessels in the Gulf of
Mexico (85 FR 43135; July 16, 2020). In 2017, the maximum annual gross
revenue for a single headboat in the Gulf of Mexico was about $1.3
million, so it was assumed that the maximum annual gross revenue for a
single charter vessel was less than $1.3 million (85 FR 45363; July 28,
2020). The annual average revenue for headboats in the southeast region
(i.e., Gulf of Mexico and South Atlantic) was approximately $701,500
(Souza & Liese, 2019). Because all for-hire fishing businesses are
considered small entities, it was assumed that the proposed rule would
affect a substantial number of small entities.
ii. Significance of Economic Effects on Small Entities
Profitability: Do the regulations significantly reduce profits for
a substantial number of small entities?
The average trip revenue including labor for South Atlantic
charters is $554, for Gulf of Mexico charters it is $781 and for the
southeast headboat it is $1,815. The average number of passengers are
4.7, 5.5 and 28.2, respectively (Souza & Liese, 2019). However, the
proposed zones are small and headboat fishing is not dependent upon
specific species being harvested, even if passengers may have a target
in mind.
It was estimated that the average annual mean effort of person-
trips from charter vessels from 2014-2018 is 117,119 (MRIP, 2020). As a
result of the proposed rule, up to 424 days of person activity (or 0.36
percent) may be lost. The trips lost are associated with the South
Atlantic, and may result in a total of roughly $50,000 revenue lost on
average each year (average trip revenue*number of lost person-days/
average number of people per trip in the South Atlantic). The
distribution of this loss is not known. It is likely that both charter
operations and passengers will adapt to locations outside of the
targeted marine zones with the targeted fish or catch other species. A
significant reduction in profits for a substantial number of small
entities is not expected from the proposed rule.
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c. Non-Consumptive Recreation Industry
This section considers the number of small businesses operating
within the non-consumptive recreation industry and the potential
effects on those businesses. Businesses considered within this industry
include dive and snorkeling operations, rental equipment operations,
wildlife viewing operations and other businesses that either utilize or
whose customers utilize sanctuary resources, but do not take resources.
i. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities to Which
the Proposed Action Would Apply
There are currently thirty recognized Blue Star dive/snorkeling
operators (M. Tumolo, Pers. Comm. 2021). However, this number should be
viewed as a minimum and it regularly changes as operations close and
other operators sign up for the program. The exact number of dive and
snorkeling operations is not known as many of these small businesses do
not operate from brick and mortar locations. Further, using Trip
Advisor, there were several operations identified for other watersports
(Table 5). The table does not reflect the unique number of businesses,
as those that provide multiple services may be identified in multiple
rows. Utilizing NAICS code 487210 (scenic and sightseeing
transportation), the U.S. Census identifies 73 establishments in 2017
in Monroe County, Florida (U.S. Census, 2021b).
Table 5--Number of Operations by Watersport
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of
Watersport operations
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Kayak/Canoe............................................. 73
Stand-Up Paddle boarding................................ 44
Waterskiing & Jet skiing................................ 28
Parasailing & Paragliding............................... 16
Rafting & Tubing........................................ 2
Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing...................... 10
Speed boating........................................... 5
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Source: Trip Advisor, 2021.
Based upon site knowledge, these non-consumptive businesses are
believed to be small entities, it is assumed that this proposed rule
would affect a substantial number of small entities.
ii. Significance of Economic Effects on Small Entities
Profitability: Do the regulations significantly reduce profits for
a substantial number of small entities?
Although some of the proposed marine zone boundary changes will
affect activity, the majority of zones that limit activity are small.
The Conservation Areas will see an increase of 49.3 square kilometers
being converted to transit only areas. Ecological Reserves and Special
Use Areas under current regulations will be renamed Conservation Areas
under the proposed rule. Further, 46.5 square kilometers are located in
the Tortugas South Conservation Area, and are not frequented often by
operations because the area only allows transit, this means only 2.8
square kilometers of Conservation Areas are likely to affect non-
consumptive recreation businesses. Tortugas North Conservation Area
allows activity if the user has an access permit.
The Restoration Areas--Nursery, a new type of zone, are all roughly
a half square kilometer or less in size. This new zone type results in
an additional 2.4 square kilometers being added as transit only areas.
Lastly, Wildlife Management Areas may vary in regulations from idle
speed, no wake, no motor, and no entry. In total, 4.0 square kilometers
of area will be converted or expanded to Wildlife Management Areas. The
smallest zone proposed is 0.001 square kilometers and the largest zone
change was 0.56 square kilometers in size.
Estimates on revenue, costs and profitability of non-consumptive
business are not available. However, the zone changes being proposed,
except for Tortugas South Conservation Area (46.5 sq. km) and Tennessee
Reef Conservation Area (1.8 sq. km) are all roughly a half square
kilometer or less. Further, these additional protections will help to
conserve and sustain resources to ensure the future health of the
individual reefs and consequently the larger reef tract to ensure its
existence and use of FKNMS to support businesses.
Further, some of the zones and/or expanded areas of the zones are
proposed to be no anchor. This may affect small businesses if there is
not a sufficient number of mooring buoys available. In addition to the
marine zone boundary changes, the proposed sanctuary wide regulation
requires vessels 65 feet in length or greater to use a large vessel
mooring buoy may affect non-consumptive recreation entities. However,
as part of the management action, the site plans to work with the
Sanctuary Advisory Council to determine the number and locations where
large vessel moorings are needed. The intent of these regulations is
primarily to protect sensitive reef habitat by building better
infrastructure to support access to these areas. As a result of the
information above, a significant reduction in profits for a substantial
number of small entities is not expected as a result of the proposed
rule.
d. Sanctuary Wide and Marine Zone Regulations
Due to the lack of quantitative data on the number of businesses
directly affected by the proposed rule and their levels of revenues,
costs, and profits from their activities within the sanctuary, the
analysis provided here is qualitative. The types of small entities that
may be impacted by the proposed rule include cruise lines, non-
consumptive and consumptive recreational charter businesses, and
commercial fishing businesses.
In this analysis, NOAA concluded that the impacts to small business
entities that were analyzed would be no effect or negligible. No effect
means that the proposed action would have no impact to small entities,
and negligible means that the proposed rule would cause less than 1
percent change to small businesses and no likely impact to revenue,
costs, and profits.
i. Discharge Regulation Exception
The costs to cruise ship businesses are minimal to non-existent
since they can discharge once outside sanctuary boundaries.
Additionally, cruise ships are limited to the Key West ship channel and
spend little time transiting the sanctuary. Any costs associated with
the discharge regulations would be minor compared to overall costs of
operating a cruise ship.
ii. Temporary Regulation for Emergency and Adaptive Management
Temporary regulations allow the sanctuary to prevent or minimize
the destruction of, loss of, or injury to sanctuary resources or the
quality of the resources upon which many small businesses (e.g.,
commercial fishing, consumptive recreational charters, dive operations)
rely. Potential costs include temporary displacement of activities from
the initiation of the temporary regulation. But in the short-term,
substitution or re-location of activities will most likely be available
and short-term disruption to activity would be minimal. There would be
no long-term costs associated with each temporary regulation, but
future temporary regulations would have costs similar to the short-term
costs associated with disruption of activity. Although these proposed
regulations may result in short-term costs to small entities, they
[[Page 42835]]
are expected to provide large net benefits to small entities in the
long-term through improved resource conditions. The effect of this
proposed rule on small entities would be negligible.
iii. Historical Resources Permitting
The revised historical resources permitting system would eliminate
deaccession/transfer permits, thereby removing the ability of
individuals to take private possession of historic resources. This will
not have any economic effects because the sanctuary has never issued
any such permits. This proposed rule would have no effect on small
entities.
iv. Fish Feeding
The fish feeding regulation would not apply to feeding for the
purpose of harvesting marine species during traditional fishing. There
are very few non-consumptive recreational operations in FKNMS that
conduct fish feeding activities. There is a lack of data on how fish
feeding activities generate revenue for small businesses. Existing eco-
tour operators may seek an ONMS permit for fish feeding if they are
able to satisfy all general permit application requirements and review
criteria, which would serve to mitigate any costs associated with the
proposed rule. This proposed rule would have negligible effects on
small entities.
v. Grounded and Deserted Vessels, and Harmful Matter
The grounding or desertion of vessels is not essential to the
operations of any type of small entity in the sanctuary. Additionally,
any costs to small entities to remove derelict and/or abandoned vessels
are minimal compared to their liability if the derelict or abandoned
vessel damages sanctuary resources or damage assessment cases are
brought against those who damage sanctuary resources. The proposed rule
would have negligible effects on small entities.
vi. Large Vessel Mooring Buoys
In conjunction with this regulation, NOAA will work with user
groups to ensure that an adequate number of large vessel mooring buoys
are available and sited at appropriate locations. Accordingly, this
proposed rule would have no effect on small entities.
vii. Prohibition of Catch and Release Fishing by Trolling in Four
Sanctuary Preservation Areas
The proposed regulation only applies to catch and release fishing,
so commercial fishing operations would not be impacted. Isolating the
effects of the regulation to specific charter fishing businesses is not
possible given the spatial limitations of the data available. However,
the spatial extent of the SPAs where this activity is currently allowed
is small and any costs to small entities are likely to be offset by
spatial substitution to similar areas nearby. Accordingly, costs to
small entities would be negligible.
viii. Bait Fishing Permits
The FKNMS baitfish permit database does not contain information on
businesses affiliated with permit holders. However, it is assumed that
some of these permit holders use baitfish catch for either commercial
fishing operations or charter fishing operations. Estimated average
annual replacement costs per active permit holder (i.e., those who
reported using the permit at least once) are $684 for lampara net
fishers, between $815 and $1304 for cast net fishers, and between $94
and $150 for hair hook fishers. These estimates represent maximum
potential replacement costs, as they do not account for the likelihood
of spatial substitution away from the relatively small SPAs.
Additionally, from 2015-2019, there were only 3 lampara net permit
holders, 26 active cast net permit holders, and 5 active hair hook
permit holders. The proposed rule would not affect a substantial number
of small commercial fishing or charter fishing entities.
ix. Tortugas North Access Permits
This proposed regulation is an administrative change that would
result in no costs to small entities.
e. Summary of Findings
i. Description of the Projected Reporting, Record-Keeping and Other
Compliance Requirements of the Proposed Rule, Including an Estimate of
the Classes of Small Entities Which Will be Subject to the Requirement
and the Type of Professional Skills Necessary for the Preparation of
the Report or Records
The proposed regulatory action would not establish any new
reporting or record-keeping requirements.
ii. Identification of All Relevant Federal Rules, Which May Duplicate,
Overlap or Conflict With the Proposed Rule
No duplicative, overlapping, or conflicting federal rules have been
identified.
iii. Description of Significant Alternatives to the Proposed Action and
Discussion of How the Alternatives Attempt To Minimize Economic Impacts
on Small Entities
This proposed rule, if implemented, is not expected to reduce the
profits of any small businesses directly regulated by this proposed
rule. This is in part due to the potential for substitution of location
for activities and that the proposed rule is informed by and responsive
to comments from the potentially impacted user groups (e.g., two
specific marine zones included in the DEIS are not included in the
proposed rule due, in part, to comments from lobster fishermen
regarding their expected maximum potential loss of access and use). As
a result, the issue of significant alternatives is not relevant.
f. Conclusion of Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
This proposed regulatory action, if implemented, is not expected to
reduce the profits of any small businesses directly regulated by this
proposed rule. As a result, the issue of significant alternatives is
not relevant. The proposed regulatory action would not establish any
new reporting or record-keeping requirements. No duplicative,
overlapping, or conflicting federal rules have been identified. The
Chief Counsel for Regulation of the Department of Commerce certifies
that this proposed rule would not have a significant economic impact on
a substantial number of small entities.
7. Paperwork Reduction Act
The existing FKNMS regulations contain a collection-of-information
requirement for persons making an application for a permit. This
collection of information is subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act
(PRA), approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), under
control number 0648-0141 (expires November 30, 2024), for collection-
of-information for reporting and recordkeeping requirements under 15
CFR part 922. This proposed rule would not increase or otherwise revise
the existing paperwork burdens.
The public reporting burden for national marine sanctuary general
permit applications is estimated to average 1 hour 30 minutes per
application, including the time for reviewing the application
instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and
maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the
collection of information. For special use permits, a collection-of-
[[Page 42836]]
information requirement is necessary to determine whether the proposed
activities are consistent with the terms and conditions of special use
permits prescribed by the NMSA. The public reporting burden for this
collection of information is estimated to average eight (8) hours per
response (application, annual report, and financial report), including
the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources,
gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing
the collection of information. The current OMB-approved collection-of-
information requirement also includes other types of permits that may
be issued by FKNMS, such as Tortugas North access permits,
authorization permits, and certification permits. The estimates set
forth in the OMB approval do not include additional time that may be
required should the applicant be required to provide information to
NOAA for the preparation of documentation that may be required under
NEPA (16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.).
NOAA does not expect that this proposed rule would appreciably
change the average annual number of respondents or the reporting burden
for the information requirements supporting general or special use
permits, authorization permits, or certification permits because
sanctuary boundaries, marine zones, and regulations are not being
modified in such a way that a significant number of new permits would
be expected or required. Uses that require permits are anticipated to
continue with similar frequencies as current operations. NOAA believes
that the proposed regulations do not necessitate a modification to its
information collection approval by the Office of Management and Budget
under the Paperwork Reduction Act. However, an increase in the number
of ONMS permit requests would require a change to the reporting burden
certified for OMB control number 0648-0141. While not expected, if such
permit requests do increase, an update to this control number for the
processing of ONMS permits would be requested.
Comments regarding this burden estimate, or any other aspect of
this data collection, including suggestions for reducing the burden,
may be sent to NOAA (see ADDRESSES above) and to the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) by email to [email protected] or
fax to (202) 395-7285. Before an agency submits a collection-of-
information to OMB for approval, the agency shall provide 60-day notice
in the Federal Register, and otherwise consult with members of the
public and affected agencies concerning each proposed collection of
information, to solicit comments to:
(i) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency,
including whether the information will have practical utility;
(ii) Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden
of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
(iii) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information
to be collected; and
(iv) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic
submission of responses.
8. National Historic Preservation Act
The National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA; 54 U.S.C. 300101 et
seq.) is intended to preserve historical and archaeological sites in
the United States of America. The NHPA created the National Register of
Historic Places, the list of National Historic Landmarks, and the State
Historic Preservation Offices. Section 106 of the NHPA requires Federal
agencies to take into account the effects of their undertakings on
historic properties, and afford the Advisory Council on Historic
Preservation (ACHP) a reasonable opportunity to comment. The review
process mandated by Section 106 is outlined in regulations issued by
the ACHP (36 CFR part 800 \14\).
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In coordinating its responsibilities under Section 106 of the NHPA
with release of the 2019 DEIS, NOAA solicited for and identified
potential consulting parties, identified historic properties in the
area of potential effects, and assessed the effects of the undertaking
on such properties in consultations with those identified parties. NOAA
received official comment letters from the Florida State Historic
Preservation Officer, the Seminole Tribe of Florida, non-governmental
organizations, associations, sanctuary historical resource permittees,
and other interested members of the public. Pursuant to 36 CFR 800.16
\15\(1)(1), the term ``historic property'' means: ``any prehistoric or
historic district, site, building, structure or object included in, or
eligible for inclusion in, the National Register of Historic Places
maintained by the Secretary of the Interior.'' The term includes
``artifacts, records, and remains that are related to and located
within such properties'' as well as ``properties of traditional
religious and cultural importance to an Indian tribe . . . that meet
the National Register criteria.'' Responses to comments received on the
2019 DEIS, this proposed rule, and the Section 106 consultation will be
published in the Final Environmental Impact Statement and in the final
rule. NOAA intends to contact the Florida State Historic Preservation
Officer and the Seminole Tribe of Florida to continue NHPA Section 106
consultation based on this proposed rule and revised draft management
plan. NOAA also invites additional comments from consulting parties or
other interested parties on the effects to historic properties from
this proposed rule.
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Once this rule is final, NOAA will continue coordination with SHPO,
ACHP, and other consulting parties to finalize the draft Programmatic
Agreement under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act
regarding Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Operations,
Management, and Permitting, which is a separate effort from this
proposed rule.
9. Coastal Zone Management Act
Section 307 of the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA; 16 U.S.C.
1456) requires Federal agencies to conduct their activities in a manner
that is consistent to the maximum extent practicable with the
enforceable policies of a state's coastal management program if such
activities will affect any coastal uses or resources of the State. NOAA
provided copies of the DEIS to the State of Florida and requested that
the State identify any enforceable policies of its coastal management
program applicable to the proposed action. In compliance with the CZMA,
NOAA will prepare a consistency determination and submit it to the
State of Florida before publishing the final rule.
VI. Request for Comments
Comments are welcome on any and all aspects of the proposed rule,
and we request any data that may further inform impacts of the proposed
action.
List of Subjects in 15 CFR Part 922
Administrative practice and procedure, Coastal zone, Fishing gear,
Incorporation by reference, Marine
[[Page 42837]]
resources, Natural resources, Penalties, Recreation and recreation
areas, Wildlife.
Paul M. Scholz
Acting Assistant Administrator for Ocean Services and Coastal Zone
Management, National Ocean Service.
Accordingly, for the reasons set forth above, NOAA is proposing to
amend 15 CFR part 922 (as amended by 87 FR 29606, May 13, 2002; delayed
at 87 FR 37729, June 24, 2022) as follows:
PART 922--NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY PROGRAM REGULATIONS
0
1. The authority citation for part 922 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.
Subpart P also issued under Public Law 101-605.
0
2. Revise subpart P to read as follows:
Subpart P--Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Sec.
922.160 Purpose.
922.161 Boundary.
922.162 Definitions.
922.163 Prohibited activities--Sanctuary-wide.
922.164 Additional activity regulations by designated sanctuary
area.
922.165 Temporary regulation for emergency and adaptive management.
922.166 National Marine Sanctuary permitting--General permits,
special use permits, and authorizations.
922.167 National Marine Sanctuary permitting--Certifications.
922.168-922.178 [Reserved]
922.179 Incorporation by reference.
Appendix A to Subpart P of Part 922--Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary Boundary Coordinates
Appendix B to Subpart P of Part 922--Areas To Be Avoided Boundary
Coordinates
Appendix C to Subpart P of Part 922--Management Areas Boundary
Coordinates
Appendix D to Subpart P of Part 922--National Wildlife Refuges
Boundary Coordinates
Appendix E to Subpart P of Part 922--Wildlife Management Areas
Boundary Coordinates and Access Restrictions
Appendix F to Subpart P of Part 922--Sanctuary Preservation Areas
Boundary Coordinates
Appendix G to Subpart P of Part 922--Conservation Areas Boundary
Coordinates
Appendix H to Subpart P of Part 922--Restoration Areas--Habitat
Boundary Coordinates
Appendix I to Subpart P of Part 922--Restoration Areas--Nursery
Boundary Coordinates
Appendix J to Subpart P of Part 922--Revised Designation Document
for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Sec. 922.160 Purpose.
(a) The purpose of the regulations in this subpart is to implement
the comprehensive management plan for the Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary by regulating activities affecting the resources of the
sanctuary or any of the qualities, values, or purposes for which the
sanctuary is designated, in order to protect, preserve, and manage the
conservation, ecological, recreational, research, educational,
historical, and aesthetic resources and qualities of the area. In
particular, the regulations in this subpart are intended to protect,
restore, and enhance the living resources of the sanctuary, contribute
to the maintenance of natural assemblages of living resources for
future generations, provide places for species dependent on such living
resources to survive and propagate, facilitate to the extent compatible
with the primary objective of resource protection all public and
private uses of the resources of the sanctuary not prohibited under
other authorities, reduce conflicts between such compatible uses, and
achieve the other policies and purposes of the Florida Keys National
Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act and the National Marine Sanctuaries
Act.
(b) Section 304(e) of the NMSA requires the Secretary to review
management plans and regulations every five years, and make necessary
revisions. Upon completion of the five-year review of the sanctuary
management plan and regulations, the Secretary will re-propose the
regulations in their entirety with any proposed changes thereto. The
Governor of the State of Florida will have the opportunity to review
the re-proposed regulations before they take effect and if the Governor
certifies any such regulation as unacceptable, it will not take effect
in State waters of the sanctuary.
Sec. 922.161 Boundary.
The sanctuary consists of an area of approximately 3622 square
nautical miles (nmi2) (4797 sq. mi.) of coastal and ocean waters, and
the submerged lands thereunder, surrounding the Florida Keys in
Florida. Appendix A to this subpart sets forth the precise sanctuary
boundary.
Sec. 922.162 Definitions.
(a) The following definitions apply to the Florida Keys National
Marine Sanctuary regulations. Other terms appearing in the regulations
in this part are defined at 15 CFR 922.11, and/or in the Marine
Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act (MRPSA), as amended, 33
U.S.C. 1401 et seq. and 16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq., and/or the Florida Keys
National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act, Public Law 101-605. To
the extent that a term appears in Sec. 922.11 and this section, the
definition in this section governs.
Acts means the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and
Protection Act, as amended, (FKNMSPA) (Pub. L. 101-605), and the
National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), also known as Title III of the
Marine Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act, as amended, (MPRSA)
(16 U.S.C. 1431 et seq.).
Adverse effect means any factor, force, or action that would
independently or cumulatively damage, diminish, degrade, impair,
destroy, or otherwise harm any sanctuary resource, as defined in
section 302(8) of the NMSA (16 U.S.C. 1432(8)) and in this section, or
any of those qualities, values, or purposes for which the sanctuary is
designated.
Airboat means a vessel operated by means of a motor driven
propeller that pushes air for momentum.
Anchoring means securing a vessel to the seabed by any means.
At risk of becoming derelict means a vessel when any of the
following conditions exist:
(1) The vessel is taking on or has taken on water without an
effective means to dewater;
(2) Spaces on the vessel that are designed to be enclosed are
incapable of being sealed off or remain open to the elements;
(3) The vessel has broken loose or is in danger of breaking loose
from its anchor or mooring;
(4) The vessel is left or stored aground unattended in such a state
that would prevent the vessel from getting underway, is listing due to
water intrusion, or is sunk or partially sunk; or
(5) The vessel does not have an effective means of propulsion for
safe navigation within 72 hours after the vessel owner or operator
receives telephonic or written notice, which may be provided by
facsimile, electronic mail, or other electronic means, stating such
from the Director, and the vessel owner or operator is unable to
provide a receipt, proof of purchase, or other documentation of having
arranged for vessel repair.
Conservation Area means an area of the sanctuary that provides
natural spawning, nursery, and residence areas for the replenishment
and genetic protection of marine life, and protects and preserves
groups of habitats and species, within which activities are
[[Page 42838]]
subject to conditions, restrictions and prohibitions to achieve these
objectives. These areas consist of contiguous, diverse habitats,
protect a variety of sanctuary resources and/or facilitate scientific
research that promotes sanctuary management or recovery of sanctuary
resources. Appendix G to this subpart sets forth the geographic
coordinates of these areas.
Continuous transit without interruption means a vessel must keep
traveling through a designated area and fishing by any means is
prohibited. However, fish, invertebrates, and marine plants may be
possessed aboard a vessel if such organisms have not been harvested or
removed from within the designated area. Any organisms must be stowed
in a cabin, locker, or similar storage area prior to entering and
during transit through a designated area, and any gear used to harvest
such organisms must not be available for immediate use, as defined in
this section, when entering and during transit through the designated
area.
Coral means but is not limited to the corals of the Class Hydrozoa
(stinging and hydrocorals); Class Anthozoa, Subclass Hexacorallia,
Order Scleractinia (stony corals); Class Anthozoa, Subclass
Ceriantipatharia, Order Antipatharia (black corals); and Class
Anthozoa, Subclass Ocotocorallia, Order Gorgonacea, species Gorgonia
ventalina and Gorgonia flabellum (sea fans).
Coral reefs means hardbottoms, patch reefs, mid-channel reefs, and
all parts of the reef tract.
Deserting means leaving a vessel aground or adrift without
notification to the Director of the vessel going aground or becoming
adrift within 24 hours of leaving it and, having failed to salvage it,
without developing and presenting to the Director a preliminary salvage
plan within 72 hours of such notification, or when the owner/operator
cannot after reasonable efforts by the Director be reached within 24
hours of the vessel's condition being reported to authorities; or
leaving a vessel at anchor when its condition creates potential for a
grounding, discharge, or deposit as determined by NOAA or Florida and
the owner/operator fails to secure the vessel within the time
prescribed by NOAA or Florida.
Diving means when a person is wholly or partially submerged in the
water and is equipped with a face mask, face mask and snorkel, or
underwater breathing apparatus.
Exotic species means any species whose natural zoogeographic range
would not have included the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean, or
Gulf of Mexico without passive or active introduction to such area
through anthropogenic means.
Feeding means offering, giving, or attempting to give any food or
other substance to fish, including sharks, or other marine species,
except for the purpose of harvesting marine species during traditional
fishing as defined in this section.
Hardbottom means a submerged marine community comprised of
organisms attached to solid rock substrate. Hardbottom is the substrate
to which corals may attach but does not include the corals themselves.
Idle speed no wake means that a vessel must proceed at a speed no
greater than that which will maintain steerageway and headway and which
does not cause a visible wake. At no time is any vessel required to
proceed so slowly that the operator is unable to maintain control over
the vessel or any other vessel or object that it has under tow.
Large vessel means a vessel greater than 65' length, or the
combined lengths of two or more vessels if, when tied together, the
vessels would be greater than 65' length.
Length means the straight line horizontal measurement of the
overall length from the foremost part of the boat to the aftermost part
of the boat, measured from end to end over the deck excluding sheer,
and measured parallel to the centerline. Bow sprits, bumpkins, rudders,
outboard motor brackets, handles, and other similar fittings,
attachments, and extensions are not included in the measurement.
Live rock means any living marine organism or an assemblage thereof
and the hard substrate to which it is attached, including hard bottom,
dead coral, rock, banks, or reefs, but not individual mollusk shells
(e.g., scallops, clams, oysters). Such attached living marine organisms
may include, but are not limited to: sea anemones (Phylum Cnidaria:
Class Anthozoa: Order Actiniaria); sponges (Phylum Porifera); tube
worms (Phylum Annelida), including fan worms, feather duster worms, and
Christmas tree worms; bryozoans (Phylum Bryozoa); sea squirts (Phylum
Chordata); and marine algae, including Mermaid's fan and cups (Udotea
spp.), coralline algae, green feather and green grape algae (Caulerpa
spp.), and watercress (Halimeda spp.).
Marine life species means any species of fish, invertebrate, or
plant designated as restricted species in subsections (2), (3), and (4)
of F.A.C. 68B-42.001 (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 922.179).
Military activity means an activity conducted by the Department of
Defense with or without participation by foreign forces, other than
civil engineering and other civil works projects conducted by the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers.
No anchor means securing a vessel to the seabed by any means is
prohibited.
No anchor by vessels 50m length means securing a vessel
greater than 50 meters (164 feet) length to the seabed by any means is
prohibited.
No entry means all vessels and all persons are prohibited from
entering the area.
No motor means the use of internal combustion motors is prohibited.
A vessel with an internal combustion motor may access a no motor zone
only through the use of a push pole, paddle, sail, electric motor, or
similar means of operation, but is prohibited from using its internal
combustion motor.
Not available for immediate use means not readily accessible for
immediate use, e.g., by being stowed unbaited in a cabin, locker, rod
holder, or similar storage area, or by being securely covered and
lashed to a deck or bulkhead.
Officially marked channel means a channel marked by Federal, State
of Florida, or Monroe County officials of competent jurisdiction with
navigational aids.
Personal watercraft means any jet or air-powered watercraft
operated by standing, sitting, or kneeling on or behind the vessel, in
contrast to a conventional boat where the operator stands or sits
inside the vessel, and that uses an inboard engine to power a water jet
pump for propulsion, instead of a propeller as in a conventional boat.
Prop dredging means the use of a vessel's propulsion wash to dredge
or otherwise alter the seabed. Prop dredging includes, but is not
limited to, the use of propulsion wash deflectors or similar means of
dredging or otherwise altering the seabed. Prop dredging does not
include the disturbance to bottom sediments resulting from normal
vessel propulsion.
Prop scarring means the injury to seagrasses or other immobile
organisms attached to the seabed caused by operation of a vessel in a
manner that allows its propeller or other running gear, or any part
thereof, to cause such injury (e.g., cutting seagrass rhizomes).
Residential shoreline means any human-made or natural shoreline,
canal mouth, basin, or cove, when any of these features are adjacent to
any residential land use district, including: improved subdivision,
suburban residential or suburban residential limited, sparsely settled,
urban
[[Page 42839]]
residential, and urban residential mobile home under the Monroe County
land development regulations.
Restoration Area means an area of the sanctuary that supports
species or habitat recovery, including protection for restoration sites
(referred to as Restoration Areas--Habitat) and short- and long-term
propagation nurseries (referred to as Restoration Areas--Nursery),
within which activities are subject to conditions, restrictions, and
prohibitions to achieve these objectives. Appendices H and I to this
subpart set forth the geographic coordinates of these areas.
Sanctuary means the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.
Sanctuary Preservation Area means an area of the sanctuary that
encompasses a discrete, biologically important area, within which
activities are subject to conditions, restrictions, and prohibitions,
to avoid concentrations of uses that could result in significant
declines in species populations or habitat, to reduce conflicts between
uses, to protect areas that are critical for sustaining important
marine species or habitats, or to provide opportunities for scientific
research. Appendix F to this subpart sets forth the geographic
coordinates of these areas.
Tank vessel means a vessel that is constructed or adapted to carry,
or that carries, oil or hazardous material in bulk as cargo or cargo
residue, and that--
(1) Is a vessel of the United States;
(2) Operates on the navigable waters of the United States; or
(3) Transfers oil or hazardous material in a port or place subject
to the jurisdiction of the United States (46 U.S.C. 2101).
Traditional fishing means those commercial or recreational fishing
activities that were customarily conducted within the sanctuary prior
to its designation as identified in the 1996 FL Keys NMS FMP/EIS (Vol.
II) and Management Plan, pages 84-91 (incorporated by reference, see
Sec. 922.179).
Tropical fish means any species of fish designated as a restricted
species in F.A.C. 68B-42.001(2) and defined as tropical fish under
F.A.C. 68B-42.002(18) (incorporated by reference, see Sec. 922.179).
Wildlife Management Area means an area of the sanctuary in which
various access and use restrictions are applied to manage, protect,
preserve, and minimize disturbance to sanctuary wildlife resources,
including but not limited to endangered or threatened species, or the
habitats, special places, or conditions on which they rely. Appendix E
to this subpart lists these areas and their access and use
restrictions.
Sec. 922.163 Prohibited activities--Sanctuary-wide.
(a) Except as specified in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section,
the following activities are prohibited and thus are unlawful for any
person to conduct or to cause to be conducted:
(1) Mineral and hydrocarbon exploration, development and
production. Exploring for, developing, or producing minerals or
hydrocarbons within the sanctuary.
(2) Removal of, injury to, or possession of coral or live rock.
Moving, removing, harvesting, damaging, disturbing, touching, breaking,
cutting, otherwise injuring, or possessing, in or from the sanctuary,
any living or dead coral or coral formation, or live rock, or
attempting any of these activities, except as authorized by an
aquacultured live rock permit issued by the National Marine Fisheries
Service or a Florida Sovereignty Submerged Land Live Rock Aquaculture
Lease issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer
Services.
(3) Alteration of, or construction on, the seabed. Drilling into,
dredging, or otherwise altering the seabed of the sanctuary, or
engaging in prop-dredging; or constructing, placing, or abandoning any
structure, material, or other matter on or in the seabed of the
sanctuary, except as an incidental result of:
(i) Anchoring vessels in a manner not otherwise prohibited by this
subpart;
(ii) Traditional fishing activities not otherwise prohibited by
this subpart;
(iii) Installation and maintenance of navigational aids by, or
pursuant to valid authorization by, any Federal, State, or local
authority of competent jurisdiction;
(iv) Dredging within Key West Harbor, its approach channels, and
turning basins, only in Federally dredged areas in existence as of July
1, 1997;
(v) Construction, repair, replacement, or rehabilitation of minor
structures including docks, swim/observation platforms, floating vessel
platforms, boat ramps, boat notches, boat lifts, mooring piles,
seawalls, rip rap revetments, culverts, bulkheads, piers, or marinas
with less than ten slips authorized by any valid lease, permit,
license, approval, or other authorization issued by any Federal, State,
or local authority of competent jurisdiction; or
(vi) Placement of approved rock material pursuant to the terms and
conditions of an aquaculture live rock permit issued by the National
Marine Fisheries Service or a Florida Sovereignty Submerged Land Live
Rock Aquaculture Lease issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services.
(4) Discharge or deposit of materials or other matter. (i) Within
the boundary of the sanctuary, discharging or depositing any material
or other matter from a cruise ship, except cooling water;
(ii) Within the boundary of the sanctuary, discharging or
depositing any material or other matter from a vessel other than a
cruise ship, except:
(A) Fish, fish parts, chumming materials, or bait used or generated
incidental to and while conducting traditional fishing in the
sanctuary;
(B) Cooling water, deck washdown, and graywater, discharged in
compliance with 33 U.S.C. 1322 et seq. Vessels may not discharge oily
wastes from bilge pumping.
(iii) Beyond the boundary of the sanctuary, discharging or
depositing any material or other matter that subsequently enters the
sanctuary and injures a sanctuary resource or quality, except:
(A) Those listed in paragraphs (a)(4)(ii)(A) and (B) of this
section;
(B) Sewage from a vessel in compliance with United States Coast
Guard regulations at 33 CFR 159.7;
(C) Those authorized under Monroe County land use permits; or
(D) Those authorized under State of Florida permits.
(5) Operation of vessels. (i) Operating a vessel in such a manner
as to strike or otherwise injure coral, coral reefs, hardbottom,
seagrass, or any other immobile organism attached to the seabed,
including, but not limited to, operating a vessel in such a manner as
to cause prop-scarring.
(A) The owner and/or operator of any vessel that has been operated
in a manner described in paragraph (a)(5)(i) introductory text of this
section must notify the Director of such an event within 24 hours after
its occurrence. Unless otherwise prohibited or restricted by the United
States Coast Guard, the owner and/or operator must remove or cause the
removal of the vessel within 72 hours after the initial incident unless
the Director agrees that extenuating circumstances such as weather or
marine hazards would prevent safe removal of the vessel. The owner and/
or operator must remove or cause the removal of the vessel in a manner
that avoids injury to sanctuary resources and shall consult with the
Director in accomplishing this task.
(B) [Reserved].
(ii) Anchoring a vessel on living coral.
(iii) Except in officially marked channels, operating a vessel at a
speed greater than idle speed no wake within:
[[Page 42840]]
(A) An area designated as idle speed no wake;
(B) 300 feet (100 yards) of navigational aids indicating emergent
or shallow reefs (international diamond warning symbol);
(C) 300 feet (100 yards) of residential shorelines; or
(D) 300 feet (100 yards) of a stationary vessel.
(iv) Operating a vessel at a speed greater than idle speed no wake
less than 100 feet (33.3 yards) from a divers[hyphen]down flag on an
inlet or navigation channel; or less than 300 feet (100 yards) from a
divers-down flag on all waters other than inlets and navigation
channels.
(v) Operating a vessel in such a manner as to injure wading,
roosting, or nesting birds, or marine mammals.
(vi) Operating a vessel in a manner that endangers life, limb,
marine resources, or property.
(vii) Having a marine sanitation device that is not secured in a
manner that prevents discharges or deposits of treated or untreated
sewage. Acceptable methods include, but are not limited to, all methods
that have been approved by the United States Coast Guard.
(viii) Anchoring, mooring, or occupying a vessel at risk of
becoming derelict, or deserting a vessel aground, at anchor, moored, or
adrift in the sanctuary.
(ix) Leaving harmful matter aboard a grounded or deserted vessel in
the sanctuary.
(x) Tying a large vessel to a mooring buoy not specifically
designated for large vessels, or tying a vessel other than a large
vessel to a mooring buoy specifically designated for large vessels.
(6) Conduct of diving/snorkeling without a flag. Diving or
snorkeling without displaying a divers-down flag from the highest point
of the vessel or such other location from which the visibility of the
divers-down flag is not obstructed in any direction.
(i) Divers must stay within 100 feet (33.3 yards) of the
divers[hyphen]down flag on inlets and navigation channels.
(ii) Divers must stay within 300 feet (100 yards) of the
divers[hyphen]down flag on all waters in the sanctuary other than
rivers, inlets, and navigation channels.
(7) Release of exotic species. Introducing or releasing any exotic
species into the sanctuary.
(8) Damage or removal of markers. Marking, defacing, or damaging in
any way or displacing, removing, or tampering with any official
markers, signs, notices, or placards, whether temporary or permanent,
or with any navigational aids, monuments, stakes, posts, mooring buoys,
boundary buoys, trap buoys, or scientific equipment.
(9) Movement of, removal of, injury to, or possession of sanctuary
historical resources. Moving, removing, injuring, or possessing, or
attempting to move, remove, injure, or possess, a sanctuary historical
resource.
(10) Conduct of prohibited activities under the MMPA, ESA, and
MBTA. Conducting any activity that is prohibited under the Marine
Mammal Protection Act, as amended, (MMPA), 16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq., the
Endangered Species Act, as amended, (ESA), 16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq., or
the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as amended, (MBTA) 16 U.S.C. 703 et
seq., except as authorized under those statutes.
(11) Possession or use of explosives or electrical charges.
Possessing, using, or releasing explosives or electrical charges within
the sanctuary, except powerheads and distress signaling devices when
necessary and proper for safety.
(12) Harvest or possession of marine life species. Harvesting,
fishing for, possessing, or landing any marine life species, or part
thereof, in or from the sanctuary, except as authorized by a valid
State of Florida license or exemption.
(13) Interference with law enforcement. Interfering with,
obstructing, delaying, or preventing an investigation, a boarding, a
search, a seizure, or the disposition of seized property in connection
with enforcement of the Acts or any regulation or permit issued under
the Acts.
(14) Fish feeding. Attracting or feeding fish, including sharks, or
other marine species from any vessel and/or while diving. Attracting or
feeding does not include using bait or chum when conducting traditional
fishing.
(b) Exemption for Military Activities.(1) The prohibitions in
paragraph (a) of this section and Sec. 922.164 do not apply to
existing classes of military activities that were conducted prior to
the effective date of these regulations, as identified in the 2022
Final Environmental Impact Statement and Management Plan (for
availability, see http://www.floridakeys.noaa.gov) for the sanctuary.
New military activities in the sanctuary may be exempted from the
prohibitions in paragraph (a) of this section and in Sec. 922.164 by
the Director after consultation between the Director and the Department
of Defense.
(2) In the event of threatened or actual destruction of, loss of,
or injury to a sanctuary resource or quality, including but not limited
to spills and groundings caused by the Department of Defense, the
cognizant component of the Department of Defense shall promptly
coordinate with the Director for the purpose of taking appropriate
actions to prevent, respond to, or mitigate the harm and, if possible,
restore or replace the sanctuary resource or quality.
(c) Exemption for Law Enforcement. The following prohibitions do
not apply to Federal, State, or local officers while performing
enforcement duties in their official capacities or responding to
emergencies that threaten life, property, or the environment:
(1) Those contained in paragraphs (a)(2), (a)(5), and (a)(8)
through (a)(12) of this section;
(2) Those contained in paragraph (a)(4), except that all discharges
of sewage must be in compliance with United States Coast Guard
regulations at 33 CFR 159.7;
(3) Those contained in Sec. 922.164(b)(1), (2) and (4); and
(4) Those contained in Sec. 922.164(d) through (h).
(d) In no event may the Director issue a permit, including a
certification or authorization, under Sec. 922.10, subpart D of this
part, Sec. 922.166, or Sec. 922.167 authorizing, or otherwise
approving, the exploration for, leasing, development, or production of
minerals or hydrocarbons within the sanctuary, the disposal of dredged
material within the sanctuary other than in connection with beach
renourishment or sanctuary restoration projects, or the discharge of
untreated or primary treated sewage, and any purported authorizations
issued by other authorities for any of these activities within the
sanctuary shall be invalid.
Sec. 922.164 Additional activity regulations by designated sanctuary
area.
In addition to the prohibitions set forth in Sec. 922.163, which
apply throughout the sanctuary, the following regulations apply with
respect to activities conducted within the sanctuary areas described in
this section and in appendices B through I to this subpart.
(a) Areas to be avoided. Operating a tank vessel or a vessel
greater than 50 meters (164 feet) in length, or towing vessel(s),
equipment, or materials such that the combined length of the tow vessel
and all towed vessels, equipment, or materials is greater than 50
meters, is prohibited in all areas to be avoided, except if such vessel
is a public vessel and its operation is essential for national defense,
law enforcement, or responses to emergencies that threaten life,
property, or the environment. Appendix B to this subpart sets forth the
[[Page 42841]]
geographic coordinates of these areas, which are established under
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act, Public Law
101-605 and International Maritime Organization advisory SN/Circ. 145.
(b) Key Largo and Looe Key Management Areas. The following
activities are prohibited within the Key Largo and Looe Key Management
Areas described in appendix C to this subpart:
(1) Removing, collecting, damaging, harming, breaking, cutting,
spearing, or similarly injuring, or possessing, in or from the
management area, any coral or other marine invertebrate, or any plant,
soil, rock, or other material, except that commercial harvesting of
spiny lobster and stone crab by trap and recreational harvesting of
spiny lobster by hand or by hand gear is allowed if consistent with the
regulations in this part and regulations under the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
(2) Collecting or harvesting tropical fish.
(3) Fishing with wire fish traps, bottom trawls, dredges, fish
sleds, or similar vessel-towed or anchored bottom fishing gear or nets.
(4) Fishing with, carrying, or possessing pole spears, air rifles,
bows and arrows, slings, Hawaiian slings, rubber powered arbaletes,
pneumatic and spring-loaded guns, or similar devices known as
spearguns.
(c) Great White Heron and Key West National Wildlife Refuges.
Operating a personal watercraft, operating an airboat, water skiing,
and landing recreational aircraft are prohibited within the Great White
Heron and Key West National Wildlife Refuges (described in appendix D
to this subpart), except that operating a personal watercraft is
allowed in six areas described in appendix D.
(d) Wildlife Management Areas. Appendix E to this subpart sets
forth the geographic coordinates of Wildlife Management Areas. The
following access and use restrictions apply in individual Wildlife
Management Areas. Certain exceptions from the access and use
restrictions are also provided. All restrictions apply year-round
unless specified.
Table 1 to Paragraph (d)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wildlife management area Access and use restriction
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barnes-Card Sound Wildlife Management No motor.
Area.
Crocodile Lake Wildlife Management Area No entry within 300 feet (100
yards) of shorelines.
Exceptions: Steamboat Creek.
Eastern Lake Surprise Wildlife Idle speed no wake.
Management Area.
No entry within 300 feet (100
yards) of the northern half of
the shoreline.
No entry in the canal and basin
on the southeast side.
Whitmore Bight Wildlife Management Area No motor.
Pelican Key Wildlife Management Area... No entry.
Dove and Rodriguez Keys Wildlife No motor.
Management Area.
Pigeon Key Wildlife Management Area.... No entry.
Tavernier Key Wildlife Management Area. No motor and no anchor.
Exceptions:
Tavernier Creek.
Unnamed channel to
the northeast of Tavernier
Creek.
Snake Creek Wildlife Management Area... No motor.
Exceptions:
Snake Creek.
Three channels
providing access to Windley
Key.
Cotton Key Wildlife Management Area.... No motor.
Ashbey-Horseshoe Key Wildlife No entry.
Management Area.
Channel Key Banks Wildlife Management Idle speed no wake.
Area.
Exceptions:
Channel Key Pass.
Marathon Oceanside Shoreline Wildlife Idle speed no wake.
Management Area.
Exceptions:
Ten channels
providing access to
Marathon.
Red Bay Bank Wildlife Management Area.. Idle speed no wake.
East Bahia Honda Key Wildlife No motor.
Management Area.
West Bahia Honda Key Wildlife No motor.
Management Area.
Horseshoe Keys Wildlife Management Area No entry.
Little Pine Key Mangrove Wildlife No entry.
Management Area.
Water Key Mangroves Wildlife Management No entry.
Area.
Howe Key Mangrove Wildlife Management No entry.
Area.
East Content Keys and Upper Harbor Key Idle speed no wake in all tidal
Flats Wildlife Management Area. creeks and shallow flats.
No entry around Upper Harbor
Key.
West Content Keys Wildlife Management Idle speed no wake in the
Area. eastern tidal creek.
No entry in the western cove.
Torch Key Mangroves Wildlife Management No entry.
Area.
Northeast Tarpon Belly Keys Wildlife No motor.
Management Area.
Crane Key Wildlife Management Area..... No entry.
Sawyer Key Wildlife Management Area.... No entry.
Happy Jack Key Wildlife Management Area No entry.
Barracuda Keys Wildlife Management Area Idle speed no wake.
Pelican Shoal Wildlife Management Area. No entry.
Snipe Keys Wildlife Management Area.... Idle speed no wake in the main
tidal creek.
No motor in all other tidal
creeks.
No entry around the two small
southern islands.
[[Page 42842]]
Mud Keys Wildlife Management Area...... Idle speed no wake.
Lower Harbor Keys Wildlife Management Idle speed no wake.
Area.
East Harbor Key Wildlife Management No entry.
Area.
Cayo Agua Keys Wildlife Management Area Idle speed no wake.
Bay Keys Wildlife Management Area...... Idle speed no wake in the
channel north of the western
island.
No motor around the eastern and
western islands.
Archer Key Wildlife Management Area.... No anchor.
Big Mullet Key Wildlife Management Area No motor.
Cottrell Key Wildlife Management Area.. No entry.
Little Mullet Key Wildlife Management No entry.
Area.
Ballast and Man Keys Flats Wildlife Idle speed no wake.
Management Area.
Exception: Two channels between
the keys.
Western Dry Rocks Wildlife Management From April 1 to July 31,
Area. continuous transit without
interruption and no anchor.
Woman Key Wildlife Management Area..... No entry.
Boca Grande Key Wildlife Management No entry.
Area.
Marquesas Keys Wildlife Management Area Idle speed no wake in the creek
east of Gull Keys.
No entry around the small
island west of Gull Key.
No entry around three smallest
islands on the western side of
Mooney Harbor.
Marquesas Keys Turtle Wildlife Idle speed no wake.
Management Area.
Tortugas Bank Wildlife Management Area. No anchor by vessels >50m
length.
Pulley Ridge Wildlife Management Area.. No anchor.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
(e) Sanctuary Preservation Areas. Appendix F to this subpart sets
forth the geographic coordinates of Sanctuary Preservation Areas. The
following activities are prohibited within the Sanctuary Preservation
Areas:
(1) Discharging or depositing any material or other matter, except
cooling water from vessels.
(2) Moving, harvesting, removing, collecting, damaging, disturbing,
breaking, cutting, spearing, otherwise injuring, or possessing, in or
from the area, any coral, marine invertebrate, fish, bottom formation,
algae, seagrass or other living or dead organism, including shells, or
attempting any of these activities. However, fish, invertebrates, and
marine plants may be possessed aboard a vessel provided that the vessel
remains in continuous transit without interruption.
(3) Anchoring a vessel.
(f) Conservation Areas. Appendix G to this subpart sets forth the
geographic coordinates of Conservation Areas. The following activities
are prohibited within the Conservation Areas:
(1) Conducting any activity prohibited at 922.164(e)(1) and
922.164(e)(2).
(2) Anchoring a vessel, except in the Western Sambo Conservation
Area where anchoring is allowed landward of the line connecting the
points 24.498774, -81.725441 and 24.504693, -81.693012.
(3) Entering a Conservation Area other than the Western Sambo
Conservation Area, except for continuous transit without interruption.
(g) Restoration Areas--Habitat. Appendix H to this subpart sets
forth the geographic coordinates of Restoration Areas--Habitat. The
following activities are prohibited within the Restoration Areas--
Habitat:
(1) Conducting any activity prohibited at 922.164(e).
(h) Restoration Areas--Nursery. Appendix I to this subpart sets
forth the geographic coordinates of Restoration Areas--Nursery. The
following activities are prohibited within the Restoration Areas--
Nursery:
(1) Conducting any activity prohibited at 922.164(e).
(2) Entering any Restoration Area--Nursery, except for continuous
transit without interruption.
Sec. 922.165 Temporary regulation for emergency and adaptive
management.
(a) Any and all activities are subject to temporary regulation,
including prohibition of any activity, restriction of access or uses,
or designation or modification of any areas identified in Sec. Sec.
922.164(d) through (h), subject to the limitations in this section.
(b) The Director may temporarily regulate activities in the
sanctuary only if the Director determines, based on the best available
information, that immediate action is reasonably necessary to:
(1) Prevent or minimize destruction of, loss of, or injury to
sanctuary resources, or risk of the same, from any human-made or
natural circumstances. These circumstances may include, but are not
limited to, a concentration of human-use, change in migratory or
habitat use patterns, vessel impacts, natural disaster or similar
emergency, disease, or bleaching;
(2) Initiate restoration, recovery, or other activity to improve or
repair living habitats and species where a delay in time would impair
the ability of such activity to succeed; or
(3) Initiate research where an unforeseen event produces an
opportunity for scientific research that may be lost if research is not
initiated immediately.
(c) Any temporary regulation issued under this section shall be
subject to the following procedure:
(1) No temporary regulation issued under this section will take
effect until the Director:
(i) Files the proposed temporary regulation for public inspection
with the Office of the Federal Register; and,
(ii) Finds for good cause that notice and comment rulemaking under
the Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553, is impracticable,
unnecessary, or contrary to the public interest.
(2) The Director shall receive public comments on the necessity
for, and extent of, the temporary regulation for a period of 15 days
after the effective date of notification.
(3) Notification of temporary regulation issued by the Director
under this section will include the following information:
(i) A description of the regulation;
(ii) Reason(s) for the regulation under paragraph (b) of this
section, and the good cause determinations required under paragraph
(c)(1) of this section; and
[[Page 42843]]
(iii) The effective date and any termination date of such
regulation.
(d) Any temporary regulation may be in effect for up to six months
(180 days), with one six-month (additional 186-day) extension. Any
extension requires the same procedures in paragraphs (c)(1) to (c)(3)
of this section. Additional or extended action beyond 365 days will
require notice and comment rulemaking under the Administrative
Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. 553.
(e) Temporary regulations under this section shall not take effect
in Florida State waters until approved by the Governor of the State of
Florida.
(f) It is prohibited for any person to violate any temporary
regulation imposed under this section.
Sec. 922.166 National Marine Sanctuary permitting--General permits,
special use permits, and authorizations
(a) National Marine Sanctuary general permits. (1) Except as noted
at Sec. 922.163(d), a person may conduct an activity prohibited by
Sec. 922.163 or 922.164 if such activity is specifically allowed by,
and conducted in accordance with the scope, purpose, and terms and
conditions of a general permit issued under this section or subpart D
of this part.
(2) The Director, at his or her discretion, may issue a general
permit under this section subject to such terms and conditions as he or
she deems appropriate, if the Director finds that the activity falls
within one of the general permit categories at Sec. 922.30(b) or one
of the following categories:
(i) Archaeological research: Activities involving the scientific
study of the physical remains of human activity and its surrounding
environmental context, utilizing research questions to inform society's
understanding of the past;
(ii) Restoration: Activities that further restoration of natural
resources of the sanctuary;
(iii) Tortugas North Conservation Area Access: Activities that
involve access to and entry into the Tortugas North Conservation Area.
(b) Application requirements and procedures. (1) Applications for
general permits, special use permits, and authorizations under this
section or subpart D of this part, other than for Tortugas North
Conservation Area Access shall be addressed to the Superintendent,
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, 33 East Quay Road, Key West, FL
33040 or sent by electronic means as defined in the instructions for
the ONMS permit application. All applications, except those for
Tortugas North Conservation Area Access, shall comply with the
requirements and procedures under subpart D of this part.
(2) Applications for general permits for Tortugas North
Conservation Area shall be requested via telephone to FKNMS at (305)
809-4700 or by email to [email protected] at least 72 hours
before the date the permit is desired to be effective. All applications
shall include:
(i) Vessel name;
(ii) Name, address, and telephone number of owner and operator;
(iii) Name, address, and telephone number of applicant;
(iv) USCG documentation, state license, or registration number;
(v) Home port;
(vi) Length of vessel and propulsion type (i.e., motor or sail);
(vii) Number of divers; and
(viii) Requested effective date (date of ingress) and date of
egress. General permits for Tortugas North Conservation Area Access
shall be issued for a period not exceeding two weeks.
(c) Review procedures and evaluation. (1) General permits, special
use permits, and authorizations. The Director shall review and evaluate
an application for a general permit, special use permit, or
authorization in accordance with this section and subpart D of this
part.
(2) General permits for archaeological research. The Director shall
not issue a general permit for archaeological research unless the
Director makes the required findings in paragraph (c)(1) of this
section and further finds that:
(i) The applicant is a supervising archaeologist responsible for
project planning, field operations, research analysis, and reporting,
and who will directly supervise and be on site for any excavation and/
or historical resource recovery operations. A supervising archaeologist
shall have underwater archaeological experience related to the research
proposed and shall meet the requirements for prehistoric or historic
archaeology in the ``Secretary of the Interior's Standards and
Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation,'' which are:
(A) A graduate degree in archaeology, anthropology, or closely
related field;
(B) At least one year of full-time professional experience or
equivalent specialized training in archaeological research,
administration, or management;
(C) At least four months of supervised field and analytic
experience in general North American archaeology;
(D) Demonstrated ability to carry research to completion; and
(E) A professional in prehistoric archaeology shall have at least
one year of full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in
the study of prehistoric period archaeological resources. A
professional in historic archaeology shall have at least one year of
full-time professional experience at a supervisory level in the study
of historic period archaeological resources;
(ii) The applicant commits to following an explicit statement of
objectives and methods that respond to needs identified in the planning
process;
(iii) The methods and techniques of the proposed activity are
selected to obtain the information required by the statement of
objectives; and
(iv) The applicant commits to assess the results against the
statement of objectives and integrate them into the planning process.
(3) Activities in designated sanctuary areas. The Director shall
not issue a general permit, special use permit, or authorization under
this section or subpart D of this part for activities within any of the
areas described in Sec. 922.164 (b) through (h) unless he or she finds
that such activities will further and are consistent with the purposes
for which such area was established, as described in Sec. Sec. 922.162
and 922.164 and in the management plan for the sanctuary.
(d) Terms and conditions. (1) In addition to any terms and
conditions in subpart D of this part, general permits, special use
permits, and authorizations issued under this section or subpart D of
this part shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
(i) Except for Tortugas North Conservation Area Access Permits, the
signed permit or a copy thereof shall be maintained in legible
condition on board all vessels or aircraft used in the conduct of the
permitted activity and be displayed for inspection upon the request of
any authorized officer;
(ii) All permitted activities shall be conducted in a manner that
does not destroy, cause the loss of, or injure sanctuary resources or
qualities, except to the extent that such may be specifically
authorized;
(iii) The permittee agrees to hold the United States harmless
against any claims arising out of the conduct of the permitted
activities; and
(iv) All necessary Federal, State, and/or local leases, permits,
licenses, approvals, or other authorizations from all agencies with
jurisdiction over the proposed activities shall be secured before
commencing any activities authorized pursuant to a sanctuary permit.
(2) General permits for archaeological research shall be subject to
the terms and conditions in paragraph (d)(1) of
[[Page 42844]]
this section and to the following terms and conditions:
(i) An agreement with a conservation laboratory shall be in place
before historical resource recovery operations begin, where a qualified
marine archaeological materials conservator shall be in charge of
planning, conducting, and supervising the conservation of any
historical resources and other materials recovered. To be considered a
qualified marine archaeological materials conservator, the individual
shall have a graduate degree in archaeology, history, anthropology, or
science with experience conserving archaeological materials recovered
from the marine environment documented in a Curriculum Vitae and
professional references; and
(ii) A curation agreement with a museum or facility for curation,
public access, periodic public display, and maintenance of the
recovered historical resources shall be in place before commencing
field operations involving historical resource recovery. The curation
facility shall meet the requirements of 36 CFR part 79.
(3) The Director, at his or her discretion, may subject a general
permit, special use permit, or authorization issued under this section
of subpart D of this part to such additional terms and conditions as he
or she deems appropriate. These may include but are not limited to the
following:
(i) Any data, information, or results obtained pursuant to the
permit shall be made available to NOAA and the public;
(ii) A NOAA official shall be allowed to observe any activity
conducted pursuant to the permit;
(iii) The permittee shall submit to NOAA one or more reports on the
status, progress, or results of any activity authorized by the permit,
including all revenues derived from such activities during the year
and/or term of the permit, as applicable; and
(iv) The permittee shall purchase and maintain general liability
insurance or other acceptable security against potential claims for
destruction, loss of, or injury to sanctuary resources arising out of
the permitted activities. The amount of insurance or security should be
commensurate with an estimated value of the sanctuary resources in the
permitted area. A copy of the insurance policy or security instrument
shall be submitted to the Director.
Sec. 922.167 National Marine Sanctuary permitting--Certifications.
(a) Except as noted at Sec. 922.163(d), a person may conduct an
activity prohibited by Sec. 922.163 or 922.164 within the sanctuary
expansion area, or an activity within the sanctuary or expansion area
that is newly regulated by this subpart, if such activity is
specifically authorized by a valid Federal, State, or local lease,
permit, license, or right of subsistence use or of access that is in
existence on the effective date of the revised terms of designation,
provided that the holder of the lease, permit, license, or right of
subsistence use or of access complies with Sec. 922.10 and provided
that:
(1) The holder of such authorization or right notifies the
Director, in writing, within 90 days of the effective date of the
revised terms of designation of the existence and location of such
authorization or right and requests certification of such authorization
or right; and
(2) The holder complies with any terms and conditions on the
exercise of such authorization or right imposed as a condition of
certification, by the Director, to achieve the purposes for which the
sanctuary was designated.
(b) Requests for certifications shall be addressed to the
Superintendent, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, 33 East Quay
Road, Key West, FL 33040 or sent by electronic means as defined in the
instructions for the ONMS permit application. A copy of the lease,
permit, license, or right of subsistence use or of access must
accompany the request.
(c) A certification requester with an authorization or right
described in paragraph (a) of this section authorizing an activity
prohibited by Sec. 922.163 or 922.164 may continue to conduct the
activity without being in violation of applicable provisions of Sec.
922.163 or 922.164, pending the Director's review of and decision
regarding his or her certification request.
(d) The Director may request additional information from the
certification requester as the Director deems reasonably necessary to
condition appropriately the exercise of the certified authorization or
right to achieve the purposes for which the sanctuary was designated.
The Director must receive the information requested within 45 days of
the date of the Director's request for information. Failure to provide
the requested information within this time frame may be grounds for
denial by the Director of the certification request.
(e) In considering whether to issue a certification, the Director
may seek and consider the views of any other person or entity, within
or outside the Federal government, and may hold a public hearing as
deemed appropriate by the Director.
(f) Upon completion of review of the authorization or right and
information received with respect thereto, the Director shall
communicate, in writing, any decision on a certification request or any
action taken with respect to any certification made under this section,
in writing, to both the holder of the certified lease, permit, license,
approval, other authorization, or right, and the issuing agency, and
shall set forth the reason(s) for the decision or action taken.
(g) The Director may amend, suspend, or revoke any certification
issued under this section whenever continued operation would otherwise
be inconsistent with any terms or conditions of the certification. Any
such action shall be forwarded in writing to both the certification
holder and the agency that issued the underlying lease, permit,
license, or right of subsistence use or of access, and shall set forth
reason(s) for the action taken.
(h) The Director may amend any certification issued under this
section whenever additional information becomes available that he or
she determines justifies such an amendment.
(i) Any time limit prescribed in or established under this section
may be extended by the Director for good cause.
(j) It is unlawful for any person to violate any terms and
conditions in a certification issued under this section.
Sec. Sec. 922.168--922.178 [Reserved]
Sec. 922.179 Incorporation by reference.
Certain material is incorporated by reference into this subpart
with the approval of the Director of the Federal Register in accordance
with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. All approved incorporation by
reference (IBR) material is available for inspection at the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and at the National
Archives and Records Administration (NARA). Contact NOAA at: the Office
of National Marine Sanctuaries (ONMS), 1305 East-West Highway, Silver
Spring, MD 20910; phone (301) 713-3125; website: https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/contact.html. For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, email: [email protected], or go to:
www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. The material
may be obtained from the following sources:
(a) Department of Commerce, NOAA. Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary, 33 East Quay Road, Key West, FL 33040; phone: (305) 809-
4700; https://floridakeys.noaa.gov.
[[Page 42845]]
(1) 1996 FL Keys NMS FMP/EIS (Vol. II). Florida Keys National
Marine Sanctuary Final Management Plan/Environment Impact Statement,
Volume II of III--Development of the Management Plan: Environmental
Impact Statement, 1996; IBR into Sec. 922.162.
(2) [Reserved]
(b) State of Florida--Department of State. R.A. Gray Building, 500
South Bronough Street, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0250; phone: (850) 245-
6270; email: [email protected]; website: https://flrules.org/.
(1) F.A.C. 68B-42.001. Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission--Marine Fisheries--Marine Life--
Purpose and Intent; Designation of Restricted Species; Definition of
``Marine Life Species'', effective November 1, 2012; IBR into Sec.
192.162.
(2) F.A.C. 68B-42.002. Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.), Fish
and Wildlife Conservation Commission--Marine Fisheries--Marine Life--
Definitions, effective November 1, 2012; IBR into Sec. 192.162.
Appendix A to Subpart P of Part 922--Florida Keys National Marine
Sanctuary Boundary Coordinates
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (sanctuary)
encompasses an area of 3,622 square nautical miles (4,797 square
miles) of coastal, ocean, and Gulf of Mexico waters and the
submerged lands thereunder from the boundary to the shoreline as
defined by the mean high water tidal datum surrounding the Florida
Keys in southern Florida.
The sanctuary boundary begins approximately 4 miles east of the
northern extent of Key Biscayne at Point 1 and continues roughly
south and then southwest and west in numerical order to Point 15
approximately 27 miles SW of Loggerhead Key. From Point 15 the
sanctuary boundary continues north to Point 17 which is
approximately 18 miles NW of Loggerhead Key and then continues
roughly east in numerical order to Point 23 just north of Sprigger
Bank. From Point 23 the boundary continues in numerical order
roughly SE to Point 26 just north of Old Dan Bank. From Point 26 the
boundary continues NE in numerical order through Bowlegs Cut and
Steamboat Channel to Point 42 near the southern entrance to Cowpens
Cut west of Plantation Key.
From Point 42 the boundary continues towards Point 43 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline roughly NNE until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 44 and Point 45.
From this intersection the boundary continues NNE to Point 45
and then roughly NE in numerical order to Point 61 just west of
Hammer Point in Tavernier, FL. From Point 61 the boundary continues
in numerical order roughly north and then NW to Point 64 just west
of Pigeon Key. From Point 64 the boundary continues in numerical
order roughly NE then NNE through Baker Cut to Point 69. From Point
69 the boundary continues in numerical order roughly NE through
Buttonwood Sound to Point 73.
From Point 73 the boundary continues towards Point 74 until it
intersects the shoreline near the southern entrance to Grouper Creek
west of Key Largo, FL. From this intersection the boundary follows
the shoreline NE along Grouper Creek until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 75 and Point 76. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 76 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
roughly east until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 77 and Point 78.
From this intersection the boundary continues to Point 78 and
then roughly ESE in numerical order through Tarpon Basin to Point
85. From Point 85 the boundary continues NE and then NW to Point 92.
From Point 92 the boundary continues towards Point 93 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline roughly north along Dusenberry Creek until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 94 and Point 95.
From this intersection the boundary continues to Point 95 and
then NE in numerical order through Blackwater Sound to Point 102
south of the entrance to Jewfish Creek.
From Point 102 the boundary continues towards Point 103 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline roughly NNE and then NW until it intersects
the line segment formed between Point 104 and Point 105. From this
intersection the boundary continues towards Point 105 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline roughly NNE and then roughly west along
southwestern Barnes Sound and around Division Point until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 106 and Point 107
near Manatee Creek east of Long Sound. From this intersection the
boundary continues towards Point 107 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
roughly NNW until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 108 and Point 109. From this intersection the boundary
continues towards Point 109 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline roughly east
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 109 and
110. From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 110
until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline roughly north and then NE until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 111 and Point 112.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 112
until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline roughly east and then north around
Bay Point and then west until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 113 and Point 114. From this intersection the boundary
continues towards Point 114 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline north along the
western side of Manatee Bay until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 115 and Point 116. From this intersection the
boundary continues towards Point 116 until it intersects the
shoreline.
From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline around
northern Manatee Bay and Barnes Sound until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 117 and Point 118. From this
intersection the boundary continues towards Point 118 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline roughly to the SE south of FL State Route
905A--Card Sound Road then NW and roughly north along western Little
Card Sound and then Card Sound cutting off the mouths of canals and
drainage ditches until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 119 and Point 120 south of Midnight Pass. From this
intersection the boundary continues to Point 120 and then roughly SE
to each successive point in numerical order approximating the
southern boundary of Biscayne National Park to Point 142
approximately 3 miles ENE of Turtle Rocks. From Point 142 the
boundary continues roughly N to each successive point in numerical
order ending at Point 158.
The inner landward sanctuary boundary is defined by and follows
the shoreline where not already specified in the description above.
Pulley Ridge, located along the southwest Florida Shelf in the
eastern Gulf of Mexico, is included as a part of the FKNMS, and the
sanctuary boundary for this area begins approximately 52 miles NW of
Loggerhead Key at Point PR1 and continues to each successive point
in numerical order ending at Point PR9.
Dry Tortugas National Park is not included within the FKNMS and
the inner sanctuary boundary in this area is coterminous with this
national park boundary and begins at Point DT1 and continues in
numerical order counterclockwise around the national park ending at
Point DT10.
Coordinates listed in this appendix are unprojected (Geographic)
and based on the North American Datum of 1983.
[[Page 42846]]
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Boundary Coordinates
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.72274 -80.08695
2....................................... 25.64500 -80.04500
3....................................... 25.36667 -80.05000
4....................................... 25.10633 -80.17467
5....................................... 24.93950 -80.32100
6....................................... 24.63167 -80.78833
7....................................... 24.48667 -81.28833
8....................................... 24.37167 -81.71950
9....................................... 24.38333 -81.89167
10...................................... 24.38333 -82.05833
11...................................... 24.38749 -82.22133
12...................................... 24.38854 -82.26357
13...................................... 24.36667 -82.80000
14...................................... 24.30000 -83.08333
15...................................... 24.30084 -83.16711
16...................................... 24.54992 -83.16627
17...................................... 24.76760 -83.16665
18...................................... 24.76670 -83.10000
19...................................... 24.76667 -82.90000
20...................................... 24.76333 -82.80000
21...................................... 24.73333 -81.91667
22...................................... 24.85000 -81.43333
23...................................... 24.91667 -80.93333
24...................................... 24.87555 -80.89054
25...................................... 24.87315 -80.88754
26...................................... 24.85164 -80.83258
27...................................... 24.86699 -80.77381
28...................................... 24.89338 -80.74983
29...................................... 24.90039 -80.73560
30...................................... 24.90073 -80.73483
31...................................... 24.91255 -80.72551
32...................................... 24.93676 -80.67597
33...................................... 24.93859 -80.67223
34...................................... 24.93891 -80.67163
35...................................... 24.94153 -80.66370
36...................................... 24.94315 -80.65854
37...................................... 24.96567 -80.63474
38...................................... 24.99620 -80.56513
39...................................... 24.99637 -80.56482
40...................................... 24.99756 -80.56322
41...................................... 24.99919 -80.56088
42...................................... 25.00054 -80.56067
43 *.................................... 25.00130 -80.56032
44 *.................................... 25.00597 -80.55863
45...................................... 25.00722 -80.55812
46...................................... 25.00786 -80.55769
47...................................... 25.00883 -80.55694
48...................................... 25.01038 -80.55553
49...................................... 25.01590 -80.54977
50...................................... 25.01695 -80.54876
51...................................... 25.02295 -80.53795
52...................................... 25.02304 -80.53783
53...................................... 25.02309 -80.53768
54...................................... 25.02361 -80.53499
55...................................... 25.02687 -80.53021
56...................................... 25.03011 -80.52417
57...................................... 25.03095 -80.52186
58...................................... 25.03179 -80.51954
59...................................... 25.03388 -80.51809
60...................................... 25.03398 -80.51804
61...................................... 25.03409 -80.51801
62...................................... 25.03740 -80.51778
63...................................... 25.03825 -80.51790
64...................................... 25.05836 -80.52178
65...................................... 25.06772 -80.49982
66...................................... 25.08144 -80.47469
67...................................... 25.09063 -80.46820
68...................................... 25.09088 -80.46808
69...................................... 25.09294 -80.46779
70...................................... 25.09387 -80.46704
71...................................... 25.12097 -80.44703
72...................................... 25.12126 -80.44688
[[Page 42847]]
73...................................... 25.12142 -80.44684
74 *.................................... 25.12214 -80.44683
75 *.................................... 25.12785 -80.44378
76 *.................................... 25.12845 -80.44309
77 *.................................... 25.12878 -80.44084
78...................................... 25.12875 -80.44022
79...................................... 25.12870 -80.43984
80...................................... 25.12834 -80.43776
81...................................... 25.12787 -80.43414
82...................................... 25.12772 -80.43313
83...................................... 25.12739 -80.43078
84...................................... 25.12690 -80.42809
85...................................... 25.12667 -80.42678
86...................................... 25.12815 -80.42335
87...................................... 25.12839 -80.42307
88...................................... 25.12889 -80.42266
89...................................... 25.12942 -80.42242
90...................................... 25.12972 -80.42234
91...................................... 25.13040 -80.42244
92...................................... 25.13126 -80.42273
93 *.................................... 25.13200 -80.42327
94 *.................................... 25.14298 -80.42513
95...................................... 25.14339 -80.42491
96...................................... 25.14359 -80.42472
97...................................... 25.14390 -80.42416
98...................................... 25.14744 -80.41865
99...................................... 25.17698 -80.39366
100..................................... 25.17961 -80.39071
101..................................... 25.17986 -80.39049
102..................................... 25.18009 -80.39037
103 *................................... 25.18302 -80.38932
104 *................................... 25.18612 -80.39050
105 *................................... 25.18637 -80.39084
106 *................................... 25.23068 -80.43215
107 *................................... 25.23093 -80.43225
108 *................................... 25.23170 -80.43239
109 *................................... 25.23193 -80.43244
110 *................................... 25.23245 -80.43118
111 *................................... 25.23533 -80.42929
112 *................................... 25.23578 -80.42858
113 *................................... 25.24041 -80.43052
114 *................................... 25.24081 -80.43041
115 *................................... 25.25651 -80.42968
116 *................................... 25.25692 -80.43006
117 *................................... 25.30013 -80.38710
118 *................................... 25.30034 -80.38658
119 *................................... 25.37260 -80.31062
120..................................... 25.36649 -80.28245
121..................................... 25.35144 -80.25593
122..................................... 25.34986 -80.25492
123..................................... 25.34899 -80.25473
124..................................... 25.34633 -80.25384
125..................................... 25.34545 -80.25288
126..................................... 25.34484 -80.25239
127..................................... 25.34370 -80.25134
128..................................... 25.34246 -80.25012
129..................................... 25.34203 -80.24950
130..................................... 25.34151 -80.24892
131..................................... 25.34107 -80.24829
132..................................... 25.34069 -80.24776
133..................................... 25.33956 -80.24736
134..................................... 25.33816 -80.24685
135..................................... 25.33724 -80.24628
136..................................... 25.33661 -80.24578
137..................................... 25.33587 -80.24482
138..................................... 25.33530 -80.24386
139..................................... 25.33531 -80.24328
140..................................... 25.33638 -80.21007
141..................................... 25.32064 -80.19434
142..................................... 25.29144 -80.16515
143..................................... 25.30885 -80.15424
144..................................... 25.46608 -80.10667
[[Page 42848]]
145..................................... 25.48154 -80.10296
146..................................... 25.49758 -80.09999
147..................................... 25.51415 -80.09664
148..................................... 25.52104 -80.09524
149..................................... 25.52554 -80.09471
150..................................... 25.55760 -80.09125
151..................................... 25.57223 -80.09004
152..................................... 25.59328 -80.08848
153..................................... 25.59972 -80.08808
154..................................... 25.60242 -80.08791
155..................................... 25.61437 -80.08784
156..................................... 25.63198 -80.08743
157..................................... 25.64476 -80.08736
158..................................... 25.72274 -80.08695
PR1..................................... 24.88098 -83.69735
PR2..................................... 24.97167 -83.64250
PR3..................................... 24.97167 -83.61667
PR4..................................... 24.68638 -83.61667
PR5..................................... 24.66667 -83.68945
PR6..................................... 24.66110 -83.71080
PR7..................................... 24.79258 -83.92067
PR8..................................... 24.95108 -83.80675
PR9..................................... 24.88098 -83.69735
DT1..................................... 24.72612 -82.79849
DT2..................................... 24.72537 -82.86646
DT3..................................... 24.71690 -82.89975
DT4..................................... 24.64904 -82.96770
DT5..................................... 24.56533 -82.96789
DT6..................................... 24.56624 -82.90040
DT7..................................... 24.61764 -82.79902
DT8..................................... 24.66867 -82.76542
DT9..................................... 24.70164 -82.76522
DT10.................................... 24.72612 -82.79849
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The coordinates in the table above marked with an asterisk (*) are
not a part of the sanctuary boundary. These coordinates are landward
reference points used to draw a line segment that intersects with the
shoreline.
Appendix B to Subpart P of Part 922--Areas To Be Avoided Boundary
Coordinates
Coordinates listed in this appendix are unprojected (Geographic)
and based on the North American Datum of 1983.
The boundary for the following Area to be Avoided zones begins
at Point 1 and continues to each successive point in numerical order
until ending at the zone's last point as listed in its specific
coordinate table.
ATBA 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.37167 -81.71950
2....................................... 24.46667 -81.71950
3....................................... 24.47833 -81.72500
4....................................... 24.49667 -81.71950
5....................................... 24.55167 -81.58583
6....................................... 24.56000 -81.43333
7....................................... 24.63667 -81.11667
8....................................... 24.72000 -80.88667
9....................................... 24.76833 -80.76917
10...................................... 24.85167 -80.61833
11...................................... 24.95833 -80.45833
12...................................... 25.16500 -80.27000
13...................................... 25.40000 -80.15167
14...................................... 25.52500 -80.11667
15...................................... 25.66167 -80.11417
16...................................... 25.75000 -80.10167
17...................................... 25.72262 -80.08689
18...................................... 25.64500 -80.04500
19...................................... 25.36667 -80.05000
20...................................... 25.10633 -80.17467
21...................................... 24.93950 -80.32100
22...................................... 24.63167 -80.78833
[[Page 42849]]
23...................................... 24.48667 -81.28833
24...................................... 24.37167 -81.71950
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATBA 2
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.46583 -81.81084
2....................................... 24.38333 -81.89167
3....................................... 24.44333 -81.97500
4....................................... 24.46250 -81.92834
5....................................... 24.48917 -81.89000
6....................................... 24.48917 -81.83334
7....................................... 24.46583 -81.81084
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATBA 3
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.38854 -82.26357
2....................................... 24.39333 -82.46333
3....................................... 24.57500 -82.62500
4....................................... 24.71667 -82.44167
5....................................... 24.63850 -81.90100
6....................................... 24.63183 -81.89000
7....................................... 24.60250 -81.86300
8....................................... 24.57333 -81.84333
9....................................... 24.55733 -81.82883
10...................................... 24.52000 -81.86833
11...................................... 24.47833 -81.94666
12...................................... 24.44333 -81.99250
13...................................... 24.38333 -82.05833
14...................................... 24.38854 -82.26357
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ATBA 4
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.53333 -82.89167
2....................................... 24.53333 -83.00083
3....................................... 24.66167 -83.00083
4....................................... 24.76000 -82.90667
5....................................... 24.76000 -82.78667
6....................................... 24.71333 -82.73167
7....................................... 24.65833 -82.73167
8....................................... 24.59333 -82.77333
9....................................... 24.53333 -82.89167
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix C to Subpart P of Part 922--Management Areas Boundary
Coordinates
Coordinates listed in this appendix are unprojected (Geographic)
and based on the North American Datum of 1983.
The boundary for the following Management Area zones begins at
each individual zone's Point 1 and continues to each successive
point in numerical order until ending at that same zone's last point
as listed in its specific coordinate table.
Key Largo Management Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.96750 -80.31889
2....................................... 25.02050 -80.39784
3....................................... 25.02111 -80.39765
4....................................... 25.02349 -80.39596
5....................................... 25.02480 -80.39511
6....................................... 25.02647 -80.39412
7....................................... 25.02835 -80.39311
[[Page 42850]]
8....................................... 25.03026 -80.39219
9....................................... 25.03239 -80.39127
10...................................... 25.03437 -80.39054
11...................................... 25.03582 -80.39006
12...................................... 25.03766 -80.38952
13...................................... 25.04131 -80.38859
14...................................... 25.04242 -80.38834
15...................................... 25.04466 -80.38792
16...................................... 25.04654 -80.38767
17...................................... 25.04899 -80.38745
18...................................... 25.05181 -80.38736
19...................................... 25.05367 -80.38740
20...................................... 25.05394 -80.38732
21...................................... 25.05501 -80.38504
22...................................... 25.05674 -80.38186
23...................................... 25.05817 -80.37953
24...................................... 25.05915 -80.37808
25...................................... 25.06050 -80.37585
26...................................... 25.06127 -80.37467
27...................................... 25.06219 -80.37338
28...................................... 25.06343 -80.37103
29...................................... 25.06500 -80.36841
30...................................... 25.06659 -80.36607
31...................................... 25.06791 -80.36430
32...................................... 25.06917 -80.36273
33...................................... 25.07090 -80.36078
34...................................... 25.07161 -80.35932
35...................................... 25.07319 -80.35646
36...................................... 25.07492 -80.35370
37...................................... 25.07627 -80.35170
38...................................... 25.07758 -80.34993
39...................................... 25.07871 -80.34852
40...................................... 25.07988 -80.34715
41...................................... 25.08122 -80.34569
42...................................... 25.08233 -80.34456
43...................................... 25.08376 -80.34320
44...................................... 25.08584 -80.34140
45...................................... 25.08816 -80.33961
46...................................... 25.09008 -80.33827
47...................................... 25.09123 -80.33754
48...................................... 25.09340 -80.33628
49...................................... 25.09508 -80.33461
50...................................... 25.09727 -80.33265
51...................................... 25.09909 -80.33118
52...................................... 25.10065 -80.33003
53...................................... 25.10306 -80.32842
54...................................... 25.10455 -80.32753
55...................................... 25.10675 -80.32633
56...................................... 25.10986 -80.32489
57...................................... 25.11178 -80.32356
58...................................... 25.11340 -80.32254
59...................................... 25.11593 -80.32113
60...................................... 25.11717 -80.31955
61...................................... 25.11860 -80.31788
62...................................... 25.12093 -80.31541
63...................................... 25.12266 -80.31379
64...................................... 25.12400 -80.31262
65...................................... 25.12523 -80.31162
66...................................... 25.12694 -80.31033
67...................................... 25.12887 -80.30900
68...................................... 25.13035 -80.30808
69...................................... 25.13203 -80.30711
70...................................... 25.13443 -80.30588
71...................................... 25.13689 -80.30478
72...................................... 25.13830 -80.30423
73...................................... 25.14048 -80.30347
74...................................... 25.14175 -80.30309
75...................................... 25.14388 -80.30178
76...................................... 25.14505 -80.30112
77...................................... 25.14692 -80.30015
78...................................... 25.14953 -80.29897
79...................................... 25.15236 -80.29789
[[Page 42851]]
80...................................... 25.15525 -80.29691
81...................................... 25.15781 -80.29618
82...................................... 25.16003 -80.29567
83...................................... 25.16189 -80.29534
84...................................... 25.16377 -80.29507
85...................................... 25.16640 -80.29484
86...................................... 25.16831 -80.29476
87...................................... 25.17038 -80.29477
88...................................... 25.17167 -80.29483
89...................................... 25.17332 -80.29382
90...................................... 25.17517 -80.29279
91...................................... 25.17672 -80.29201
92...................................... 25.17811 -80.29137
93...................................... 25.17936 -80.29046
94...................................... 25.18113 -80.28928
95...................................... 25.18344 -80.28789
96...................................... 25.18581 -80.28665
97...................................... 25.18754 -80.28585
98...................................... 25.18939 -80.28428
99...................................... 25.19109 -80.28297
100..................................... 25.19284 -80.28174
101..................................... 25.19464 -80.28059
102..................................... 25.19715 -80.27915
103..................................... 25.19887 -80.27828
104..................................... 25.20114 -80.27726
105..................................... 25.20274 -80.27663
106..................................... 25.20410 -80.27526
107..................................... 25.20523 -80.27420
108..................................... 25.20638 -80.27318
109..................................... 25.20756 -80.27221
110..................................... 25.21054 -80.26987
111..................................... 25.21246 -80.26852
112..................................... 25.21408 -80.26749
113..................................... 25.21540 -80.26671
114..................................... 25.21691 -80.26589
115..................................... 25.21947 -80.26464
116..................................... 25.22157 -80.26376
117..................................... 25.22312 -80.26299
118..................................... 25.22521 -80.26208
119..................................... 25.22681 -80.26146
120..................................... 25.22861 -80.26085
121..................................... 25.22973 -80.26014
122..................................... 25.23088 -80.25948
123..................................... 25.23240 -80.25831
124..................................... 25.23381 -80.25731
125..................................... 25.23571 -80.25608
126..................................... 25.23687 -80.25540
127..................................... 25.23879 -80.25310
128..................................... 25.24041 -80.25134
129..................................... 25.24283 -80.24901
130..................................... 25.24477 -80.24735
131..................................... 25.24725 -80.24545
132..................................... 25.24940 -80.24349
133..................................... 25.25105 -80.24211
134..................................... 25.25338 -80.24035
135..................................... 25.25547 -80.23894
136..................................... 25.25694 -80.23804
137..................................... 25.25835 -80.23724
138..................................... 25.26092 -80.23594
139..................................... 25.26355 -80.23480
140..................................... 25.26687 -80.23359
141..................................... 25.26915 -80.23204
142..................................... 25.27098 -80.23093
143..................................... 25.27251 -80.23008
144..................................... 25.27697 -80.22775
145..................................... 25.27997 -80.22644
146..................................... 25.28249 -80.22552
147..................................... 25.28432 -80.22495
148..................................... 25.28642 -80.22274
149..................................... 25.28768 -80.22149
150..................................... 25.29000 -80.21941
151..................................... 25.29197 -80.21783
[[Page 42852]]
152..................................... 25.29352 -80.21644
153..................................... 25.29547 -80.21481
154..................................... 25.29748 -80.21329
155..................................... 25.29940 -80.21199
156..................................... 25.30114 -80.20984
157..................................... 25.30329 -80.20751
158..................................... 25.30570 -80.20518
159..................................... 25.30734 -80.20377
160..................................... 25.30980 -80.20185
161..................................... 25.31204 -80.20031
162..................................... 25.31452 -80.19880
163..................................... 25.31588 -80.19805
164..................................... 25.31708 -80.19745
165..................................... 25.31853 -80.19611
166..................................... 25.32064 -80.19434
167..................................... 25.29144 -80.16515
168..................................... 25.26130 -80.13652
169..................................... 25.11806 -80.20139
170..................................... 24.96750 -80.31889
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looe Key Management Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.53389 -81.43333
2....................................... 24.56583 -81.43333
3....................................... 24.57083 -81.38333
4....................................... 24.53889 -81.38333
5....................................... 24.53389 -81.43333
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix D to Subpart P of Part 922--National Wildlife Refuges Boundary
Coordinates
Coordinates listed in this appendix are unprojected (Geographic)
and based on the North American Datum of 1983.
Note: The coordinates in the tables of this appendix marked with
an asterisk (*) are not a part of the zone's boundary. These
coordinates are landward reference points used to draw a line
segment that intersects with the shoreline.
Key West National Wildlife Refuge
The seaward boundary for the Key West National Wildlife Refuge
begins at Point 1 and continues to each successive point in
numerical order until ending at Point 5. The inner landward boundary
for Key West National Wildlife Refuge is defined by and follows the
shoreline at mean high water.
Note: This boundary description only represents the marine
portions of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge that fall within
the sanctuary. The full Key West National Wildlife Refuge boundary
was established by Executive Order 923 in 1908.
Key West National Wildlife Refuge
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.66495 -82.16653
2....................................... 24.66715 -81.81657
3....................................... 24.44728 -81.81653
4....................................... 24.44690 -82.16601
5....................................... 24.66495 -82.16653
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
The boundary description below only represents the marine
portions of the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge that fall
within the sanctuary. The full Great White Heron National Wildlife
Refuge boundary was established by Executive Order 7993 in 1938,
with additional islands acquired under the Migratory Bird
Conservation Act (16 U.S.C., S. 715).
The Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge boundary begins
approximately 1.6 miles south of Cocoanut Key at Point 1 and
continues west to Point 2 and then south to Point 3. From Point 3
the boundary continues west towards Point 4 until it intersects the
shoreline at No Name Key. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline generally west until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 5 and Point 6. From this intersection
the boundary continues to Point 6 and then south towards Point 7
until it intersects the shoreline at Big Pine Key. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally north and
then around to the south and then east until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 8 and Point 9. From this intersection
the boundary continues south to Point 9 and then west towards Point
10 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline generally west and then north until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 11 and Point 12.
From this intersection the boundary continues north to Point 12 and
then west towards Point 13 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline NW until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 14 and Point 15.
From this intersection the boundary continues north to Point 15 and
then west towards Point 16 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline north around
the northern end of Big Pine Key and then generally south until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 17 and Point 18.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 18 until
it intersects
[[Page 42853]]
the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the
shoreline west and then south until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 19 and Point 20. From this intersection the
boundary continues west towards Point 20 until it intersects the
shoreline at Big Torch Key. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline NW until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 21 and Point 22. From this intersection the boundary
continues north to Point 22 and then west towards Point 23 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline north around the northern end of Big Torch Key
and then generally south until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 24 and Point 25. From this intersection the boundary
continues south towards Point 25 until it intersects the shoreline.
From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally
south until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 26
and Point 27. From this intersection the boundary continues south to
Point 27 then west to Point 28 and south towards Point 29 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 30 and Point 31. From this intersection the boundary
continues west to Point 31 and then south towards Point 32 until it
intersects the shoreline at Cudjoe Key. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline west and then east until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 32 and Point 33.
From this intersection the boundary continues south towards Point 33
until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline generally west until it intersects
the line segment formed between Point 34 and Point 35. From this
intersection the boundary continues west to Point 35 and then south
to Point 36 and west to Point 37 and north to Point 38. From Point
38 the boundary continues west towards Point 39 until it intersects
the shoreline at Sugarloaf Key. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline around the northern end of Sugarloaf Key until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 40 and Point 41.
From this intersection the boundary continues west to Point 41 and
then generally SW to each successive point in numerical order to
Point 45. From Point 45 the boundary continues south towards Point
46 until it intersects the shoreline at Saddlebunch Keys. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally south
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 47 and
Point 48. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 48 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline generally south until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 48 and Point 49.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 49 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline generally west until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 50 and Point 51. From this intersection
the boundary continues west to Point 51 and then south towards Point
52 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline generally west until it intersects
the line segment formed between Point 53 and Point 54. From this
intersection the boundary continues west to Point 54 and then south
towards Point 55 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline south until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 55 and Point 56.
From this intersection the boundary continues south to Point 56 and
then west to Point 57 and then south to Point 58. From Point 58 the
boundary continues towards Point 59 until it intersects the
shoreline at Big Coppitt Key. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline west until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 60 and Point 61. From this intersection the
boundary continues west to Point 61 and then south towards Point 62
until it intersects the shoreline at Rockland Key. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline south and then west
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 63 and
Point 64. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 64 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline NW until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 65 and Point 66. From this intersection
the boundary continues north to Point 66 and then west towards Point
67 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline west until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 67 and Point 68. From this intersection
the boundary continues west towards Point 68 until it intersects the
shoreline at Channel Key. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline west until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 69 and Point 70. From this intersection the
boundary continues west to Point 70 and then generally NE to each
successive point in numerical order to Point 78. From Point 78 the
boundary continues south and then west to each successive point in
numerical order ending at Point 81. The inner landward boundary of
this National Wildlife Refuge is defined by and follows the
shoreline where not already specified.
Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.72002 -81.23787
2....................................... 24.71978 -81.26930
3....................................... 24.70532 -81.26938
4 *..................................... 24.70505 -81.33922
5 *..................................... 24.70504 -81.34280
6....................................... 24.70502 -81.34800
7 *..................................... 24.69801 -81.34804
8 *..................................... 24.69391 -81.34807
9....................................... 24.69081 -81.34809
10 *.................................... 24.69087 -81.35670
11 *.................................... 24.70579 -81.36417
12...................................... 24.71964 -81.36412
13 *.................................... 24.71976 -81.37785
14 *.................................... 24.72221 -81.37952
15...................................... 24.73455 -81.37969
16 *.................................... 24.73458 -81.39071
17 *.................................... 24.72233 -81.39533
18 *.................................... 24.72180 -81.39532
19 *.................................... 24.72005 -81.39747
20 *.................................... 24.72017 -81.43404
21 *.................................... 24.72197 -81.43521
22...................................... 24.73481 -81.43526
23 *.................................... 24.73478 -81.43997
24 *.................................... 24.73337 -81.45123
25 *.................................... 24.72838 -81.45121
26 *.................................... 24.72109 -81.45119
27...................................... 24.72012 -81.45119
[[Page 42854]]
28...................................... 24.71965 -81.49089
29 *.................................... 24.70513 -81.49086
30 *.................................... 24.70510 -81.49384
31...................................... 24.70498 -81.50701
32 *.................................... 24.70121 -81.50701
33 *.................................... 24.69340 -81.50703
34 *.................................... 24.69042 -81.51572
35...................................... 24.69044 -81.52277
36...................................... 24.67596 -81.52261
37...................................... 24.67582 -81.53856
38...................................... 24.69038 -81.53872
39 *.................................... 24.69045 -81.55392
40 *.................................... 24.69047 -81.55588
41...................................... 24.69053 -81.57072
42...................................... 24.67611 -81.57031
43...................................... 24.67605 -81.58622
44...................................... 24.66152 -81.58615
45...................................... 24.66145 -81.60206
46 *.................................... 24.65367 -81.60210
47 *.................................... 24.65278 -81.60211
48 *.................................... 24.65161 -81.60212
49 *.................................... 24.64975 -81.60213
50 *.................................... 24.64716 -81.61461
51...................................... 24.64715 -81.61790
52 *.................................... 24.63403 -81.61779
53 *.................................... 24.63271 -81.62618
54...................................... 24.63278 -81.63326
55 *.................................... 24.62056 -81.63345
56...................................... 24.61820 -81.63349
57...................................... 24.61820 -81.66690
58...................................... 24.60367 -81.66677
59 *.................................... 24.60365 -81.67007
60 *.................................... 24.60363 -81.67520
61...................................... 24.60359 -81.68266
62 *.................................... 24.59486 -81.68266
63 *.................................... 24.58918 -81.69107
64 *.................................... 24.58905 -81.69613
65 *.................................... 24.59312 -81.69862
66...................................... 24.60374 -81.69868
67 *.................................... 24.60370 -81.70391
68 *.................................... 24.60360 -81.72036
69 *.................................... 24.60359 -81.72386
70...................................... 24.60338 -81.81000
71...................................... 24.73450 -81.81037
72...................................... 24.73433 -81.61816
73...................................... 24.82134 -81.61827
74...................................... 24.82180 -81.33316
75...................................... 24.79245 -81.33308
76...................................... 24.79258 -81.23840
77...................................... 24.82172 -81.23861
78...................................... 24.82103 -81.14278
79...................................... 24.73416 -81.14243
80...................................... 24.73455 -81.23785
81...................................... 24.72002 -81.23787
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Personal Watercraft (PWC) Exception Area 1--Key West National Wildlife
Refuge
Personal watercraft are allowed within the following area inside
Key West National Wildlife Refuge. The boundary for PWC Exception
Area 1 begins at Point 1 and continues to each successive point in
numerical order until ending at Point 4 in the following coordinate
table:
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.52853 -81.81654
2....................................... 24.54833 -81.81655
3....................................... 24.54298 -81.82584
4....................................... 24.52853 -81.81654
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 42855]]
PWC Exception Area 2--Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
Personal watercraft are allowed within the following area inside
Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. The area begins just
north of No Name Key at Point 1 and continues west towards Point 2
until it intersects the shoreline at No Name Key. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline west until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 3 and Point 4. From
this intersection the boundary continues west to Point 4 then south
towards Point 5 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally NW then
south and then east until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 6 and Point 7. From this intersection the boundary
continues south to Point 7 and then west towards Point 8 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline generally NW until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 9 and Point 10. From this intersection
the boundary continues north to Point 10 then east to Point 11 and
then south to Point 12 where it ends. The inner landward boundary of
this zone is defined by and follows the shoreline where not already
specified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.70499 -81.33226
2 *..................................... 24.70505 -81.33922
3 *..................................... 24.70504 -81.34280
4....................................... 24.70502 -81.34800
5 *..................................... 24.69801 -81.34804
6 *..................................... 24.69391 -81.34807
7....................................... 24.69081 -81.34809
8 *..................................... 24.69087 -81.35670
9 *..................................... 24.70579 -81.36417
10...................................... 24.71964 -81.36412
11...................................... 24.71969 -81.33228
12...................................... 24.70499 -81.33226
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PWC Exception Area 3--Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
Personal watercraft are allowed within the following area inside
the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. This area begins on
Howe Key at the intersection of the shoreline and the line segment
formed by Point 1 and Point 2. From this intersection the boundary
continues east towards Point 2 until it intersects the shoreline at
Big Pine Key. From this intersection the boundary follows the
shoreline generally south until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 3 and Point 4. From this intersection the
boundary continues towards Point 4 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
generally west and south until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 5 and Point 6. From this intersection the boundary
continues west to Point 6 and then north towards Point 7 until it
intersects the shoreline at Howe Key. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline generally south and east until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 8 and Point 9 where
it ends. The inner landward boundary of this zone is defined by and
follows the shoreline where not already specified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 *..................................... 24.73472 -81.40463
2 *..................................... 24.73464 -81.39898
3 *..................................... 24.72233 -81.39533
4 *..................................... 24.72180 -81.39532
5 *..................................... 24.72005 -81.39747
6....................................... 24.72025 -81.41181
7 *..................................... 24.73480 -81.41169
8 *..................................... 24.73472 -81.40463
9 *..................................... 24.73464 -81.39898
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PWC Exception Area 4--Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
Personal watercraft are allowed within the following area inside
the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. This area begins
just west of Big Torch Key at Point 1 and continues west to Point 2
and then north towards Point 3 until it intersects the shoreline.
From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline north
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 3 and
Point 4. From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point
4 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline north until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 4 and Point 5. From this intersection
the boundary continues north to Point 5 and then east towards Point
6 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline east until it intersects the line
segment between Point 6 and Point 7. From this intersection the
boundary continues towards Point 7 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
east until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 7 and
Point 8. From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point
8 until it intersects the shoreline at Big Torch Key. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally south
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 9 and
Point 10. From this intersection the boundary continues south
towards Point 10 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally south
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 11 and
Point 12. From this intersection the boundary continues south to
Point 12 where it ends. The inner landward boundary of this zone is
defined by and follows the shoreline where not already specified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.72012 -81.45119
2....................................... 24.72024 -81.45910
3 *..................................... 24.72739 -81.45914
4 *..................................... 24.72850 -81.45915
[[Page 42856]]
5....................................... 24.73470 -81.45913
6 *..................................... 24.73472 -81.45545
7 *..................................... 24.73472 -81.45506
8 *..................................... 24.73474 -81.45214
9 *..................................... 24.73337 -81.45123
10 *.................................... 24.72838 -81.45121
11 *.................................... 24.72109 -81.45119
12...................................... 24.72012 -81.45119
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PWC Exception Area 5--Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
Personal watercraft are allowed within the following area inside
the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. This area begins
just NW of Halfmoon Key at Point 1 and continues south to Point 2
and then west towards Point 3 until it intersects the shoreline at
Big Coppitt Key. From this intersection the boundary follows the
shoreline west until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 4 and Point 5. From this intersection the boundary continues
west to Point 5 and then north towards Point 6 until it intersects
the shoreline at Duck Key. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline SW and then NW around Duck Key until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 7 and Point 8. From
this intersection the boundary continues east to Point 8 where it
ends. The inner landward boundary of this zone is defined by and
follows the shoreline where not already specified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.61820 -81.66690
2....................................... 24.60367 -81.66677
3 *..................................... 24.60365 -81.67007
4 *..................................... 24.60363 -81.67520
5....................................... 24.60359 -81.68266
6 *..................................... 24.61716 -81.68207
7 *..................................... 24.61821 -81.68201
8....................................... 24.61820 -81.66690
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PWC Exception Area 6--Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
Personal watercraft are allowed within the following area inside
the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge. This area begins
just north of Rockland Key at Point 1. From Point 1 the boundary
continues south towards Point 2 until it intersects the shoreline at
Rockland Key. From this intersection the boundary follows the
shoreline generally south and west until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 3 and Point 4. From this intersection
the boundary continues west towards Point 4 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
NW until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 5 and
Point 6. From this intersection the boundary continues north to
Point 6 and then east to Point 7 where it ends. The inner landward
boundary of this zone is defined by and follows the shoreline where
not already specified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.60359 -81.68266
2 *..................................... 24.59486 -81.68266
3 *..................................... 24.58918 -81.69107
4 *..................................... 24.58905 -81.69613
5 *..................................... 24.59312 -81.69862
6....................................... 24.60374 -81.69868
7....................................... 24.60359 -81.68266
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix E to Subpart P of Part 922--Wildlife Management Areas Boundary
Coordinates and Access and Use Restrictions
Coordinates listed in this appendix are unprojected (Geographic)
and based on the North American Datum of 1983.
The access and use restriction for each zone is listed under the
zone name and set forth at 15 CFR 922.164(d).
The boundary for the following Wildlife Management Areas begins
at each individual zone's Point 1 and continues to each successive
point in numerical order until ending at that same zone's last point
as listed in its specific coordinate table.
Ballast and Man Keys Flats WMA 1
Idle Speed No Wake
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.52370 -81.94818
2....................................... 24.52568 -81.94852
3....................................... 24.53128 -81.95063
4....................................... 24.53197 -81.95088
5....................................... 24.53253 -81.95179
6....................................... 24.53296 -81.95226
7....................................... 24.53342 -81.95250
[[Page 42857]]
8....................................... 24.53515 -81.95235
9....................................... 24.53455 -81.93151
10...................................... 24.52213 -81.93124
11...................................... 24.52370 -81.94818
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ballast and Man Keys Flats WMA 2
Idle Speed No Wake
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.53526 -81.95645
2....................................... 24.53513 -81.95653
3....................................... 24.53507 -81.95660
4....................................... 24.53466 -81.95711
5....................................... 24.53398 -81.95777
6....................................... 24.53361 -81.95844
7....................................... 24.53336 -81.95918
8....................................... 24.53296 -81.95969
9....................................... 24.53242 -81.95984
10...................................... 24.53195 -81.95987
11...................................... 24.53135 -81.95991
12...................................... 24.53059 -81.96006
13...................................... 24.52984 -81.96056
14...................................... 24.52911 -81.96119
15...................................... 24.52803 -81.96208
16...................................... 24.52728 -81.96270
17...................................... 24.52645 -81.96261
18...................................... 24.52513 -81.96213
19...................................... 24.52499 -81.96205
20...................................... 24.52614 -81.96561
21...................................... 24.53545 -81.96303
22...................................... 24.53526 -81.95645
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ballast and Man Keys Flats WMA 3
Idle Speed No Wake
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.53519 -81.95404
2....................................... 24.53482 -81.95413
3....................................... 24.53373 -81.95423
4....................................... 24.53298 -81.95422
5....................................... 24.53266 -81.95348
6....................................... 24.53234 -81.95281
7....................................... 24.53192 -81.95214
8....................................... 24.53153 -81.95139
9....................................... 24.53085 -81.95099
10...................................... 24.53006 -81.95075
11...................................... 24.52913 -81.95055
12...................................... 24.52806 -81.95035
13...................................... 24.52705 -81.95038
14...................................... 24.52630 -81.95049
15...................................... 24.52522 -81.95083
16...................................... 24.52400 -81.95136
17...................................... 24.52489 -81.96102
18...................................... 24.52510 -81.96119
19...................................... 24.52632 -81.96187
20...................................... 24.52710 -81.96176
21...................................... 24.52782 -81.96125
22...................................... 24.52858 -81.96083
23...................................... 24.52937 -81.96021
24...................................... 24.53002 -81.95986
25...................................... 24.53131 -81.95944
26...................................... 24.53214 -81.95929
27...................................... 24.53278 -81.95925
28...................................... 24.53307 -81.95871
29...................................... 24.53340 -81.95777
[[Page 42858]]
30...................................... 24.53430 -81.95707
31...................................... 24.53503 -81.95625
32...................................... 24.53517 -81.95610
33...................................... 24.53525 -81.95601
34...................................... 24.53519 -81.95404
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Channel Key Banks WMA 1
Idle Speed No Wake
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.81429 -80.90823
2....................................... 24.81441 -80.91337
3....................................... 24.83992 -80.91123
4....................................... 24.85246 -80.89969
5....................................... 24.85295 -80.89489
6....................................... 24.85097 -80.88579
7....................................... 24.85682 -80.88193
8....................................... 24.87021 -80.88591
9....................................... 24.87054 -80.88345
10...................................... 24.85033 -80.87681
11...................................... 24.84612 -80.89420
12...................................... 24.84127 -80.90120
13...................................... 24.82315 -80.89502
14...................................... 24.82025 -80.89590
15...................................... 24.82013 -80.89894
16...................................... 24.82623 -80.90103
17...................................... 24.82468 -80.90508
18...................................... 24.81429 -80.90823
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marquesas Keys Turtle WMA
Idle Speed No Wake
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.55110 -82.25453
2....................................... 24.57496 -82.25476
2....................................... 24.57546 -82.19300
4....................................... 24.55156 -82.19305
5....................................... 24.55110 -82.25453
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pelican Shoal WMA
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.50252 -81.63114
2....................................... 24.50206 -81.63075
3....................................... 24.50164 -81.63064
4....................................... 24.50147 -81.63068
5....................................... 24.50132 -81.63078
6....................................... 24.50122 -81.63094
7....................................... 24.50118 -81.63113
8....................................... 24.50120 -81.63126
9....................................... 24.50135 -81.63162
10...................................... 24.50158 -81.63188
11...................................... 24.50193 -81.63207
12...................................... 24.50223 -81.63212
13...................................... 24.50245 -81.63212
14...................................... 24.50259 -81.63207
15...................................... 24.50273 -81.63196
16...................................... 24.50282 -81.63179
17...................................... 24.50284 -81.63160
18...................................... 24.50280 -81.63141
[[Page 42859]]
19...................................... 24.50269 -81.63126
20...................................... 24.50252 -81.63114
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pulley Ridge WMA
No Anchor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.88098 -83.69735
2....................................... 24.97167 -83.64250
3....................................... 24.97167 -83.61667
4....................................... 24.68638 -83.61667
5....................................... 24.66667 -83.68945
6....................................... 24.66110 -83.71080
7....................................... 24.79258 -83.92067
8....................................... 24.95108 -83.80675
9....................................... 24.88098 -83.69735
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Red Bay Bank WMA
Idle Speed No Wake
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.75323 -81.15290
2....................................... 24.75432 -81.17150
3....................................... 24.76932 -81.18551
4....................................... 24.77090 -81.17929
5....................................... 24.76124 -81.16976
6....................................... 24.75728 -81.15075
7....................................... 24.75060 -81.13581
8....................................... 24.74698 -81.13746
9....................................... 24.75323 -81.15290
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Snake Creek WMA 1
No Motor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.94965 -80.58774
2....................................... 24.94895 -80.58751
3....................................... 24.94821 -80.58710
4....................................... 24.94790 -80.58685
5....................................... 24.94761 -80.58643
6....................................... 24.94695 -80.58520
7....................................... 24.94676 -80.58495
8....................................... 24.94554 -80.58387
9....................................... 24.94439 -80.58404
10...................................... 24.94374 -80.58407
11...................................... 24.94327 -80.58395
12...................................... 24.94236 -80.58331
13...................................... 24.94151 -80.58182
14...................................... 24.94114 -80.58139
15...................................... 24.94047 -80.58102
16...................................... 24.93612 -80.58770
17...................................... 24.94352 -80.59103
18...................................... 24.94840 -80.59079
19...................................... 24.94965 -80.58774
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Snake Creek WMA 2
[[Page 42860]]
No Motor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.94824 -80.59116
2....................................... 24.94368 -80.59135
3....................................... 24.94737 -80.59330
4....................................... 24.94824 -80.59116
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Snake Creek WMA 3
No Motor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.94725 -80.59360
2....................................... 24.93974 -80.58991
3....................................... 24.94570 -80.59761
4....................................... 24.94725 -80.59360
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Snake Creek WMA 4
No Motor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.94540 -80.59785
2....................................... 24.93942 -80.58980
3....................................... 24.93584 -80.58814
4....................................... 24.93424 -80.59059
5....................................... 24.93594 -80.59222
6....................................... 24.93666 -80.59207
7....................................... 24.93715 -80.59183
8....................................... 24.93750 -80.59175
9....................................... 24.93772 -80.59177
10...................................... 24.93806 -80.59181
11...................................... 24.93873 -80.59213
12...................................... 24.93904 -80.59239
13...................................... 24.93919 -80.59258
14...................................... 24.93934 -80.59288
15...................................... 24.93943 -80.59321
16...................................... 24.93972 -80.59488
17...................................... 24.93972 -80.59536
18...................................... 24.93981 -80.59567
19...................................... 24.93981 -80.59581
20...................................... 24.93994 -80.59618
21...................................... 24.93996 -80.59675
22...................................... 24.93985 -80.59760
23...................................... 24.93984 -80.59972
24...................................... 24.93994 -80.60078
25...................................... 24.94007 -80.60166
26...................................... 24.94020 -80.60233
27...................................... 24.94046 -80.60274
28...................................... 24.94061 -80.60290
29...................................... 24.94082 -80.60298
30...................................... 24.94111 -80.60335
31...................................... 24.94540 -80.59785
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tortugas Bank WMA
No Anchor by Vessels >50m Length
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.53333 -83.00080
2....................................... 24.61666 -83.10000
3....................................... 24.65000 -83.10000
4....................................... 24.65000 -83.00080
5....................................... 24.53333 -83.00080
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 42861]]
Western Dry Rocks WMA
From April 1 to July 31, Continuous Transit Without Interruption and No
Anchor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.42822 -81.92479
2....................................... 24.42802 -81.95011
3....................................... 24.43694 -81.95018
4....................................... 24.43712 -81.92488
5....................................... 24.42822 -81.92479
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The seaward boundary for the following Wildlife Management Areas
begins at each individual zone's Point 1 and continues to each
successive point in numerical order until ending at that same zone's
last point as listed in its specific coordinate table. The inner
landward boundary for each individual zone below is defined by and
follows the shoreline at mean high water.
Archer Key WMA
No Anchor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.56410 -81.88557
2....................................... 24.56204 -81.88243
3....................................... 24.55982 -81.88302
4....................................... 24.55672 -81.88773
5....................................... 24.55748 -81.88907
6....................................... 24.55951 -81.89267
7....................................... 24.56246 -81.89424
8....................................... 24.56347 -81.89323
9....................................... 24.56410 -81.88557
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ashbey-Horseshoe Key WMA
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.91328 -80.65696
2....................................... 24.91059 -80.65764
3....................................... 24.91142 -80.66045
4....................................... 24.91414 -80.65961
5....................................... 24.91328 -80.65696
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bay Keys WMA 1
No Motor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.63604 -81.76179
2....................................... 24.63575 -81.76133
3....................................... 24.63530 -81.76112
4....................................... 24.63469 -81.76077
5....................................... 24.63400 -81.76062
6....................................... 24.63310 -81.76065
7....................................... 24.63218 -81.76082
8....................................... 24.63178 -81.76125
9....................................... 24.63111 -81.76203
10...................................... 24.63071 -81.76286
11...................................... 24.63099 -81.76382
12...................................... 24.63123 -81.76472
13...................................... 24.63160 -81.76550
14...................................... 24.63204 -81.76629
15...................................... 24.63289 -81.76629
16...................................... 24.63353 -81.76601
17...................................... 24.63416 -81.76584
18...................................... 24.63511 -81.76579
19...................................... 24.63559 -81.76530
20...................................... 24.63589 -81.76457
21...................................... 24.63584 -81.76399
22...................................... 24.63603 -81.76353
[[Page 42862]]
23...................................... 24.63613 -81.76319
24...................................... 24.63622 -81.76258
25...................................... 24.63604 -81.76179
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bay Keys WMA 2
No Motor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.63560 -81.77521
2....................................... 24.63493 -81.77494
3....................................... 24.63452 -81.77470
4....................................... 24.63414 -81.77460
5....................................... 24.63384 -81.77461
6....................................... 24.63364 -81.77467
7....................................... 24.63323 -81.77490
8....................................... 24.63302 -81.77509
9....................................... 24.63288 -81.77531
10...................................... 24.63277 -81.77576
11...................................... 24.63279 -81.77619
12...................................... 24.63322 -81.77719
13...................................... 24.63355 -81.77758
14...................................... 24.63378 -81.77774
15...................................... 24.63402 -81.77784
16...................................... 24.63423 -81.77788
17...................................... 24.63444 -81.77786
18...................................... 24.63484 -81.77774
19...................................... 24.63549 -81.77748
20...................................... 24.63573 -81.77733
21...................................... 24.63591 -81.77714
22...................................... 24.63595 -81.77709
23...................................... 24.63610 -81.77691
24...................................... 24.63620 -81.77672
25...................................... 24.63621 -81.77668
26...................................... 24.63627 -81.77643
27...................................... 24.63627 -81.77619
28...................................... 24.63620 -81.77588
29...................................... 24.63607 -81.77561
30...................................... 24.63585 -81.77536
31...................................... 24.63560 -81.77521
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Big Mullet Key WMA
No Motor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.58096 -81.91817
2....................................... 24.58090 -81.91758
3....................................... 24.58080 -81.91723
4....................................... 24.58051 -81.91671
5....................................... 24.58029 -81.91649
6....................................... 24.58001 -81.91630
7....................................... 24.57930 -81.91618
8....................................... 24.57897 -81.91606
9....................................... 24.57803 -81.91612
10...................................... 24.57730 -81.91636
11...................................... 24.57690 -81.91667
12...................................... 24.57677 -81.91683
13...................................... 24.57659 -81.91714
14...................................... 24.57647 -81.91762
15...................................... 24.57650 -81.91818
16...................................... 24.57665 -81.91856
17...................................... 24.57690 -81.91886
18...................................... 24.57758 -81.91929
19...................................... 24.57757 -81.91952
20...................................... 24.57761 -81.91975
[[Page 42863]]
21...................................... 24.57793 -81.92047
22...................................... 24.57863 -81.92131
23...................................... 24.57887 -81.92147
24...................................... 24.57917 -81.92155
25...................................... 24.57962 -81.92151
26...................................... 24.58006 -81.92128
27...................................... 24.58042 -81.92092
28...................................... 24.58068 -81.92051
29...................................... 24.58079 -81.92015
30...................................... 24.58106 -81.91976
31...................................... 24.58116 -81.91940
32...................................... 24.58112 -81.91861
33...................................... 24.58096 -81.91817
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Channel Key Banks WMA 2
Idle Speed No Wake
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.81164 -80.90655
2....................................... 24.80309 -80.90109
3....................................... 24.79341 -80.90382
4....................................... 24.78363 -80.91293
5....................................... 24.79325 -80.91988
6....................................... 24.79879 -80.91468
7....................................... 24.81171 -80.91360
8....................................... 24.81164 -80.90655
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cottrell Key WMA
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.60377 -81.91824
2....................................... 24.60300 -81.91882
3....................................... 24.60285 -81.91909
4....................................... 24.60262 -81.91937
5....................................... 24.60197 -81.91958
6....................................... 24.60109 -81.92023
7....................................... 24.60095 -81.92045
8....................................... 24.60061 -81.92084
9....................................... 24.60034 -81.92138
10...................................... 24.60020 -81.92193
11...................................... 24.59996 -81.92219
12...................................... 24.59984 -81.92238
13...................................... 24.59972 -81.92274
14...................................... 24.59969 -81.92298
15...................................... 24.59982 -81.92389
16...................................... 24.60029 -81.92486
17...................................... 24.60069 -81.92516
18...................................... 24.60112 -81.92528
19...................................... 24.60144 -81.92526
20...................................... 24.60176 -81.92512
21...................................... 24.60209 -81.92487
22...................................... 24.60271 -81.92470
23...................................... 24.60296 -81.92458
24...................................... 24.60317 -81.92441
25...................................... 24.60365 -81.92457
26...................................... 24.60402 -81.92463
27...................................... 24.60463 -81.92461
28...................................... 24.60482 -81.92465
29...................................... 24.60514 -81.92463
30...................................... 24.60537 -81.92456
31...................................... 24.60556 -81.92445
32...................................... 24.60584 -81.92407
33...................................... 24.60612 -81.92403
34...................................... 24.60647 -81.92408
[[Page 42864]]
35...................................... 24.60701 -81.92405
36...................................... 24.60734 -81.92386
37...................................... 24.60753 -81.92358
38...................................... 24.60764 -81.92319
39...................................... 24.60765 -81.92284
40...................................... 24.60759 -81.92245
41...................................... 24.60770 -81.92202
42...................................... 24.60765 -81.92152
43...................................... 24.60752 -81.92112
44...................................... 24.60734 -81.92085
45...................................... 24.60652 -81.92024
46...................................... 24.60646 -81.92009
47...................................... 24.60649 -81.91955
48...................................... 24.60627 -81.91899
49...................................... 24.60567 -81.91844
50...................................... 24.60534 -81.91826
51...................................... 24.60455 -81.91806
52...................................... 24.60430 -81.91808
53...................................... 24.60377 -81.91824
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crane Key WMA
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.75715 -81.51346
2....................................... 24.75651 -81.51279
3....................................... 24.75602 -81.51237
4....................................... 24.75603 -81.51177
5....................................... 24.75562 -81.51127
6....................................... 24.75527 -81.51098
7....................................... 24.75436 -81.51080
8....................................... 24.75327 -81.51102
9....................................... 24.75218 -81.51170
10...................................... 24.75169 -81.51339
11...................................... 24.75232 -81.51475
12...................................... 24.75330 -81.51486
13...................................... 24.75392 -81.51468
14...................................... 24.75491 -81.51549
15...................................... 24.75599 -81.51582
16...................................... 24.75709 -81.51581
17...................................... 24.75748 -81.51526
18...................................... 24.75753 -81.51437
19...................................... 24.75715 -81.51346
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dove and Rodriguez Keys WMA
No Motor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.04935 -80.43991
2....................................... 25.04375 -80.45695
3....................................... 25.04506 -80.47474
4....................................... 25.04718 -80.47836
5....................................... 25.05116 -80.47513
6....................................... 25.05257 -80.46613
7....................................... 25.05639 -80.44296
8....................................... 25.04935 -80.43991
------------------------------------------------------------------------
East Bahia Honda Key WMA
[[Page 42865]]
No Motor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.78258 -81.22843
2....................................... 24.78185 -81.22775
3....................................... 24.78061 -81.22719
4....................................... 24.77864 -81.22625
5....................................... 24.77759 -81.22590
6....................................... 24.77676 -81.22560
7....................................... 24.77592 -81.22468
8....................................... 24.77522 -81.22475
9....................................... 24.77521 -81.22593
10...................................... 24.77468 -81.22756
11...................................... 24.77484 -81.22917
12...................................... 24.77600 -81.22990
13...................................... 24.77704 -81.23140
14...................................... 24.77783 -81.23134
15...................................... 24.77834 -81.23113
16...................................... 24.77909 -81.23108
17...................................... 24.77950 -81.23098
18...................................... 24.78013 -81.23124
19...................................... 24.78055 -81.23169
20...................................... 24.78069 -81.23242
21...................................... 24.78138 -81.23261
22...................................... 24.78257 -81.23189
23...................................... 24.78284 -81.23101
24...................................... 24.78284 -81.22957
25...................................... 24.78258 -81.22843
------------------------------------------------------------------------
East Content Keys and Upper Harbor Key Flats WMA 1
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.81100 -81.44379
2....................................... 24.81136 -81.44433
3....................................... 24.81144 -81.44439
4....................................... 24.81175 -81.44454
5....................................... 24.81239 -81.44470
6....................................... 24.81287 -81.44470
7....................................... 24.81356 -81.44459
8....................................... 24.81381 -81.44449
9....................................... 24.81402 -81.44431
10...................................... 24.81418 -81.44400
11...................................... 24.81425 -81.44356
12...................................... 24.81424 -81.44332
13...................................... 24.81419 -81.44309
14...................................... 24.81418 -81.44216
15...................................... 24.81414 -81.44176
16...................................... 24.81408 -81.44144
17...................................... 24.81401 -81.44128
18...................................... 24.81370 -81.44076
19...................................... 24.81351 -81.44056
20...................................... 24.81323 -81.44040
21...................................... 24.81294 -81.44033
22...................................... 24.81273 -81.44033
23...................................... 24.81235 -81.44042
24...................................... 24.81196 -81.44062
25...................................... 24.81160 -81.44088
26...................................... 24.81130 -81.44114
27...................................... 24.81099 -81.44147
28...................................... 24.81085 -81.44169
29...................................... 24.81075 -81.44190
30...................................... 24.81067 -81.44224
31...................................... 24.81067 -81.44252
32...................................... 24.81070 -81.44278
33...................................... 24.81100 -81.44379
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 42866]]
Happy Jack Key WMA
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.69922 -81.56774
2....................................... 24.69900 -81.56754
3....................................... 24.69868 -81.56741
4....................................... 24.69841 -81.56738
5....................................... 24.69810 -81.56746
6....................................... 24.69765 -81.56771
7....................................... 24.69732 -81.56797
8....................................... 24.69715 -81.56823
9....................................... 24.69707 -81.56861
10...................................... 24.69708 -81.56887
11...................................... 24.69717 -81.56917
12...................................... 24.69732 -81.56940
13...................................... 24.69758 -81.56967
14...................................... 24.69783 -81.56983
15...................................... 24.69846 -81.57007
16...................................... 24.69872 -81.57023
17...................................... 24.69901 -81.57031
18...................................... 24.69922 -81.57030
19...................................... 24.69938 -81.57026
20...................................... 24.69968 -81.57008
21...................................... 24.69989 -81.56980
22...................................... 24.69996 -81.56962
23...................................... 24.70000 -81.56939
24...................................... 24.70001 -81.56918
25...................................... 24.69998 -81.56895
26...................................... 24.69977 -81.56838
27...................................... 24.69961 -81.56814
28...................................... 24.69932 -81.56791
29...................................... 24.69922 -81.56774
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horseshoe Keys WMA
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.78282 -81.29316
2....................................... 24.78271 -81.29266
3....................................... 24.78160 -81.29255
4....................................... 24.78133 -81.29209
5....................................... 24.78055 -81.29126
6....................................... 24.77962 -81.29059
7....................................... 24.77887 -81.29017
8....................................... 24.77867 -81.28991
9....................................... 24.77840 -81.28970
10...................................... 24.77820 -81.28961
11...................................... 24.77800 -81.28958
12...................................... 24.77817 -81.28908
13...................................... 24.77816 -81.28867
14...................................... 24.77804 -81.28833
15...................................... 24.77792 -81.28814
16...................................... 24.77774 -81.28746
17...................................... 24.77751 -81.28715
18...................................... 24.77734 -81.28700
19...................................... 24.77700 -81.28683
20...................................... 24.77679 -81.28678
21...................................... 24.77601 -81.28692
22...................................... 24.77585 -81.28665
23...................................... 24.77530 -81.28600
24...................................... 24.77512 -81.28588
25...................................... 24.77489 -81.28582
26...................................... 24.77464 -81.28562
27...................................... 24.77444 -81.28553
28...................................... 24.77423 -81.28550
29...................................... 24.77395 -81.28552
30...................................... 24.77375 -81.28560
31...................................... 24.77357 -81.28573
32...................................... 24.77316 -81.28561
33...................................... 24.77291 -81.28560
34...................................... 24.77291 -81.28526
[[Page 42867]]
35...................................... 24.77278 -81.28494
36...................................... 24.77249 -81.28453
37...................................... 24.77209 -81.28425
38...................................... 24.77188 -81.28420
39...................................... 24.77125 -81.28419
40...................................... 24.77093 -81.28432
41...................................... 24.77053 -81.28436
42...................................... 24.77029 -81.28448
43...................................... 24.77039 -81.28374
44...................................... 24.77011 -81.28284
45...................................... 24.76971 -81.28267
46...................................... 24.76963 -81.28273
47...................................... 24.76939 -81.28261
48...................................... 24.76804 -81.28243
49...................................... 24.76783 -81.28248
50...................................... 24.76760 -81.28261
51...................................... 24.76727 -81.28254
52...................................... 24.76701 -81.28259
53...................................... 24.76665 -81.28280
54...................................... 24.76649 -81.28295
55...................................... 24.76635 -81.28320
56...................................... 24.76613 -81.28400
57...................................... 24.76610 -81.28423
58...................................... 24.76612 -81.28446
59...................................... 24.76638 -81.28521
60...................................... 24.76764 -81.28733
61...................................... 24.76778 -81.28748
62...................................... 24.76789 -81.28783
63...................................... 24.76793 -81.28817
64...................................... 24.76821 -81.28889
65...................................... 24.76831 -81.28999
66...................................... 24.76866 -81.29104
67...................................... 24.76910 -81.29164
68...................................... 24.76935 -81.29183
69...................................... 24.76999 -81.29247
70...................................... 24.77012 -81.29286
71...................................... 24.77046 -81.29327
72...................................... 24.77067 -81.29344
73...................................... 24.77099 -81.29354
74...................................... 24.77134 -81.29408
75...................................... 24.77163 -81.29431
76...................................... 24.77186 -81.29461
77...................................... 24.77216 -81.29485
78...................................... 24.77316 -81.29517
79...................................... 24.77343 -81.29514
80...................................... 24.77383 -81.29497
81...................................... 24.77417 -81.29510
82...................................... 24.77454 -81.29507
83...................................... 24.77448 -81.29520
84...................................... 24.77557 -81.29723
85...................................... 24.77572 -81.29705
86...................................... 24.77606 -81.29682
87...................................... 24.77624 -81.29658
88...................................... 24.77638 -81.29652
89...................................... 24.77678 -81.29666
90...................................... 24.77700 -81.29664
91...................................... 24.77720 -81.29657
92...................................... 24.77740 -81.29678
93...................................... 24.77764 -81.29663
94...................................... 24.77779 -81.29650
95...................................... 24.77797 -81.29623
96...................................... 24.77830 -81.29587
97...................................... 24.77835 -81.29572
98...................................... 24.77837 -81.29537
99...................................... 24.77842 -81.29532
100..................................... 24.77871 -81.29546
101..................................... 24.77898 -81.29551
102..................................... 24.78047 -81.29525
103..................................... 24.78078 -81.29510
104..................................... 24.78111 -81.29488
105..................................... 24.78170 -81.29405
106..................................... 24.78281 -81.29406
[[Page 42868]]
107..................................... 24.78290 -81.29384
108..................................... 24.78293 -81.29361
109..................................... 24.78290 -81.29337
110..................................... 24.78282 -81.29316
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Howe Key Mangrove WMA
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.77266 -81.43359
2....................................... 24.77228 -81.43272
3....................................... 24.77178 -81.43246
4....................................... 24.77106 -81.43234
5....................................... 24.77040 -81.43278
6....................................... 24.77026 -81.43410
7....................................... 24.77044 -81.43557
8....................................... 24.77101 -81.43616
9....................................... 24.77192 -81.43662
10...................................... 24.77300 -81.43639
11...................................... 24.77337 -81.43584
12...................................... 24.77338 -81.43524
13...................................... 24.77303 -81.43477
14...................................... 24.77281 -81.43429
15...................................... 24.77266 -81.43359
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Little Mullet Key WMA
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.58361 -81.94891
2....................................... 24.58321 -81.94826
3....................................... 24.58295 -81.94794
4....................................... 24.58272 -81.94778
5....................................... 24.58224 -81.94762
6....................................... 24.58199 -81.94762
7....................................... 24.58178 -81.94768
8....................................... 24.58151 -81.94787
9....................................... 24.58070 -81.94817
10...................................... 24.58033 -81.94850
11...................................... 24.58014 -81.94882
12...................................... 24.58006 -81.94904
13...................................... 24.58005 -81.94974
14...................................... 24.57994 -81.94996
15...................................... 24.57990 -81.95019
16...................................... 24.57991 -81.95113
17...................................... 24.58000 -81.95160
18...................................... 24.58016 -81.95197
19...................................... 24.58040 -81.95240
20...................................... 24.58067 -81.95266
21...................................... 24.58117 -81.95292
22...................................... 24.58145 -81.95297
23...................................... 24.58167 -81.95295
24...................................... 24.58217 -81.95278
25...................................... 24.58307 -81.95243
26...................................... 24.58326 -81.95232
27...................................... 24.58342 -81.95214
28...................................... 24.58356 -81.95190
29...................................... 24.58375 -81.95132
30...................................... 24.58378 -81.95090
31...................................... 24.58384 -81.95059
32...................................... 24.58388 -81.95008
33...................................... 24.58384 -81.94970
34...................................... 24.58373 -81.94926
35...................................... 24.58361 -81.94891
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 42869]]
Little Pine Key Mangrove WMA
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.75670 -81.34069
2....................................... 24.75666 -81.33996
3....................................... 24.75632 -81.33942
4....................................... 24.75569 -81.33901
5....................................... 24.75502 -81.33900
6....................................... 24.75434 -81.33963
7....................................... 24.75372 -81.34056
8....................................... 24.75333 -81.34189
9....................................... 24.75390 -81.34298
10...................................... 24.75431 -81.34336
11...................................... 24.75492 -81.34342
12...................................... 24.75534 -81.34361
13...................................... 24.75604 -81.34380
14...................................... 24.75641 -81.34362
15...................................... 24.75700 -81.34347
16...................................... 24.75723 -81.34325
17...................................... 24.75745 -81.34263
18...................................... 24.75748 -81.34190
19...................................... 24.75722 -81.34130
20...................................... 24.75689 -81.34101
21...................................... 24.75674 -81.34094
22...................................... 24.75670 -81.34069
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marquesas Keys WMA 1
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.57552 -82.14685
2....................................... 24.57554 -82.14726
3....................................... 24.57569 -82.14771
4....................................... 24.57599 -82.14805
5....................................... 24.57633 -82.14822
6....................................... 24.57692 -82.14822
7....................................... 24.57725 -82.14811
8....................................... 24.57756 -82.14783
9....................................... 24.57774 -82.14742
10...................................... 24.57778 -82.14695
11...................................... 24.57764 -82.14651
12...................................... 24.57722 -82.14600
13...................................... 24.57688 -82.14583
14...................................... 24.57645 -82.14584
15...................................... 24.57595 -82.14613
16...................................... 24.57566 -82.14644
17...................................... 24.57552 -82.14685
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marquesas Key WMA 2
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.57633 -82.14964
2....................................... 24.57590 -82.14952
3....................................... 24.57549 -82.14958
4....................................... 24.57519 -82.14976
5....................................... 24.57488 -82.14980
6....................................... 24.57459 -82.14995
7....................................... 24.57423 -82.15031
8....................................... 24.57391 -82.15098
9....................................... 24.57381 -82.15130
10...................................... 24.57236 -82.15268
11...................................... 24.57235 -82.15295
12...................................... 24.57246 -82.15366
13...................................... 24.57260 -82.15397
[[Page 42870]]
14...................................... 24.57279 -82.15417
15...................................... 24.57299 -82.15427
16...................................... 24.57331 -82.15435
17...................................... 24.57361 -82.15434
18...................................... 24.57381 -82.15426
19...................................... 24.57554 -82.15273
20...................................... 24.57580 -82.15233
21...................................... 24.57630 -82.15195
22...................................... 24.57652 -82.15172
23...................................... 24.57687 -82.15115
24...................................... 24.57697 -82.15068
25...................................... 24.57695 -82.15030
26...................................... 24.57684 -82.15003
27...................................... 24.57668 -82.14983
28...................................... 24.57633 -82.14964
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marquesas Keys WMA 3
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.56599 -82.15858
2....................................... 24.56647 -82.15876
3....................................... 24.56674 -82.15878
4....................................... 24.56704 -82.15871
5....................................... 24.56723 -82.15860
6....................................... 24.56748 -82.15837
7....................................... 24.56775 -82.15788
8....................................... 24.56792 -82.15724
9....................................... 24.56783 -82.15642
10...................................... 24.56775 -82.15620
11...................................... 24.56754 -82.15590
12...................................... 24.56738 -82.15574
13...................................... 24.56719 -82.15564
14...................................... 24.56667 -82.15555
15...................................... 24.56571 -82.15574
16...................................... 24.56532 -82.15600
17...................................... 24.56510 -82.15638
18...................................... 24.56504 -82.15664
19...................................... 24.56503 -82.15697
20...................................... 24.56511 -82.15735
21...................................... 24.56525 -82.15770
22...................................... 24.56554 -82.15821
23...................................... 24.56599 -82.15858
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marquesas Keys WMA 4
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.55340 -82.13516
2....................................... 24.55248 -82.13464
3....................................... 24.55170 -82.13506
4....................................... 24.55169 -82.13633
5....................................... 24.55215 -82.13727
6....................................... 24.55300 -82.13727
7....................................... 24.55362 -82.13677
8....................................... 24.55378 -82.13566
9....................................... 24.55340 -82.13516
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Northeast Tarpon Belly Keys WMA
[[Page 42871]]
No Motor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.73167 -81.50581
2....................................... 24.73095 -81.50581
3....................................... 24.73060 -81.50606
4....................................... 24.73044 -81.50671
5....................................... 24.73042 -81.50717
6....................................... 24.73047 -81.50759
7....................................... 24.73064 -81.50789
8....................................... 24.73090 -81.50815
9....................................... 24.73114 -81.50851
10...................................... 24.73128 -81.50877
11...................................... 24.73137 -81.50897
12...................................... 24.73181 -81.50900
13...................................... 24.73207 -81.50902
14...................................... 24.73238 -81.50898
15...................................... 24.73262 -81.50880
16...................................... 24.73275 -81.50868
17...................................... 24.73290 -81.50854
18...................................... 24.73294 -81.50821
19...................................... 24.73293 -81.50769
20...................................... 24.73289 -81.50723
21...................................... 24.73278 -81.50707
22...................................... 24.73267 -81.50689
23...................................... 24.73252 -81.50663
24...................................... 24.73232 -81.50622
25...................................... 24.73205 -81.50587
26...................................... 24.73167 -81.50581
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pelican Key WMA
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.09429 -80.45566
2....................................... 25.09324 -80.45404
3....................................... 25.09202 -80.45437
4....................................... 25.08935 -80.45648
5....................................... 25.09236 -80.45738
6....................................... 25.09338 -80.45711
7....................................... 25.09429 -80.45566
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pigeon Key WMA
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.05874 -80.50884
2....................................... 25.05365 -80.50892
3....................................... 25.05367 -80.51362
4....................................... 25.05876 -80.51361
5....................................... 25.05874 -80.50884
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Snipe Keys WMA 1
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.68464 -81.67036
2....................................... 24.68437 -81.66977
3....................................... 24.68443 -81.66914
4....................................... 24.68456 -81.66873
5....................................... 24.68463 -81.66823
6....................................... 24.68472 -81.66743
7....................................... 24.68456 -81.66699
[[Page 42872]]
8....................................... 24.68443 -81.66677
9....................................... 24.68429 -81.66655
10...................................... 24.68370 -81.66644
11...................................... 24.68300 -81.66677
12...................................... 24.68246 -81.66724
13...................................... 24.68208 -81.66778
14...................................... 24.68198 -81.66874
15...................................... 24.68216 -81.66928
16...................................... 24.68249 -81.66978
17...................................... 24.68255 -81.67000
18...................................... 24.68249 -81.67027
19...................................... 24.68216 -81.67057
20...................................... 24.68211 -81.67118
21...................................... 24.68213 -81.67210
22...................................... 24.68268 -81.67287
23...................................... 24.68338 -81.67292
24...................................... 24.68396 -81.67280
25...................................... 24.68445 -81.67252
26...................................... 24.68488 -81.67219
27...................................... 24.68506 -81.67173
28...................................... 24.68511 -81.67140
29...................................... 24.68504 -81.67106
30...................................... 24.68499 -81.67092
31...................................... 24.68464 -81.67036
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tavernier Key WMA 1
No Motor and No Anchor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.00309 -80.49276
2....................................... 24.99672 -80.48946
3....................................... 24.99390 -80.49587
4....................................... 24.98732 -80.51278
5....................................... 24.99099 -80.52419
6....................................... 24.99283 -80.52588
7....................................... 24.99646 -80.52861
8....................................... 24.99898 -80.52879
9....................................... 24.99885 -80.52771
10...................................... 24.99856 -80.52683
11...................................... 24.99823 -80.52632
12...................................... 24.99713 -80.52483
13...................................... 24.99687 -80.52417
14...................................... 24.99678 -80.52373
15...................................... 24.99658 -80.52314
16...................................... 24.99631 -80.52256
17...................................... 24.99619 -80.52227
18...................................... 24.99625 -80.52149
19...................................... 24.99679 -80.52019
20...................................... 24.99562 -80.51942
21...................................... 25.00309 -80.49276
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Torch Key Mangroves WMA 1
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.74240 -81.46950
2....................................... 24.74188 -81.46907
3....................................... 24.74113 -81.46884
4....................................... 24.74050 -81.46898
5....................................... 24.73993 -81.46952
6....................................... 24.73970 -81.47021
7....................................... 24.73979 -81.47084
8....................................... 24.74002 -81.47115
9....................................... 24.74090 -81.47141
[[Page 42873]]
10...................................... 24.74162 -81.47180
11...................................... 24.74189 -81.47180
12...................................... 24.74223 -81.47173
13...................................... 24.74241 -81.47161
14...................................... 24.74259 -81.47116
15...................................... 24.74268 -81.47055
16...................................... 24.74276 -81.46996
17...................................... 24.74240 -81.46950
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Torch Key Mangroves WMA 2
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.73398 -81.47187
2....................................... 24.73345 -81.47166
3....................................... 24.73300 -81.47159
4....................................... 24.73253 -81.47185
5....................................... 24.73232 -81.47243
6....................................... 24.73221 -81.47312
7....................................... 24.73229 -81.47375
8....................................... 24.73260 -81.47403
9....................................... 24.73294 -81.47415
10...................................... 24.73319 -81.47420
11...................................... 24.73341 -81.47431
12...................................... 24.73373 -81.47436
13...................................... 24.73420 -81.47412
14...................................... 24.73432 -81.47386
15...................................... 24.73462 -81.47313
16...................................... 24.73458 -81.47252
17...................................... 24.73436 -81.47211
18...................................... 24.73398 -81.47187
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water Key Mangroves WMA 1
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.74854 -81.34645
2....................................... 24.74837 -81.34611
3....................................... 24.74828 -81.34592
4....................................... 24.74790 -81.34566
5....................................... 24.74774 -81.34520
6....................................... 24.74755 -81.34494
7....................................... 24.74724 -81.34456
8....................................... 24.74672 -81.34442
9....................................... 24.74625 -81.34448
10...................................... 24.74571 -81.34494
11...................................... 24.74559 -81.34543
12...................................... 24.74557 -81.34602
13...................................... 24.74565 -81.34633
14...................................... 24.74593 -81.34659
15...................................... 24.74636 -81.34677
16...................................... 24.74659 -81.34683
17...................................... 24.74676 -81.34706
18...................................... 24.74687 -81.34741
19...................................... 24.74702 -81.34773
20...................................... 24.74733 -81.34796
21...................................... 24.74746 -81.34794
22...................................... 24.74754 -81.34799
23...................................... 24.74762 -81.34816
24...................................... 24.74771 -81.34824
25...................................... 24.74790 -81.34858
26...................................... 24.74810 -81.34869
27...................................... 24.74834 -81.34871
28...................................... 24.74860 -81.34874
29...................................... 24.74886 -81.34863
[[Page 42874]]
30...................................... 24.74904 -81.34853
31...................................... 24.74914 -81.34833
32...................................... 24.74924 -81.34808
33...................................... 24.74933 -81.34778
34...................................... 24.74931 -81.34735
35...................................... 24.74921 -81.34685
36...................................... 24.74883 -81.34649
37...................................... 24.74854 -81.34645
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Water Key Mangroves WMA 2
No Entry
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.74448 -81.34500
2....................................... 24.74448 -81.34460
3....................................... 24.74448 -81.34437
4....................................... 24.74433 -81.34388
5....................................... 24.74392 -81.34358
6....................................... 24.74322 -81.34334
7....................................... 24.74260 -81.34305
8....................................... 24.74211 -81.34317
9....................................... 24.74181 -81.34369
10...................................... 24.74170 -81.34442
11...................................... 24.74188 -81.34512
12...................................... 24.74224 -81.34588
13...................................... 24.74252 -81.34616
14...................................... 24.74284 -81.34656
15...................................... 24.74320 -81.34678
16...................................... 24.74364 -81.34669
17...................................... 24.74406 -81.34664
18...................................... 24.74437 -81.34636
19...................................... 24.74449 -81.34604
20...................................... 24.74456 -81.34588
21...................................... 24.74458 -81.34571
22...................................... 24.74460 -81.34552
23...................................... 24.74455 -81.34514
24...................................... 24.74448 -81.34500
------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Bahia Honda Key WMA
No Motor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.78525 -81.27156
2....................................... 24.78470 -81.27108
3....................................... 24.78428 -81.27094
4....................................... 24.78352 -81.27019
5....................................... 24.78274 -81.26991
6....................................... 24.78195 -81.26989
7....................................... 24.78128 -81.26965
8....................................... 24.78047 -81.26962
9....................................... 24.77941 -81.26936
10...................................... 24.77877 -81.26932
11...................................... 24.77824 -81.26939
12...................................... 24.77777 -81.26967
13...................................... 24.77761 -81.27003
14...................................... 24.77754 -81.27073
15...................................... 24.77755 -81.27144
16...................................... 24.77779 -81.27204
17...................................... 24.77829 -81.27222
18...................................... 24.77860 -81.27223
19...................................... 24.77886 -81.27238
20...................................... 24.77912 -81.27259
21...................................... 24.77955 -81.27279
22...................................... 24.78067 -81.27283
[[Page 42875]]
23...................................... 24.78116 -81.27303
24...................................... 24.78156 -81.27303
25...................................... 24.78210 -81.27338
26...................................... 24.78234 -81.27391
27...................................... 24.78284 -81.27483
28...................................... 24.78295 -81.27513
29...................................... 24.78333 -81.27544
30...................................... 24.78401 -81.27555
31...................................... 24.78453 -81.27532
32...................................... 24.78487 -81.27512
33...................................... 24.78525 -81.27485
34...................................... 24.78556 -81.27449
35...................................... 24.78582 -81.27398
36...................................... 24.78587 -81.27368
37...................................... 24.78590 -81.27320
38...................................... 24.78585 -81.27253
39...................................... 24.78560 -81.27186
40...................................... 24.78525 -81.27156
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The coordinates in the tables below marked with an
asterisk (*) are not a part of the zone's boundary. These
coordinates are landward reference points used to draw a line
segment that intersects with the shoreline.
Barnes-Card Sound WMA
No Motor
The wildlife management area boundary begins SW of Middle Key in
the NW corner of Barnes Sound at the intersection of the shoreline
with the line segment formed between Point 1 and Point 2. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally around to
the NE until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 3
and Point 4. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 4 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary continues to follow the shoreline generally to the SW
and then to the east until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 5 and Point 6. From this intersection the boundary
continues SW to the intersection of the shoreline and the line
segment formed between Point 7 and Point 8 on Middle Key. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline around the western
side of Middle Key until it intersects the line segment between
Point 9 and Point 10. From this intersection the boundary continues
to the intersection of the shoreline with the line segment formed
between Point 11 and Point 12 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 *..................................... 25.27503 -80.39899
2 *..................................... 25.27519 -80.39925
3 *..................................... 25.29560 -80.38496
4 *..................................... 25.29534 -80.38494
5 *..................................... 25.29207 -80.38250
6 *..................................... 25.29189 -80.38228
7 *..................................... 25.28008 -80.39430
8 *..................................... 25.28027 -80.39516
9 *..................................... 25.27574 -80.39840
10 *.................................... 25.27557 -80.39829
11 *.................................... 25.27503 -80.39899
12 *.................................... 25.27519 -80.39925
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bay Keys WMA 3
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at the intersection
of the shoreline and the line segment formed between Point 1 and
Point 2 on Bay Keys. From this intersection the boundary continues
to Point 2 and then to the south and back generally to the north to
each successive point in numerical order until it reaches Point 29.
From Point 29 the boundary continues towards Point 30 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
continues around the eastern side of Bay Keys until it intersects
the line segment formed between Point 31 and Point 32. From this
intersection the boundary continues to Point 32 and to each
successive point in numerical order until it reaches Point 38. From
Point 38 the boundary continues towards Point 39 until it intersects
the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary continues around
the western side of Bay Keys until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 40 and Point 41 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 *..................................... 24.64084 -81.77765
2....................................... 24.64039 -81.77751
3....................................... 24.63991 -81.77707
4....................................... 24.63927 -81.77672
5....................................... 24.63882 -81.77661
6....................................... 24.63834 -81.77669
7....................................... 24.63786 -81.77669
8....................................... 24.63705 -81.77692
9....................................... 24.63645 -81.77684
[[Page 42876]]
10...................................... 24.63621 -81.77668
11...................................... 24.63620 -81.77672
12...................................... 24.63610 -81.77691
13...................................... 24.63595 -81.77709
14...................................... 24.63644 -81.77736
15...................................... 24.63786 -81.77743
16...................................... 24.63879 -81.77724
17...................................... 24.63921 -81.77727
18...................................... 24.63952 -81.77752
19...................................... 24.63984 -81.77794
20...................................... 24.64020 -81.77830
21...................................... 24.64079 -81.77871
22...................................... 24.64083 -81.78048
23...................................... 24.64090 -81.78064
24...................................... 24.64137 -81.78126
25...................................... 24.64154 -81.78166
26...................................... 24.64189 -81.78113
27...................................... 24.64159 -81.78064
28...................................... 24.64151 -81.78042
29...................................... 24.64139 -81.77968
30 *.................................... 24.64152 -81.77950
31 *.................................... 24.64219 -81.77902
32...................................... 24.64249 -81.77886
33...................................... 24.64281 -81.77877
34...................................... 24.64295 -81.77860
35...................................... 24.64299 -81.77841
36...................................... 24.64289 -81.77823
37...................................... 24.64259 -81.77808
38...................................... 24.64237 -81.77804
39 *.................................... 24.64208 -81.77795
40 *.................................... 24.64084 -81.77765
41 *.................................... 24.64039 -81.77751
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Boca Grande Key WMA
No Entry
The wildlife management area boundary begins just south of Boca
Grande Key at Point 1. From Point 1 the boundary continues generally
to the west and then north to each successive point in numerical
order until it reaches Point 29. From Point 29 the boundary
continues towards Point 30 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline to the south
and then east until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 31 and Point 32. From this intersection the boundary continues
to Point 32 and then to each successive point in numerical order
ending at Point 34.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.52704 -82.00396
2....................................... 24.52705 -82.00424
3....................................... 24.52697 -82.00481
4....................................... 24.52689 -82.00508
5....................................... 24.52687 -82.00529
6....................................... 24.52676 -82.00566
7....................................... 24.52676 -82.00591
8....................................... 24.52677 -82.00627
9....................................... 24.52678 -82.00636
10...................................... 24.52688 -82.00676
11...................................... 24.52696 -82.00697
12...................................... 24.52744 -82.00791
13...................................... 24.52748 -82.00799
14...................................... 24.52755 -82.00809
15...................................... 24.52778 -82.00832
16...................................... 24.52787 -82.00838
17...................................... 24.52799 -82.00845
18...................................... 24.52821 -82.00854
19...................................... 24.52837 -82.00857
20...................................... 24.52858 -82.00856
21...................................... 24.52883 -82.00867
22...................................... 24.52943 -82.00887
23...................................... 24.52950 -82.00890
24...................................... 24.52996 -82.00919
25...................................... 24.53071 -82.00957
26...................................... 24.53182 -82.01006
27...................................... 24.53192 -82.01010
28...................................... 24.53230 -82.01019
29...................................... 24.53298 -82.01037
30 *.................................... 24.53310 -82.00904
[[Page 42877]]
31 *.................................... 24.52812 -82.00374
32...................................... 24.52770 -82.00343
33...................................... 24.52721 -82.00335
34...................................... 24.52704 -82.00396
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crocodile Lake WMA 1
No Entry Within 300 Feet (100 Yards) of Shorelines
The wildlife management area boundary begins just north of the
mouth of Steamboat Creek on the Card Sound side North Key Largo at
the intersection of the shoreline and the line segment formed
between Point 1 and Point 2. From this intersection the boundary
continues to Point 2 and then generally NE to each successive point
in numerical order until it reaches Point 36. From Point 36 the
boundary continues towards Point 37 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
generally to the SW until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 38 and Point 39 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 *..................................... 25.28658 -80.32913
2....................................... 25.28713 -80.32954
3....................................... 25.28726 -80.32938
4....................................... 25.28734 -80.32921
5....................................... 25.28740 -80.32886
6....................................... 25.28781 -80.32822
7....................................... 25.28817 -80.32686
8....................................... 25.28821 -80.32647
9....................................... 25.28849 -80.32595
10...................................... 25.28906 -80.32511
11...................................... 25.28928 -80.32489
12...................................... 25.28943 -80.32463
13...................................... 25.28959 -80.32450
14...................................... 25.29017 -80.32376
15...................................... 25.29083 -80.32245
16...................................... 25.29090 -80.32215
17...................................... 25.29119 -80.32188
18...................................... 25.29145 -80.32157
19...................................... 25.29219 -80.32054
20...................................... 25.29229 -80.32037
21...................................... 25.29245 -80.32024
22...................................... 25.29298 -80.31954
23...................................... 25.29313 -80.31923
24...................................... 25.29339 -80.31886
25...................................... 25.29354 -80.31852
26...................................... 25.29366 -80.31836
27...................................... 25.29382 -80.31822
28...................................... 25.29398 -80.31810
29...................................... 25.29426 -80.31782
30...................................... 25.29431 -80.31773
31...................................... 25.29458 -80.31757
32...................................... 25.29511 -80.31711
33...................................... 25.29546 -80.31675
34...................................... 25.29551 -80.31665
35...................................... 25.29553 -80.31655
36...................................... 25.29551 -80.31645
37 *.................................... 25.29532 -80.31608
38 *.................................... 25.28658 -80.32913
39...................................... 25.28713 -80.32954
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crocodile Lake WMA 2
No Entry Within 300 Feet (100 Yards) of Shorelines; Exception for
Steamboat Creek
The wildlife management area boundary begins just SW of the
mouth of Steamboat Creek on the Barnes Sound side North Key Largo at
the intersection of the shoreline and the line segment formed
between Point 1 and Point 2. From this intersection the boundary
continues to Point 2 and then generally to the NW in Barnes Sound to
each successive point in numerical order until it reaches Point 158.
From Point 158 the boundary continues generally to the east in Card
Sound to Point 262 at the mouth of Steamboat Creek. From Point 262
the boundary continues towards Point 263 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
generally south along the western side of Steamboat Creek until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 264 and Point 265
where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 *..................................... 25.26721 -80.34202
2....................................... 25.26672 -80.34252
3....................................... 25.26698 -80.34263
4....................................... 25.26718 -80.34272
[[Page 42878]]
5....................................... 25.26736 -80.34271
6....................................... 25.26783 -80.34234
7....................................... 25.26808 -80.34225
8....................................... 25.26817 -80.34212
9....................................... 25.26832 -80.34209
10...................................... 25.26843 -80.34200
11...................................... 25.26875 -80.34186
12...................................... 25.26892 -80.34162
13...................................... 25.26915 -80.34158
14...................................... 25.26928 -80.34150
15...................................... 25.26936 -80.34139
16...................................... 25.26953 -80.34135
17...................................... 25.26977 -80.34121
18...................................... 25.26989 -80.34128
19...................................... 25.27006 -80.34127
20...................................... 25.27037 -80.34105
21...................................... 25.27054 -80.34101
22...................................... 25.27115 -80.34105
23...................................... 25.27120 -80.34108
24...................................... 25.27108 -80.34137
25...................................... 25.27108 -80.34180
26...................................... 25.27096 -80.34201
27...................................... 25.27082 -80.34209
28...................................... 25.27074 -80.34219
29...................................... 25.27067 -80.34279
30...................................... 25.27113 -80.34375
31...................................... 25.27140 -80.34404
32...................................... 25.27154 -80.34408
33...................................... 25.27168 -80.34404
34...................................... 25.27179 -80.34410
35...................................... 25.27196 -80.34412
36...................................... 25.27238 -80.34392
37...................................... 25.27260 -80.34390
38...................................... 25.27300 -80.34374
39...................................... 25.27365 -80.34340
40...................................... 25.27446 -80.34334
41...................................... 25.27495 -80.34342
42...................................... 25.27516 -80.34342
43...................................... 25.27567 -80.34355
44...................................... 25.27630 -80.34419
45...................................... 25.27643 -80.34437
46...................................... 25.27679 -80.34511
47...................................... 25.27689 -80.34521
48...................................... 25.27694 -80.34539
49...................................... 25.27689 -80.34564
50...................................... 25.27694 -80.34609
51...................................... 25.27689 -80.34636
52...................................... 25.27693 -80.34657
53...................................... 25.27675 -80.34676
54...................................... 25.27663 -80.34703
55...................................... 25.27644 -80.34716
56...................................... 25.27639 -80.34732
57...................................... 25.27613 -80.34773
58...................................... 25.27594 -80.34818
59...................................... 25.27598 -80.34844
60...................................... 25.27613 -80.34870
61...................................... 25.27600 -80.34921
62...................................... 25.27603 -80.34959
63...................................... 25.27615 -80.34983
64...................................... 25.27622 -80.35017
65...................................... 25.27638 -80.35036
66...................................... 25.27664 -80.35041
67...................................... 25.27711 -80.35058
68...................................... 25.27765 -80.35100
69...................................... 25.27827 -80.35126
70...................................... 25.27846 -80.35150
71...................................... 25.27857 -80.35198
72...................................... 25.27863 -80.35209
73...................................... 25.27898 -80.35235
74...................................... 25.27926 -80.35242
75...................................... 25.27949 -80.35264
76...................................... 25.27949 -80.35278
77...................................... 25.27938 -80.35293
78...................................... 25.27898 -80.35330
[[Page 42879]]
79...................................... 25.27784 -80.35393
80...................................... 25.27768 -80.35408
81...................................... 25.27736 -80.35457
82...................................... 25.27714 -80.35503
83...................................... 25.27710 -80.35524
84...................................... 25.27694 -80.35631
85...................................... 25.27700 -80.35654
86...................................... 25.27710 -80.35665
87...................................... 25.27736 -80.35681
88...................................... 25.27750 -80.35698
89...................................... 25.27766 -80.35729
90...................................... 25.27806 -80.35758
91...................................... 25.27821 -80.35762
92...................................... 25.27843 -80.35757
93...................................... 25.27861 -80.35763
94...................................... 25.27904 -80.35760
95...................................... 25.27915 -80.35756
96...................................... 25.27896 -80.35810
97...................................... 25.27896 -80.35832
98...................................... 25.27886 -80.35847
99...................................... 25.27883 -80.35874
100..................................... 25.27871 -80.35901
101..................................... 25.27870 -80.35928
102..................................... 25.27859 -80.35956
103..................................... 25.27879 -80.36036
104..................................... 25.27895 -80.36055
105..................................... 25.27969 -80.36063
106..................................... 25.28007 -80.36059
107..................................... 25.28059 -80.36074
108..................................... 25.28104 -80.36063
109..................................... 25.28157 -80.36032
110..................................... 25.28187 -80.36029
111..................................... 25.28222 -80.36015
112..................................... 25.28272 -80.35991
113..................................... 25.28282 -80.35981
114..................................... 25.28311 -80.35982
115..................................... 25.28331 -80.36007
116..................................... 25.28346 -80.36014
117..................................... 25.28361 -80.36014
118..................................... 25.28363 -80.36027
119..................................... 25.28371 -80.36041
120..................................... 25.28369 -80.36065
121..................................... 25.28376 -80.36081
122..................................... 25.28386 -80.36090
123..................................... 25.28389 -80.36102
124..................................... 25.28394 -80.36136
125..................................... 25.28373 -80.36152
126..................................... 25.28362 -80.36187
127..................................... 25.28346 -80.36214
128..................................... 25.28330 -80.36223
129..................................... 25.28321 -80.36236
130..................................... 25.28305 -80.36325
131..................................... 25.28306 -80.36341
132..................................... 25.28293 -80.36378
133..................................... 25.28279 -80.36400
134..................................... 25.28278 -80.36426
135..................................... 25.28252 -80.36444
136..................................... 25.28235 -80.36474
137..................................... 25.28234 -80.36489
138..................................... 25.28218 -80.36500
139..................................... 25.28209 -80.36515
140..................................... 25.28211 -80.36543
141..................................... 25.28222 -80.36574
142..................................... 25.28205 -80.36603
143..................................... 25.28202 -80.36628
144..................................... 25.28220 -80.36651
145..................................... 25.28228 -80.36670
146..................................... 25.28245 -80.36679
147..................................... 25.28297 -80.36673
148..................................... 25.28314 -80.36667
149..................................... 25.28364 -80.36670
150..................................... 25.28416 -80.36651
151..................................... 25.28436 -80.36638
152..................................... 25.28445 -80.36625
[[Page 42880]]
153..................................... 25.28475 -80.36615
154..................................... 25.28494 -80.36590
155..................................... 25.28528 -80.36561
156..................................... 25.28551 -80.36512
157..................................... 25.28566 -80.36515
158..................................... 25.28585 -80.36506
159..................................... 25.28598 -80.36496
160..................................... 25.28607 -80.36478
161..................................... 25.28608 -80.36461
162..................................... 25.28593 -80.36418
163..................................... 25.28600 -80.36400
164..................................... 25.28596 -80.36371
165..................................... 25.28607 -80.36342
166..................................... 25.28603 -80.36313
167..................................... 25.28592 -80.36291
168..................................... 25.28572 -80.36282
169..................................... 25.28569 -80.36276
170..................................... 25.28572 -80.36251
171..................................... 25.28566 -80.36207
172..................................... 25.28555 -80.36179
173..................................... 25.28554 -80.36156
174..................................... 25.28534 -80.36104
175..................................... 25.28531 -80.36085
176..................................... 25.28496 -80.35981
177..................................... 25.28486 -80.35965
178..................................... 25.28474 -80.35922
179..................................... 25.28450 -80.35875
180..................................... 25.28435 -80.35862
181..................................... 25.28410 -80.35818
182..................................... 25.28410 -80.35780
183..................................... 25.28382 -80.35701
184..................................... 25.28374 -80.35663
185..................................... 25.28369 -80.35615
186..................................... 25.28398 -80.35485
187..................................... 25.28400 -80.35444
188..................................... 25.28412 -80.35443
189..................................... 25.28427 -80.35434
190..................................... 25.28441 -80.35418
191..................................... 25.28457 -80.35373
192..................................... 25.28460 -80.35339
193..................................... 25.28493 -80.35291
194..................................... 25.28618 -80.35160
195..................................... 25.28655 -80.35129
196..................................... 25.28680 -80.35089
197..................................... 25.28688 -80.35007
198..................................... 25.28671 -80.34942
199..................................... 25.28683 -80.34792
200..................................... 25.28730 -80.34630
201..................................... 25.28748 -80.34531
202..................................... 25.28771 -80.34471
203..................................... 25.28789 -80.34440
204..................................... 25.28830 -80.34391
205..................................... 25.28852 -80.34381
206..................................... 25.28862 -80.34371
207..................................... 25.28879 -80.34326
208..................................... 25.28916 -80.34325
209..................................... 25.28935 -80.34331
210..................................... 25.28948 -80.34328
211..................................... 25.28965 -80.34333
212..................................... 25.28985 -80.34329
213..................................... 25.29000 -80.34318
214..................................... 25.29013 -80.34318
215..................................... 25.29023 -80.34326
216..................................... 25.29037 -80.34328
217..................................... 25.29058 -80.34316
218..................................... 25.29067 -80.34288
219..................................... 25.29087 -80.34256
220..................................... 25.29091 -80.34233
221..................................... 25.29086 -80.34215
222..................................... 25.29088 -80.34200
223..................................... 25.29097 -80.34179
224..................................... 25.29096 -80.34161
225..................................... 25.29109 -80.34117
226..................................... 25.29114 -80.34045
[[Page 42881]]
227..................................... 25.29104 -80.34022
228..................................... 25.29099 -80.33992
229..................................... 25.29085 -80.33968
230..................................... 25.29062 -80.33957
231..................................... 25.29050 -80.33955
232..................................... 25.29047 -80.33939
233..................................... 25.29053 -80.33890
234..................................... 25.29024 -80.33835
235..................................... 25.28982 -80.33807
236..................................... 25.28907 -80.33786
237..................................... 25.28855 -80.33753
238..................................... 25.28836 -80.33729
239..................................... 25.28810 -80.33708
240..................................... 25.28761 -80.33679
241..................................... 25.28735 -80.33619
242..................................... 25.28724 -80.33555
243..................................... 25.28723 -80.33545
244..................................... 25.28736 -80.33506
245..................................... 25.28733 -80.33481
246..................................... 25.28717 -80.33464
247..................................... 25.28700 -80.33435
248..................................... 25.28652 -80.33423
249..................................... 25.28655 -80.33396
250..................................... 25.28651 -80.33381
251..................................... 25.28637 -80.33361
252..................................... 25.28636 -80.33340
253..................................... 25.28627 -80.33309
254..................................... 25.28592 -80.33244
255..................................... 25.28585 -80.33196
256..................................... 25.28597 -80.33167
257..................................... 25.28599 -80.33140
258..................................... 25.28595 -80.33126
259..................................... 25.28606 -80.33089
260..................................... 25.28614 -80.33012
261..................................... 25.28614 -80.33008
262..................................... 25.28585 -80.32979
263 *................................... 25.28566 -80.33011
264 *................................... 25.26721 -80.34202
265..................................... 25.26672 -80.34252
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crocodile Lake WMA 3
No Entry Within 300 Feet (100 Yards) of Shorelines
The wildlife management area boundary begins just SW of the
mouth of Steamboat Creek on the Barnes Sound side North Key Largo at
the intersection of the shoreline and the line segment formed
between Point 1 and Point 2. From this intersection the boundary
continues to Point 2 and then generally to the NW in Barnes Sound to
each successive point in numerical order until it reaches Point 8.
From Point 8 the boundary continues to the intersection of the
shoreline with the line segment formed between Point 9 and Point 10.
From this intersection the boundary follows the western shoreline
around generally to the SE until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 11 and Point 12 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 *..................................... 25.26527 -80.34055
2....................................... 25.26484 -80.34102
3....................................... 25.26488 -80.34108
4....................................... 25.26510 -80.34127
5....................................... 25.26523 -80.34133
6....................................... 25.26532 -80.34147
7....................................... 25.26576 -80.34187
8....................................... 25.26615 -80.34205
9 *..................................... 25.26635 -80.34179
10 *.................................... 25.26608 -80.34141
11 *.................................... 25.26527 -80.34055
12...................................... 25.26484 -80.34102
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crocodile Lake WMA 4
No Entry Within 300 Feet (100 Yards) of Shorelines
The wildlife management area boundary begins just SW of the
mouth of Steamboat Creek on the Barnes Sound side North Key Largo at
Point 1. From Point 1 the boundary continues to the intersection of
the shoreline and the line segment formed between Point 2 and Point
3. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
generally to the south and then SW until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 4 and Point 5 at the northern mouth of
Jewfish Creek on Key Largo. From this intersection the boundary
continues to Point 5 in Barnes Sound and then generally to the NE
and then north to each successive point in numerical order ending at
Point 298.
[[Page 42882]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.26445 -80.34046
2 *..................................... 25.26461 -80.34057
3 *..................................... 25.26494 -80.33988
4 *..................................... 25.19810 -80.38422
5 *..................................... 25.19833 -80.38449
6....................................... 25.19872 -80.38428
7....................................... 25.19877 -80.38399
8....................................... 25.19863 -80.38362
9....................................... 25.19890 -80.38308
10...................................... 25.19910 -80.38287
11...................................... 25.19922 -80.38250
12...................................... 25.19934 -80.38234
13...................................... 25.19973 -80.38201
14...................................... 25.19987 -80.38173
15...................................... 25.20002 -80.38154
16...................................... 25.20035 -80.38056
17...................................... 25.20023 -80.38010
18...................................... 25.20008 -80.37982
19...................................... 25.19988 -80.37970
20...................................... 25.19967 -80.37977
21...................................... 25.19956 -80.37947
22...................................... 25.19937 -80.37918
23...................................... 25.19881 -80.37867
24...................................... 25.19866 -80.37839
25...................................... 25.19843 -80.37775
26...................................... 25.19844 -80.37725
27...................................... 25.19819 -80.37635
28...................................... 25.19830 -80.37619
29...................................... 25.19829 -80.37598
30...................................... 25.19806 -80.37563
31...................................... 25.19754 -80.37547
32...................................... 25.19751 -80.37516
33...................................... 25.19759 -80.37499
34...................................... 25.19760 -80.37483
35...................................... 25.19776 -80.37465
36...................................... 25.19782 -80.37444
37...................................... 25.19776 -80.37414
38...................................... 25.19798 -80.37404
39...................................... 25.19809 -80.37384
40...................................... 25.19809 -80.37371
41...................................... 25.19801 -80.37345
42...................................... 25.19816 -80.37335
43...................................... 25.19844 -80.37345
44...................................... 25.19865 -80.37340
45...................................... 25.19882 -80.37319
46...................................... 25.19883 -80.37306
47...................................... 25.19878 -80.37292
48...................................... 25.19922 -80.37264
49...................................... 25.19944 -80.37280
50...................................... 25.19963 -80.37279
51...................................... 25.19981 -80.37263
52...................................... 25.19986 -80.37242
53...................................... 25.19999 -80.37239
54...................................... 25.20034 -80.37214
55...................................... 25.20051 -80.37220
56...................................... 25.20076 -80.37221
57...................................... 25.20091 -80.37217
58...................................... 25.20121 -80.37227
59...................................... 25.20139 -80.37223
60...................................... 25.20150 -80.37235
61...................................... 25.20169 -80.37242
62...................................... 25.20191 -80.37241
63...................................... 25.20209 -80.37229
64...................................... 25.20224 -80.37233
65...................................... 25.20241 -80.37229
66...................................... 25.20252 -80.37240
67...................................... 25.20302 -80.37261
68...................................... 25.20350 -80.37246
69...................................... 25.20367 -80.37250
70...................................... 25.20396 -80.37275
71...................................... 25.20434 -80.37284
72...................................... 25.20450 -80.37281
73...................................... 25.20453 -80.37311
74...................................... 25.20448 -80.37337
[[Page 42883]]
75...................................... 25.20456 -80.37369
76...................................... 25.20465 -80.37378
77...................................... 25.20477 -80.37382
78...................................... 25.20504 -80.37371
79...................................... 25.20533 -80.37344
80...................................... 25.20552 -80.37318
81...................................... 25.20624 -80.37151
82...................................... 25.20628 -80.37126
83...................................... 25.20601 -80.36976
84...................................... 25.20605 -80.36941
85...................................... 25.20611 -80.36920
86...................................... 25.20675 -80.36793
87...................................... 25.20699 -80.36736
88...................................... 25.20717 -80.36675
89...................................... 25.20721 -80.36582
90...................................... 25.20714 -80.36518
91...................................... 25.20709 -80.36486
92...................................... 25.20688 -80.36419
93...................................... 25.20691 -80.36372
94...................................... 25.20687 -80.36247
95...................................... 25.20697 -80.36189
96...................................... 25.20717 -80.36130
97...................................... 25.20736 -80.36094
98...................................... 25.20746 -80.36059
99...................................... 25.20774 -80.36015
100..................................... 25.20787 -80.35979
101..................................... 25.20805 -80.35909
102..................................... 25.20825 -80.35867
103..................................... 25.20845 -80.35798
104..................................... 25.20861 -80.35725
105..................................... 25.20858 -80.35651
106..................................... 25.20846 -80.35630
107..................................... 25.20832 -80.35616
108..................................... 25.20795 -80.35603
109..................................... 25.20774 -80.35609
110..................................... 25.20760 -80.35622
111..................................... 25.20725 -80.35628
112..................................... 25.20707 -80.35646
113..................................... 25.20689 -80.35673
114..................................... 25.20685 -80.35687
115..................................... 25.20663 -80.35686
116..................................... 25.20642 -80.35699
117..................................... 25.20625 -80.35727
118..................................... 25.20622 -80.35747
119..................................... 25.20608 -80.35750
120..................................... 25.20588 -80.35763
121..................................... 25.20572 -80.35795
122..................................... 25.20556 -80.35793
123..................................... 25.20538 -80.35801
124..................................... 25.20540 -80.35777
125..................................... 25.20527 -80.35755
126..................................... 25.20507 -80.35746
127..................................... 25.20480 -80.35749
128..................................... 25.20461 -80.35741
129..................................... 25.20446 -80.35719
130..................................... 25.20440 -80.35707
131..................................... 25.20445 -80.35688
132..................................... 25.20440 -80.35670
133..................................... 25.20441 -80.35649
134..................................... 25.20433 -80.35631
135..................................... 25.20423 -80.35622
136..................................... 25.20421 -80.35583
137..................................... 25.20407 -80.35567
138..................................... 25.20395 -80.35528
139..................................... 25.20367 -80.35499
140..................................... 25.20368 -80.35470
141..................................... 25.20358 -80.35447
142..................................... 25.20393 -80.35374
143..................................... 25.20401 -80.35335
144..................................... 25.20401 -80.35308
145..................................... 25.20433 -80.35318
146..................................... 25.20481 -80.35314
147..................................... 25.20515 -80.35295
148..................................... 25.20550 -80.35255
[[Page 42884]]
149..................................... 25.20567 -80.35249
150..................................... 25.20601 -80.35247
151..................................... 25.20616 -80.35242
152..................................... 25.20624 -80.35247
153..................................... 25.20638 -80.35298
154..................................... 25.20654 -80.35337
155..................................... 25.20670 -80.35352
156..................................... 25.20693 -80.35351
157..................................... 25.20703 -80.35343
158..................................... 25.20710 -80.35328
159..................................... 25.20770 -80.35304
160..................................... 25.20826 -80.35248
161..................................... 25.20869 -80.35187
162..................................... 25.20876 -80.35164
163..................................... 25.20873 -80.35115
164..................................... 25.20863 -80.35087
165..................................... 25.20868 -80.35013
166..................................... 25.20884 -80.34999
167..................................... 25.20899 -80.34993
168..................................... 25.20928 -80.34965
169..................................... 25.20944 -80.34988
170..................................... 25.20966 -80.35074
171..................................... 25.20993 -80.35133
172..................................... 25.21020 -80.35174
173..................................... 25.21027 -80.35196
174..................................... 25.21046 -80.35209
175..................................... 25.21060 -80.35210
176..................................... 25.21076 -80.35205
177..................................... 25.21095 -80.35187
178..................................... 25.21118 -80.35145
179..................................... 25.21198 -80.35072
180..................................... 25.21283 -80.34982
181..................................... 25.21303 -80.34968
182..................................... 25.21328 -80.34920
183..................................... 25.21388 -80.34836
184..................................... 25.21397 -80.34820
185..................................... 25.21402 -80.34798
186..................................... 25.21408 -80.34792
187..................................... 25.21419 -80.34786
188..................................... 25.21499 -80.34773
189..................................... 25.21567 -80.34755
190..................................... 25.21592 -80.34779
191..................................... 25.21627 -80.34801
192..................................... 25.21657 -80.34806
193..................................... 25.21672 -80.34802
194..................................... 25.21757 -80.34761
195..................................... 25.21800 -80.34716
196..................................... 25.21830 -80.34703
197..................................... 25.21873 -80.34664
198..................................... 25.21900 -80.34622
199..................................... 25.21905 -80.34586
200..................................... 25.21953 -80.34539
201..................................... 25.21966 -80.34542
202..................................... 25.21986 -80.34538
203..................................... 25.22044 -80.34501
204..................................... 25.22184 -80.34481
205..................................... 25.22224 -80.34470
206..................................... 25.22239 -80.34461
207..................................... 25.22257 -80.34442
208..................................... 25.22268 -80.34417
209..................................... 25.22277 -80.34385
210..................................... 25.22280 -80.34328
211..................................... 25.22287 -80.34352
212..................................... 25.22309 -80.34362
213..................................... 25.22355 -80.34351
214..................................... 25.22378 -80.34334
215..................................... 25.22406 -80.34292
216..................................... 25.22474 -80.34211
217..................................... 25.22517 -80.34152
218..................................... 25.22585 -80.34072
219..................................... 25.22625 -80.34036
220..................................... 25.22672 -80.33984
221..................................... 25.22692 -80.33983
222..................................... 25.22749 -80.33945
[[Page 42885]]
223..................................... 25.22959 -80.33859
224..................................... 25.23145 -80.33767
225..................................... 25.23199 -80.33734
226..................................... 25.23247 -80.33723
227..................................... 25.23393 -80.33666
228..................................... 25.23454 -80.33648
229..................................... 25.23610 -80.33617
230..................................... 25.23637 -80.33605
231..................................... 25.23660 -80.33590
232..................................... 25.23691 -80.33556
233..................................... 25.23711 -80.33543
234..................................... 25.23789 -80.33513
235..................................... 25.23913 -80.33447
236..................................... 25.23943 -80.33435
237..................................... 25.24017 -80.33422
238..................................... 25.24072 -80.33419
239..................................... 25.24136 -80.33407
240..................................... 25.24145 -80.33418
241..................................... 25.24168 -80.33432
242..................................... 25.24250 -80.33436
243..................................... 25.24444 -80.33465
244..................................... 25.24532 -80.33471
245..................................... 25.24562 -80.33469
246..................................... 25.24678 -80.33496
247..................................... 25.24742 -80.33503
248..................................... 25.24775 -80.33501
249..................................... 25.24799 -80.33493
250..................................... 25.24878 -80.33447
251..................................... 25.25069 -80.33320
252..................................... 25.25116 -80.33300
253..................................... 25.25185 -80.33280
254..................................... 25.25273 -80.33282
255..................................... 25.25366 -80.33274
256..................................... 25.25408 -80.33275
257..................................... 25.25445 -80.33266
258..................................... 25.25472 -80.33253
259..................................... 25.25498 -80.33256
260..................................... 25.25524 -80.33264
261..................................... 25.25581 -80.33268
262..................................... 25.25617 -80.33269
263..................................... 25.25635 -80.33262
264..................................... 25.25668 -80.33258
265..................................... 25.25729 -80.33272
266..................................... 25.25752 -80.33260
267..................................... 25.25786 -80.33264
268..................................... 25.25815 -80.33245
269..................................... 25.25834 -80.33250
270..................................... 25.25862 -80.33241
271..................................... 25.26013 -80.33252
272..................................... 25.26113 -80.33234
273..................................... 25.26192 -80.33226
274..................................... 25.26296 -80.33236
275..................................... 25.26338 -80.33257
276..................................... 25.26358 -80.33284
277..................................... 25.26372 -80.33313
278..................................... 25.26404 -80.33343
279..................................... 25.26437 -80.33349
280..................................... 25.26479 -80.33346
281..................................... 25.26499 -80.33339
282..................................... 25.26514 -80.33341
283..................................... 25.26522 -80.33348
284..................................... 25.26518 -80.33372
285..................................... 25.26540 -80.33426
286..................................... 25.26528 -80.33462
287..................................... 25.26531 -80.33481
288..................................... 25.26528 -80.33500
289..................................... 25.26530 -80.33534
290..................................... 25.26520 -80.33602
291..................................... 25.26484 -80.33736
292..................................... 25.26485 -80.33769
293..................................... 25.26480 -80.33786
294..................................... 25.26484 -80.33800
295..................................... 25.26469 -80.33835
296..................................... 25.26442 -80.33926
[[Page 42886]]
297..................................... 25.26437 -80.34014
298..................................... 25.26445 -80.34046
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern Lake Surprise WMA 1
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins in Lake Surprise on
North Key Largo at Point 1. From Point 1 the boundary continues
towards Point 2 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline south around eastern
Lake Surprise until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 3 and Point 4. From this intersection the boundary continues
towards Point 4 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally SW until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 5 and Point 6.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 6 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
continues generally NW until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 7 and Point 8. From this intersection the boundary
continues to the intersection of the shoreline with the line segment
formed between Point 9 and Point 10. From this intersection the
boundary continues to Point 10 and then generally NE to the
successive points in numerical order until it reaches Point 65 where
it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.18536 -80.37233
2 *..................................... 25.18501 -80.37223
3 *..................................... 25.17923 -80.37263
4 *..................................... 25.17891 -80.37293
5 *..................................... 25.17666 -80.37687
6 *..................................... 25.18118 -80.38331
7 *..................................... 25.18144 -80.38356
8 *..................................... 25.18218 -80.38470
9 *..................................... 25.18283 -80.38464
10...................................... 25.18239 -80.38413
11...................................... 25.18254 -80.38402
12...................................... 25.18268 -80.38401
13...................................... 25.18334 -80.38446
14...................................... 25.18371 -80.38448
15...................................... 25.18384 -80.38440
16...................................... 25.18426 -80.38408
17...................................... 25.18424 -80.38388
18...................................... 25.18414 -80.38358
19...................................... 25.18413 -80.38327
20...................................... 25.18416 -80.38305
21...................................... 25.18425 -80.38290
22...................................... 25.18443 -80.38281
23...................................... 25.18482 -80.38286
24...................................... 25.18528 -80.38271
25...................................... 25.18569 -80.38241
26...................................... 25.18609 -80.38197
27...................................... 25.18645 -80.38148
28...................................... 25.18639 -80.38106
29...................................... 25.18646 -80.38090
30...................................... 25.18663 -80.38070
31...................................... 25.18677 -80.38010
32...................................... 25.18678 -80.37964
33...................................... 25.18688 -80.37944
34...................................... 25.18730 -80.37814
35...................................... 25.18744 -80.37689
36...................................... 25.18768 -80.37657
37...................................... 25.18767 -80.37636
38...................................... 25.18774 -80.37621
39...................................... 25.18791 -80.37607
40...................................... 25.18820 -80.37603
41...................................... 25.18834 -80.37588
42...................................... 25.18831 -80.37568
43...................................... 25.18837 -80.37546
44...................................... 25.18859 -80.37517
45...................................... 25.18865 -80.37484
46...................................... 25.18893 -80.37438
47...................................... 25.18874 -80.37411
48...................................... 25.18865 -80.37384
49...................................... 25.18839 -80.37395
50...................................... 25.18800 -80.37385
51...................................... 25.18770 -80.37395
52...................................... 25.18745 -80.37394
53...................................... 25.18701 -80.37415
54...................................... 25.18676 -80.37420
55...................................... 25.18662 -80.37416
56...................................... 25.18653 -80.37407
[[Page 42887]]
57...................................... 25.18648 -80.37389
58...................................... 25.18636 -80.37379
59...................................... 25.18628 -80.37361
60...................................... 25.18629 -80.37328
61...................................... 25.18642 -80.37302
62...................................... 25.18639 -80.37296
63...................................... 25.18592 -80.37245
64...................................... 25.18570 -80.37231
65...................................... 25.18536 -80.37233
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern Lake Surprise WMA 2
No Entry
The wildlife management area boundary begins in eastern Lake
Surprise on North Key Largo at the intersection of the shoreline and
the line segment formed between Point 1 and Point 2. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally to the SE
and then to the NW until it intersects with the line segment formed
between Point 2 and Point 3. From this intersection the boundary
continues towards Point 3 until it ends at the intersection with the
shoreline.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 *..................................... 25.17923 -80.37263
2 *..................................... 25.17891 -80.37293
3 *..................................... 25.17923 -80.37263
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern Lake Surprise WMA 3
No Entry
The wildlife management area boundary begins in northeastern
Lake Surprise on North Key Largo at the intersection of the
shoreline and the line segment formed between Point 1 and Point 2.
From this intersection the boundary continues to Point 2 and then
generally SW to each successive point in numerical order until it
reaches Point 57. From Point 57 the boundary continues towards Point
58 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline of northwestern Lake Surprise
generally NE until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 59 and Point 60 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 *..................................... 25.18501 -80.37223
2....................................... 25.18536 -80.37233
3....................................... 25.18570 -80.37231
4....................................... 25.18592 -80.37245
5....................................... 25.18639 -80.37296
6....................................... 25.18642 -80.37302
7....................................... 25.18629 -80.37328
8....................................... 25.18628 -80.37361
9....................................... 25.18636 -80.37379
10...................................... 25.18648 -80.37389
11...................................... 25.18653 -80.37407
12...................................... 25.18662 -80.37416
13...................................... 25.18676 -80.37420
14...................................... 25.18701 -80.37415
15...................................... 25.18745 -80.37394
16...................................... 25.18770 -80.37395
17...................................... 25.18800 -80.37385
18...................................... 25.18839 -80.37395
19...................................... 25.18865 -80.37384
20...................................... 25.18874 -80.37411
21...................................... 25.18893 -80.37438
22...................................... 25.18865 -80.37484
23...................................... 25.18859 -80.37517
24...................................... 25.18837 -80.37546
25...................................... 25.18831 -80.37568
26...................................... 25.18834 -80.37588
27...................................... 25.18820 -80.37603
28...................................... 25.18791 -80.37607
29...................................... 25.18774 -80.37621
30...................................... 25.18767 -80.37636
31...................................... 25.18768 -80.37657
32...................................... 25.18744 -80.37689
33...................................... 25.18730 -80.37814
34...................................... 25.18688 -80.37944
35...................................... 25.18678 -80.37964
36...................................... 25.18677 -80.38010
37...................................... 25.18663 -80.38070
38...................................... 25.18646 -80.38090
39...................................... 25.18639 -80.38106
40...................................... 25.18645 -80.38148
[[Page 42888]]
41...................................... 25.18609 -80.38197
42...................................... 25.18569 -80.38241
43...................................... 25.18528 -80.38271
44...................................... 25.18482 -80.38286
45...................................... 25.18443 -80.38281
46...................................... 25.18425 -80.38290
47...................................... 25.18416 -80.38305
48...................................... 25.18413 -80.38327
49...................................... 25.18414 -80.38358
50...................................... 25.18424 -80.38388
51...................................... 25.18426 -80.38408
52...................................... 25.18384 -80.38440
53...................................... 25.18371 -80.38448
54...................................... 25.18334 -80.38446
55...................................... 25.18268 -80.38401
56...................................... 25.18254 -80.38402
57...................................... 25.18239 -80.38413
58 *.................................... 25.18283 -80.38464
59 *.................................... 25.18501 -80.37223
60...................................... 25.18536 -80.37233
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lower Harbor Keys WMA 1
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 just
north of Lower Harbor Keys. From Point 1 the boundary continues to
each successive point in numerical order until it reaches Point 9.
From Point 9 the boundary continues towards Point 10 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline to the east until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 11 and Point 12. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 12 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
north until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 13
and Point 14. From this intersection the boundary continues to Point
14 and then to each successive point in numerical order until it
reaches Point 22. From Point 22 the boundary continues towards Point
23 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline to the SE until it intersects the
line segment formed between Point 23 and Point 24. From this
intersection the boundary continues towards Point 24 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline south until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 24 and Point 25. From this intersection the
boundary continues towards Point 25 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
generally west and south until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 26 and Point 27. From this intersection the boundary
continues to Point 27 and then to each successive point in numerical
order until it ends at Point 41.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.65039 -81.73302
2....................................... 24.65042 -81.73330
3....................................... 24.65046 -81.73369
4....................................... 24.65054 -81.73444
5....................................... 24.65065 -81.73518
6....................................... 24.65106 -81.73609
7....................................... 24.65164 -81.73561
8....................................... 24.65138 -81.73502
9....................................... 24.65138 -81.73446
10 *.................................... 24.65145 -81.73357
11 *.................................... 24.65238 -81.73229
12 *.................................... 24.65286 -81.73252
13 *.................................... 24.65373 -81.73248
14...................................... 24.65397 -81.73231
15...................................... 24.65431 -81.73240
16...................................... 24.65458 -81.73294
17...................................... 24.65450 -81.73331
18...................................... 24.65407 -81.73414
19...................................... 24.65449 -81.73388
20...................................... 24.65473 -81.73335
21...................................... 24.65490 -81.73266
22...................................... 24.65467 -81.73248
23 *.................................... 24.65459 -81.73192
24 *.................................... 24.65378 -81.73136
25 *.................................... 24.65315 -81.73141
26 *.................................... 24.65288 -81.73189
27...................................... 24.65229 -81.73119
28...................................... 24.65171 -81.73116
29...................................... 24.65173 -81.73040
30...................................... 24.65133 -81.72978
31...................................... 24.65102 -81.72915
32...................................... 24.65187 -81.72797
33...................................... 24.64998 -81.72693
34...................................... 24.65020 -81.72884
[[Page 42889]]
35...................................... 24.65047 -81.72930
36...................................... 24.65076 -81.72973
37...................................... 24.65120 -81.73080
38...................................... 24.65089 -81.73139
39...................................... 24.65036 -81.73151
40...................................... 24.65033 -81.73223
41...................................... 24.65039 -81.73302
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lower Harbor Keys WMA 2
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at the intersection
of the southern shoreline and the line segment formed by Point 1 and
Point 2. From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point
2 until it intersects the northern shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline generally north until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 3 and Point 4. From
this intersection the boundary continues to Point 4 and then to each
successive point in numerical order until it reaches Point 35. From
Point 35 the boundary continues towards Point 36 until it intersects
the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the
shoreline NE until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 37 and Point 38. From this intersection the boundary continues
towards Point 38 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary continues NE and then NW until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 39 and Point 40.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 40 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 41 and Point 42. From this intersection the boundary
continues to Point 42 and then generally south to each successive
point in numerical order until it reaches Point 58. From Point 58
the boundary continues towards Point 59 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
generally south until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 60 and Point 61 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 *..................................... 24.63714 -81.72648
2 *..................................... 24.63786 -81.72658
3 *..................................... 24.64324 -81.72504
4....................................... 24.64357 -81.72482
5....................................... 24.64379 -81.72478
6....................................... 24.64398 -81.72471
7....................................... 24.64431 -81.72469
8....................................... 24.64453 -81.72475
9....................................... 24.64467 -81.72493
10...................................... 24.64488 -81.72525
11...................................... 24.64502 -81.72554
12...................................... 24.64512 -81.72578
13...................................... 24.64514 -81.72594
14...................................... 24.64506 -81.72610
15...................................... 24.64490 -81.72632
16...................................... 24.64481 -81.72669
17...................................... 24.64480 -81.72697
18...................................... 24.64475 -81.72733
19...................................... 24.64470 -81.72750
20...................................... 24.64459 -81.72765
21...................................... 24.64432 -81.72817
22...................................... 24.64418 -81.72849
23...................................... 24.64397 -81.72882
24...................................... 24.64378 -81.72928
25...................................... 24.64359 -81.72965
26...................................... 24.64334 -81.73000
27...................................... 24.64306 -81.73054
28...................................... 24.64269 -81.73109
29...................................... 24.64231 -81.73194
30...................................... 24.64192 -81.73319
31...................................... 24.64240 -81.73364
32...................................... 24.64239 -81.73331
33...................................... 24.64245 -81.73291
34...................................... 24.64258 -81.73221
35...................................... 24.64290 -81.73172
36 *.................................... 24.64366 -81.73050
37 *.................................... 24.64393 -81.73019
38 *.................................... 24.64423 -81.73019
39 *.................................... 24.64863 -81.72961
40 *.................................... 24.64875 -81.72928
41 *.................................... 24.64906 -81.72888
42...................................... 24.64909 -81.72802
43...................................... 24.64893 -81.72729
44...................................... 24.64860 -81.72812
45...................................... 24.64795 -81.72822
46...................................... 24.64775 -81.72862
47...................................... 24.64688 -81.72765
[[Page 42890]]
48...................................... 24.64640 -81.72754
49...................................... 24.64573 -81.72762
50...................................... 24.64529 -81.72752
51...................................... 24.64491 -81.72753
52...................................... 24.64495 -81.72682
53...................................... 24.64517 -81.72625
54...................................... 24.64532 -81.72589
55...................................... 24.64524 -81.72562
56...................................... 24.64460 -81.72447
57...................................... 24.64403 -81.72442
58...................................... 24.64344 -81.72451
59 *.................................... 24.64267 -81.72468
60 *.................................... 24.63714 -81.72648
61 *.................................... 24.63786 -81.72658
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lower Harbor Keys WMA 3
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at the intersection
of the southeastern shoreline and the line segment formed by Point 1
and Point 2. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 2 until it intersects the southwestern shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally NE until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 3 and Point 4.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 4 until
it intersects the northeastern shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline generally SW until it intersects the
line segment formed between Point 5 and Point 6 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 *..................................... 24.63598 -81.72307
2 *..................................... 24.63671 -81.72340
3 *..................................... 24.63793 -81.72233
4 *..................................... 24.63763 -81.72191
5 *..................................... 24.63598 -81.72307
6 *..................................... 24.63671 -81.72340
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marathon Oceanside Shoreline WMA 1
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 just
south of Vaca Key and continues south to Point 2. From Point 2 the
boundary continues towards Point 3 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
west and then north until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 4 and Point 5. From this intersection the boundary
continues to Point 5 and then east and south to each successive
point in numerical order ending at Point 12.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.69269 -81.07529
2....................................... 24.69203 -81.07537
3 *..................................... 24.69177 -81.07551
4 *..................................... 24.69376 -81.07932
5....................................... 24.69368 -81.07888
6....................................... 24.69356 -81.07840
7....................................... 24.69350 -81.07803
8....................................... 24.69346 -81.07746
9....................................... 24.69341 -81.07712
10...................................... 24.69340 -81.07675
11...................................... 24.69322 -81.07522
12...................................... 24.69269 -81.07529
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marathon Oceanside Shoreline WMA 2
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 and
continues towards Point 2 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline north until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 2 and Point 3. From
this intersection the boundary continues to Point 3 and then to each
successive point in numerical order until it reaches Point 20. From
Point 20 the boundary continues towards Point 21 until it intersects
the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the
shoreline generally north until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 22 and Point 23. From this intersection the
boundary continues towards Point 23 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
north until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 24
and Point 25. From this intersection the boundary continues to Point
25 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.70081 -81.07727
2 *..................................... 24.70137 -81.07703
3....................................... 24.70133 -81.07685
4....................................... 24.70114 -81.07592
[[Page 42891]]
5....................................... 24.70099 -81.07551
6....................................... 24.70076 -81.07505
7....................................... 24.70054 -81.07481
8....................................... 24.70024 -81.07455
9....................................... 24.69997 -81.07442
10...................................... 24.69968 -81.07421
11...................................... 24.69952 -81.07411
12...................................... 24.69889 -81.07346
13...................................... 24.69528 -81.07496
14...................................... 24.69341 -81.07520
15...................................... 24.69351 -81.07594
16...................................... 24.69355 -81.07631
17...................................... 24.69360 -81.07688
18...................................... 24.69362 -81.07743
19...................................... 24.69372 -81.07816
20...................................... 24.69387 -81.07886
21 *.................................... 24.69395 -81.07930
22 *.................................... 24.69559 -81.07875
23 *.................................... 24.69569 -81.07910
24 *.................................... 24.70020 -81.07787
25...................................... 24.70081 -81.07727
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marathon Oceanside Shoreline WMA 3
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 and
continues to Point 2 and then to each successive point in numerical
order until it reaches Point 11. From Point 11 the boundary
continues towards Point 12 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline north until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 13 and Point 14.
From this intersection the boundary continues to Point 15 where it
ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.70296 -81.07077
2....................................... 24.69992 -81.07304
3....................................... 24.69907 -81.07339
4....................................... 24.69968 -81.07396
5....................................... 24.70001 -81.07420
6....................................... 24.70029 -81.07440
7....................................... 24.70061 -81.07467
8....................................... 24.70088 -81.07496
9....................................... 24.70112 -81.07539
10...................................... 24.70131 -81.07586
11...................................... 24.70148 -81.07676
12 *.................................... 24.70152 -81.07701
13 *.................................... 24.71061 -81.07095
14 *.................................... 24.71059 -81.07084
15...................................... 24.70296 -81.07077
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marathon Oceanside Shoreline WMA 4
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 and
continues to Point 2 and then to each successive point in numerical
order until it reaches Point 4. From Point 4 the boundary continues
towards Point 5 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline south until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 6 and Point 7. From
this intersection the boundary continues to Point 7 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.70382 -81.07013
2....................................... 24.70345 -81.07041
3....................................... 24.71124 -81.07041
4....................................... 24.71160 -81.07013
5 *..................................... 24.70842 -81.07013
6 *..................................... 24.70814 -81.07013
7....................................... 24.70382 -81.07013
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marathon Oceanside Shoreline WMA 5
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 and
continues to Point 2 and then to Point 3.
From Point 3 the boundary continues north towards Point 4 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline to the NE until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 5 and Point 6. From this intersection the
boundary continues to the intersection of the shoreline and the line
segment formed between Point 6 and Point 7. From this intersection
the boundary continues to the intersection of the shoreline and the
line segment formed between Point
[[Page 42892]]
7 and Point 8. From this intersection the boundary follows the
shoreline generally to the NE until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 9 and Point 10. From this intersection the
boundary continues south to Point 10 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.70751 -81.06421
2....................................... 24.70582 -81.06865
3....................................... 24.70448 -81.06964
4 *..................................... 24.71254 -81.06968
5 *..................................... 24.71314 -81.06943
6 *..................................... 24.71351 -81.06927
7 *..................................... 24.71335 -81.06914
8 *..................................... 24.71350 -81.06895
9 *..................................... 24.71556 -81.06431
10...................................... 24.70751 -81.06421
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marathon Oceanside Shoreline WMA 6
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 and
continues to Point 2. From Point 2 the boundary continues north
towards Point 3 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline east until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 4 and Point 5. From
this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 5 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline east until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 6 and Point 7. From this intersection the
boundary continues south to Point 7 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.70843 -81.06178
2....................................... 24.70762 -81.06391
3 *..................................... 24.71557 -81.06392
4 *..................................... 24.71557 -81.06380
5 *..................................... 24.71549 -81.06339
6 *..................................... 24.71565 -81.06177
7....................................... 24.70843 -81.06178
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marathon Oceanside Shoreline WMA 7
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 and
continues to Point 2. From Point 2 the boundary continues north
towards Point 3 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline east until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 4 and Point 5. From
this intersection the boundary continues to Point 5 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.70909 -81.06003
2....................................... 24.70860 -81.06134
3 *..................................... 24.71568 -81.06139
4 *..................................... 24.71604 -81.06000
5....................................... 24.70909 -81.06003
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marathon Oceanside Shoreline WMA 8
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 and
continues to Point 2. From Point 2 the boundary continues north
towards Point 3 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline east until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 4 and Point 5. From
this intersection the boundary continues to the intersection of the
shoreline with the line segment formed between Point 6 and Point 7.
From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline east until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 8 and Point 9.
From this intersection the boundary continues to the intersection of
the shoreline with the line segment formed between Point 9 and Point
10. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline NE
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 11 and
Point 12. From this intersection the boundary continues to the
intersection of the shoreline with the line segment formed between
Point 13 and Point 14. From this intersection the boundary follows
the shoreline NE until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 15 and Point 16. From this intersection the boundary continues
to the intersection of the shoreline with the line segment formed
between Point 17 and Point 18. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline NE until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 19 and 20. From this intersection the boundary
continues south to Point 20 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.71070 -81.05387
2....................................... 24.70930 -81.05937
3 *..................................... 24.71645 -81.05956
4 *..................................... 24.71694 -81.05857
5 *..................................... 24.71683 -81.05843
6 *..................................... 24.71705 -81.05819
7 *..................................... 24.71724 -81.05789
8 *..................................... 24.71724 -81.05769
[[Page 42893]]
9 *..................................... 24.71718 -81.05754
10 *.................................... 24.71722 -81.05740
11 *.................................... 24.71771 -81.05691
12 *.................................... 24.71764 -81.05676
13 *.................................... 24.71798 -81.05676
14 *.................................... 24.71819 -81.05665
15 *.................................... 24.71872 -81.05617
16 *.................................... 24.71859 -81.05604
17 *.................................... 24.71881 -81.05600
18 *.................................... 24.71896 -81.05588
19 *.................................... 24.72026 -81.05397
20...................................... 24.71070 -81.05387
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marathon Oceanside Shoreline WMA 9
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 and
continues to Point 2. From Point 2 the boundary continues north
towards Point 3 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline NE until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 4 and Point 5. From
this intersection the boundary continues to the intersection of the
shoreline with the line segment formed between Point 5 and Point 6.
From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline east until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 7 and Point 8.
From this intersection the boundary continues to the intersection of
the shoreline with the line segment formed between Point 8 and Point
9. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline east
until it intersects with the line segment formed between Point 10
and Point 11. From this intersection the boundary continues to Point
11 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.71131 -81.05148
2....................................... 24.71083 -81.05339
3 *..................................... 24.72015 -81.05343
4 *..................................... 24.72135 -81.05298
5 *..................................... 24.72127 -81.05279
6 *..................................... 24.72145 -81.05268
7 *..................................... 24.72148 -81.05217
8 *..................................... 24.72135 -81.05203
9 *..................................... 24.72148 -81.05184
10 *.................................... 24.72150 -81.05155
11...................................... 24.71131 -81.05148
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marathon Oceanside Shoreline WMA 10
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 and
continues to Point 2. From Point 2 the boundary continues north
towards Point 3 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline SE until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 4 and Point 5. From
this intersection the boundary continues to the intersection of the
shoreline with the line segment formed between Point 5 and Point 6.
From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline east until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 7 and Point 8.
From this intersection the boundary continues to the intersection of
the shoreline with the line segment formed between Point 8 and Point
9. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline NE
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 10 and
Point 11. From this intersection the boundary continues to the
intersection of the shoreline with the line segment formed between
Point 11 and Point 12. From this intersection the boundary follows
the shoreline east until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 13 and Point 14. From this intersection the boundary
continues to the intersection of the shoreline with the line segment
formed between Point 14 and Point 15. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline NE until it intersects with the line
segment formed between Point 16 and Point 17. From this intersection
the boundary continues south to Point 17 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.71265 -81.04627
2....................................... 24.71142 -81.05107
3 *..................................... 24.72151 -81.05114
4 *..................................... 24.72111 -81.05061
5 *..................................... 24.72097 -81.05042
6 *..................................... 24.72110 -81.05030
7 *..................................... 24.72109 -81.04978
8 *..................................... 24.72085 -81.04965
9 *..................................... 24.72096 -81.04944
10 *.................................... 24.72238 -81.04897
11 *.................................... 24.72233 -81.04885
12 *.................................... 24.72242 -81.04872
13 *.................................... 24.72244 -81.04692
14 *.................................... 24.72239 -81.04651
15 *.................................... 24.72254 -81.04625
16 *.................................... 24.72269 -81.04605
17...................................... 24.71265 -81.04627
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 42894]]
Marathon Oceanside Shoreline WMA 11
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 and
continues north towards Point 2 until it intersects the shoreline.
From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline east until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 3 and Point 4.
From this intersection the boundary continues to the intersection of
the shoreline with the line segment formed between Point 4 and Point
5. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline east
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 6 and
Point 7. From this intersection the boundary continues to the
intersection of the shoreline with the line segment formed between
Point 7 and Point 8. From this intersection the boundary follows the
shoreline east until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 9 and Point 10. From this intersection the boundary continues
to the intersection of the shoreline with the line segment formed
between Point 10 and Point 11. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline east until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 12 and Point 13. From this intersection the
boundary continues to the intersection of the shoreline with the
line segment formed between Point 13 and Point 14. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally east until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 15 and Point 16.
From this intersection the boundary continues to the intersection of
the shoreline with the line segment formed between Point 17 and
Point 18. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
east until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 19
and Point 20. From this intersection the boundary continues to the
intersection of the shoreline with the line segment formed between
Point 20 and Point 21. From this intersection the boundary follows
the shoreline east until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 22 and Point 23. From this intersection the boundary
continues to the intersection of the shoreline with the line segment
formed between Point 23 and Point 24. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline east until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 25 and Point 26. From this intersection
the boundary continues to the intersection of the shoreline with the
line segment formed between Point 26 and Point 27. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline east until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 28 and Point 29.
From this intersection the boundary continues to the intersection of
the shoreline with the line segment formed between Point 30 and 31.
From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline east until
it intersects with the line segment formed between Point 32 and
Point 33. From this intersection the boundary continues south to
Point 33 and then to each successive point in numerical order until
it reaches Point 43 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.71297 -81.04491
2 *..................................... 24.72368 -81.04480
3 *..................................... 24.72371 -81.04462
4 *..................................... 24.72365 -81.04439
5 *..................................... 24.72387 -81.04421
6 *..................................... 24.72401 -81.04373
7 *..................................... 24.72381 -81.04357
8 *..................................... 24.72401 -81.04339
9 *..................................... 24.72414 -81.04293
10 *.................................... 24.72400 -81.04278
11 *.................................... 24.72429 -81.04264
12 *.................................... 24.72535 -81.04143
13 *.................................... 24.72520 -81.04118
14 *.................................... 24.72546 -81.04101
15 *.................................... 24.72586 -81.03979
16 *.................................... 24.72575 -81.03947
17 *.................................... 24.72599 -81.03943
18 *.................................... 24.72616 -81.03933
19 *.................................... 24.72720 -81.03490
20 *.................................... 24.72711 -81.03470
21 *.................................... 24.72724 -81.03458
22 *.................................... 24.72728 -81.03390
23 *.................................... 24.72708 -81.03375
24 *.................................... 24.72720 -81.03356
25 *.................................... 24.72731 -81.03264
26 *.................................... 24.72718 -81.03239
27 *.................................... 24.72739 -81.03227
28 *.................................... 24.72756 -81.03154
29 *.................................... 24.72742 -81.03125
30 *.................................... 24.72778 -81.03133
31 *.................................... 24.72801 -81.03115
32 *.................................... 24.72821 -81.03029
33...................................... 24.72521 -81.03060
34...................................... 24.72248 -81.03188
35...................................... 24.71857 -81.03016
36...................................... 24.71598 -81.02914
37...................................... 24.71362 -81.02521
38...................................... 24.71169 -81.02500
39...................................... 24.71234 -81.03006
40...................................... 24.71291 -81.03354
41...................................... 24.71342 -81.03673
42...................................... 24.71362 -81.03903
43...................................... 24.71297 -81.04491
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 42895]]
Marquesas Keys WMA 5
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 and
continues west to Point 2. From Point 2 the boundary continues
towards Point 3 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally north
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 4 and
Point 5. From this intersection the boundary continues east to Point
5. From Point 5 the boundary continues towards Point 6 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline south until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 7 and Point 8. From this intersection the
boundary continues west to Point 8 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.54928 -82.12325
2....................................... 24.54925 -82.12387
3 *..................................... 24.54932 -82.12463
4 *..................................... 24.55071 -82.12565
5....................................... 24.55084 -82.12426
6 *..................................... 24.55100 -82.12265
7 *..................................... 24.54930 -82.12248
8....................................... 24.54928 -82.12325
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Snake Creek WMA 5
No Motor
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 and
continues north to Point 2 and Point 3. From Point 3 the boundary
continues towards Point 4 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally east
until it intersects the segment formed between Point 5 and Point 6.
From this intersection the boundary continues south to Point 6 and
then to each successive point in numerical order until it reaches
Point 14 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.94988 -80.58636
2....................................... 24.95017 -80.58640
3....................................... 24.95120 -80.58686
4 *..................................... 24.95213 -80.58686
5 *..................................... 24.95365 -80.57247
6....................................... 24.95186 -80.57257
7....................................... 24.94680 -80.57271
8....................................... 24.94129 -80.58042
9....................................... 24.94368 -80.58226
10...................................... 24.94592 -80.58277
11...................................... 24.94742 -80.58409
12...................................... 24.94797 -80.58525
13...................................... 24.94863 -80.58603
14...................................... 24.94988 -80.58636
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tavernier Key WMA 2
No Motor and No Anchor
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 and
continues generally west to each successive point in numerical order
until it reaches Point 9. From Point 9 the boundary continues
towards Point 10 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally east until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 11 and Point 12.
From this intersection the boundary continues south to Point 12 and
ends at Point 13.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.99714 -80.52042
2....................................... 24.99669 -80.52156
3....................................... 24.99678 -80.52273
4....................................... 24.99718 -80.52350
5....................................... 24.99737 -80.52449
6....................................... 24.99814 -80.52557
7....................................... 24.99877 -80.52654
8....................................... 24.99903 -80.52697
9....................................... 24.99904 -80.52698
10 *.................................... 24.99958 -80.52898
11 *.................................... 25.00200 -80.51992
12...................................... 24.99800 -80.52098
13...................................... 24.99714 -80.52042
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tavernier Key WMA 3
No Motor and No Anchor
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 and
continues generally south and then west to each successive point in
numerical order until it reaches Point 6. From Point 6 the boundary
continues towards Point 7 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline to the east
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 8 and
Point 9. From this intersection the boundary continues east to Point
9 and then generally NE to each successive point in numerical order
until it reaches Point 23 where it ends.
[[Page 42896]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.99533 -80.52814
2....................................... 24.99333 -80.52659
3....................................... 24.98952 -80.52362
4....................................... 24.98458 -80.52899
5....................................... 24.98735 -80.53482
6....................................... 24.99049 -80.53631
7 *..................................... 24.99154 -80.53528
8 *..................................... 24.99304 -80.53406
9....................................... 24.99289 -80.53310
10...................................... 24.99284 -80.53281
11...................................... 24.99291 -80.53246
12...................................... 24.99287 -80.53218
13...................................... 24.99294 -80.53193
14...................................... 24.99297 -80.53182
15...................................... 24.99308 -80.53174
16...................................... 24.99312 -80.53171
17...................................... 24.99384 -80.53075
18...................................... 24.99380 -80.53042
19...................................... 24.99379 -80.53026
20...................................... 24.99407 -80.52967
21...................................... 24.99500 -80.52932
22...................................... 24.99635 -80.52893
23...................................... 24.99533 -80.52814
------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Content Keys WMA 1
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 and
continues west towards Point 2 until it intersects the shoreline.
From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline north
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 3 and
Point 4. From this intersection the boundary continues east to Point
4 and then south to Point 5. From Point 5 the boundary continues
towards Point 6 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline south until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 6 and Point 7. From
this intersection the boundary continues SW to Point 7. From Point 7
the boundary continues towards Point 8 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
south until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 9
and Point 10. From this intersection the boundary continues south to
Point 10 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.78196 -81.48875
2 *..................................... 24.78194 -81.49159
3 *..................................... 24.79184 -81.48926
4....................................... 24.79152 -81.48779
5....................................... 24.79037 -81.48830
6 *..................................... 24.79030 -81.48832
7....................................... 24.79020 -81.48848
8 *..................................... 24.79008 -81.48864
9 *..................................... 24.78374 -81.48891
10...................................... 24.78196 -81.48875
------------------------------------------------------------------------
West Content Keys WMA 2
No Entry
The wildlife management area boundary begins at the intersection
of the shoreline and the line segment formed between Point 1 and
Point 2. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
generally north until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 3 and Point 4. From this intersection the boundary continues
towards Point 4 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally east until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 5 and Point 6.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 6 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline east and then south until it intersects the
line segment formed between Point 7 and the intersection of the
shoreline and the line segment formed between Point 8 and Point 9.
From this intersection the boundary continues west to the
intersection of the shoreline and the line segment formed between
Point 8 and Point 9 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 *..................................... 24.78361 -81.49804
2 *..................................... 24.78383 -81.49804
3 *..................................... 24.78689 -81.50019
4 *..................................... 24.78758 -81.50002
5 *..................................... 24.78877 -81.49667
6 *..................................... 24.78898 -81.49638
7 *..................................... 24.78342 -81.49486
8 *..................................... 24.78361 -81.49804
9 *..................................... 24.78383 -81.49804
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 42897]]
Whitmore Bight WMA
No Motor
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 east of
Key Largo and continues to Point 2, Point 3, and then Point 4. From
Point 4 the boundary continues west towards Point 5 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline generally NE until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 6 and Point 7. From this intersection
the boundary continues to Point 7 and Point 8. From Point 8 the
boundary continues north towards Point 9 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
generally north until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 10 and Point 11. From this intersection the boundary continues
east to Point 11 and then to each successive point in numerical
order until it reaches Point 14 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.09879 -80.40625
2....................................... 25.09985 -80.40544
3....................................... 25.10127 -80.40509
4....................................... 25.10169 -80.40362
5 *..................................... 25.10384 -80.40763
6 *..................................... 25.15866 -80.35582
7....................................... 25.16045 -80.35397
8....................................... 25.16109 -80.35387
9 *..................................... 25.16314 -80.35469
10 *.................................... 25.16915 -80.35011
11...................................... 25.16918 -80.34978
12...................................... 25.16672 -80.34438
13...................................... 25.09659 -80.39692
14...................................... 25.09879 -80.40625
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Woman Key WMA
No Entry
The wildlife management area boundary begins at Point 1 SE of
Woman Key and continues west to each successive point in numerical
order until it reaches Point 24. From Point 24 the boundary
continues north towards Point 25 until it intersects the shoreline.
From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline east until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 26 and Point 27.
From this intersection the boundary continues east to Point 27 then
south to Point 28 and Point 29 where it ends.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.52295 -81.96687
2....................................... 24.52294 -81.96689
3....................................... 24.52291 -81.96698
4....................................... 24.52290 -81.96706
5....................................... 24.52289 -81.96714
6....................................... 24.52286 -81.96723
7....................................... 24.52283 -81.96740
8....................................... 24.52281 -81.96758
9....................................... 24.52281 -81.96773
10...................................... 24.52285 -81.96855
11...................................... 24.52286 -81.96866
12...................................... 24.52289 -81.96885
13...................................... 24.52290 -81.96913
14...................................... 24.52290 -81.96971
15...................................... 24.52291 -81.96981
16...................................... 24.52296 -81.97038
17...................................... 24.52296 -81.97069
18...................................... 24.52295 -81.97104
19...................................... 24.52282 -81.97202
20...................................... 24.52276 -81.97239
21...................................... 24.52269 -81.97282
22...................................... 24.52268 -81.97293
23...................................... 24.52265 -81.97340
24...................................... 24.52265 -81.97349
25 *.................................... 24.52391 -81.97363
26 *.................................... 24.52419 -81.96746
27...................................... 24.52420 -81.96700
28...................................... 24.52319 -81.96689
29...................................... 24.52295 -81.96687
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Barracuda Keys WMA
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area seaward boundary begins just east
of Barracuda Keys at Point 1 and continues SW to Point 2. From Point
2 the seaward boundary continues towards Point 3 until it intersects
the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the
shoreline to the NE and then generally SW until it intersects the
line segment formed between Point 4 and Point 5. From this
intersection the boundary continues SW to Point 5 and then to each
successive point in numerical order until it reaches Point 8 where
it ends. The inner landward boundary is defined by and follows the
shoreline where not already specified.
[[Page 42898]]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.72801 -81.59614
2....................................... 24.71841 -81.60001
3 *..................................... 24.71345 -81.60925
4 *..................................... 24.71318 -81.60986
5....................................... 24.70397 -81.62932
6....................................... 24.71496 -81.64186
7....................................... 24.73373 -81.60053
8....................................... 24.72801 -81.59614
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cayo Agua Keys WMA
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area seaward boundary begins in northern
Cayo Agua Keys at the intersection of the shoreline with the line
segment formed between Point 1 and Point 2. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline south until it intersects the
line segment formed between Point 3 and Point 4. From this
intersection the boundary continues towards Point 4 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline SE until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 5 and Point 6. From this intersection the boundary
continues towards Point 6 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline south until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 7 and Point 8. From
this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 8 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline generally south until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 8 and Point 9. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 9 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
generally west until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 10 and Point 11. From this intersection the boundary continues
towards Point 11 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally west and
then north until it intersects the line segment formed between Point
12 and Point 13. From this intersection the boundary continues
towards Point 13 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally west until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 14 and Point 15.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 15 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline generally east and then north until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 16 and Point 17.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 17 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline generally NE until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 18 and Point 19. From this intersection
the boundary continues to Point 19 and then to point 20 and to Point
21. From Point 21 the boundary continues towards Point 22 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline generally south until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 23 and Point 24. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 24 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
generally NE until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 25 and Point 26. From this intersection the boundary continues
to the intersection of the shoreline with the line segment formed
between Point 27 and Point 28 where it ends. The inner landward
boundary is defined by and follows the shoreline where not already
specified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1*...................................... 24.63365 -81.74368
2*...................................... 24.63352 -81.74371
3*...................................... 24.63305 -81.74364
4*...................................... 24.63300 -81.74353
5*...................................... 24.63216 -81.74279
6*...................................... 24.63163 -81.74274
7*...................................... 24.63001 -81.74285
8*...................................... 24.62958 -81.74284
9*...................................... 24.62947 -81.74324
10*..................................... 24.62948 -81.74393
11*..................................... 24.62956 -81.74444
12*..................................... 24.63249 -81.74670
13*..................................... 24.63244 -81.74697
14*..................................... 24.63224 -81.74788
15*..................................... 24.63250 -81.74800
16*..................................... 24.63323 -81.74701
17*..................................... 24.63356 -81.74700
18*..................................... 24.63474 -81.74603
19...................................... 24.63485 -81.74580
20...................................... 24.63468 -81.74542
21...................................... 24.63370 -81.74540
22*..................................... 24.63326 -81.74553
23*..................................... 24.63270 -81.74530
24*..................................... 24.63258 -81.74514
25*..................................... 24.63366 -81.74419
26*..................................... 24.63374 -81.74406
27*..................................... 24.63365 -81.74368
28*..................................... 24.63352 -81.74371
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 42899]]
Cotton Key WMA
No Motor
The wildlife management area seaward boundary begins just north
of Cotton Key at Point 1 and continues to each successive point in
numerical order until it reaches Point 13. From Point 13 the
boundary continues to the intersection of the shoreline and the line
segment formed by Point 14 and Point 15. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline south until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 16 and Point 17. From this intersection
the boundary continues south to Point 17 and then to each successive
point in numerical order until it reaches Point 34 where it ends.
The inner landward boundary is defined by and follows the shoreline
where not already specified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.96534 -80.62371
2....................................... 24.96217 -80.62222
3....................................... 24.95775 -80.62167
4....................................... 24.95604 -80.62041
5....................................... 24.95566 -80.62018
6....................................... 24.95510 -80.61969
7....................................... 24.95467 -80.61944
8....................................... 24.95382 -80.61882
9....................................... 24.95357 -80.61860
10...................................... 24.95342 -80.61853
11...................................... 24.95315 -80.61857
12...................................... 24.95207 -80.61844
13...................................... 24.95168 -80.61848
14*..................................... 24.95134 -80.61852
15*..................................... 24.95140 -80.61866
16*..................................... 24.95048 -80.61950
17...................................... 24.95012 -80.61944
18...................................... 24.94987 -80.61950
19...................................... 24.94932 -80.61943
20...................................... 24.94901 -80.61933
21...................................... 24.94868 -80.61911
22...................................... 24.94778 -80.61887
23...................................... 24.94753 -80.61886
24...................................... 24.94740 -80.62102
25...................................... 24.94742 -80.62205
26...................................... 24.94748 -80.62268
27...................................... 24.94804 -80.62353
28...................................... 24.95682 -80.62360
29...................................... 24.95838 -80.62506
30...................................... 24.95650 -80.63762
31...................................... 24.96032 -80.63704
32...................................... 24.96016 -80.62849
33...................................... 24.96322 -80.62475
34...................................... 24.96534 -80.62371
------------------------------------------------------------------------
East Content Keys and Upper Harbor Key Flats WMA 2
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area seaward boundary begins just NE of
Upper Harbor Key at Point 1 and continues generally SW and then NW
to each successive point in numerical order until it reaches Point
9. From Point 9 the boundary continues to the intersection of the
shoreline and the line segment formed between Point 10 and Point 11.
From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline north
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 12 and
Point 13. From this intersection the boundary continues north to
Point 14 and then Point 15. From Point 15 the boundary continues
towards Point 16 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline SW until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 17 and Point 18.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 18 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline generally west until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 19 and Point 20. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 20 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
generally south and then west until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 21 and Point 22. From this intersection the
boundary continues towards Point 22 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
north until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 23
and Point 24. From this intersection the boundary continues to Point
24 and then to the intersection of the shoreline and the line
segment formed between Point 25 and Point 26. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline generally north and then NE until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 27 and Point 28.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 28 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline generally NE until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 29 and Point 30. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 30 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
to the east and north until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 30 and Point 31. From this intersection the boundary
continues towards Point 31 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally east
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 31 and
Point 32. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 32 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline generally NE until it intersects
the line segment formed between Point 33 and Point 34. From this
intersection the boundary continues to Point 34 and then to each
successive point in numerical order until it reaches Point 38 where
it ends. The inner landward boundary is defined by and follows the
shoreline where not already specified.
In addition, the inner boundary of this zone is also defined by
the East Content Keys and Upper Harbor Key Flats Wildlife Management
Area 1 (no entry zone around
[[Page 42900]]
Upper Harbor Key) that is described earlier in this appendix.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.81837 -81.42989
2....................................... 24.81206 -81.43563
3....................................... 24.80073 -81.44120
4....................................... 24.79213 -81.45039
5....................................... 24.78816 -81.45029
6....................................... 24.78526 -81.45419
7....................................... 24.77731 -81.45450
8....................................... 24.77819 -81.46489
9....................................... 24.78344 -81.46760
10*..................................... 24.78440 -81.46821
11*..................................... 24.78451 -81.46802
12*..................................... 24.78492 -81.46804
13*..................................... 24.78493 -81.46825
14...................................... 24.78593 -81.46810
15...................................... 24.79541 -81.46748
16*..................................... 24.79638 -81.46742
17*..................................... 24.79589 -81.46810
18*..................................... 24.79556 -81.46851
19*..................................... 24.79537 -81.47051
20*..................................... 24.79331 -81.47179
21*..................................... 24.79230 -81.47551
22*..................................... 24.79230 -81.47601
23*..................................... 24.79361 -81.47575
24...................................... 24.79382 -81.47614
25*..................................... 24.79593 -81.47599
26*..................................... 24.79610 -81.47565
27*..................................... 24.79978 -81.47308
28*..................................... 24.80041 -81.47262
29*..................................... 24.80184 -81.46881
30*..................................... 24.80207 -81.46886
31*..................................... 24.80228 -81.46889
32*..................................... 24.80224 -81.46866
33*..................................... 24.80322 -81.46592
34...................................... 24.80377 -81.46534
35...................................... 24.82795 -81.44055
36...................................... 24.82599 -81.43778
37...................................... 24.82329 -81.43647
38...................................... 24.81837 -81.42989
------------------------------------------------------------------------
East Harbor Key WMA
No Entry
The wildlife management area seaward boundary begins just NE of
East Harbor Key at Point 1 and continues to each successive point in
numerical order until it reaches Point 8. From Point 8 the boundary
continues towards Point 9 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline to the north
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 10 and
Point 11. From this intersection the boundary continues to Point 11
and then to each successive point in numerical order until it
reaches Point 36 where it ends. The inner landward boundary is
defined by and follows the shoreline where not already specified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.65964 -81.73360
2....................................... 24.65919 -81.73347
3....................................... 24.65892 -81.73346
4....................................... 24.65871 -81.73349
5....................................... 24.65843 -81.73361
6....................................... 24.65820 -81.73377
7....................................... 24.65807 -81.73391
8....................................... 24.65794 -81.73410
9*...................................... 24.65787 -81.73422
10*..................................... 24.65779 -81.73518
11...................................... 24.65784 -81.73532
12...................................... 24.65797 -81.73552
13...................................... 24.65813 -81.73570
14...................................... 24.65827 -81.73598
15...................................... 24.65842 -81.73617
16...................................... 24.65856 -81.73629
17...................................... 24.65881 -81.73645
18...................................... 24.65906 -81.73655
[[Page 42901]]
19...................................... 24.65931 -81.73657
20...................................... 24.65959 -81.73658
21...................................... 24.65981 -81.73652
22...................................... 24.66001 -81.73643
23...................................... 24.66017 -81.73632
24...................................... 24.66032 -81.73615
25...................................... 24.66040 -81.73601
26...................................... 24.66048 -81.73578
27...................................... 24.66049 -81.73549
28...................................... 24.66045 -81.73511
29...................................... 24.66041 -81.73496
30...................................... 24.66034 -81.73480
31...................................... 24.66031 -81.73454
32...................................... 24.66022 -81.73420
33...................................... 24.66013 -81.73402
34...................................... 24.65999 -81.73383
35...................................... 24.65983 -81.73369
36...................................... 24.65964 -81.73360
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mud Keys WMA
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area seaward boundary begins on the
eastern side of Mud Keys at the intersection of the shoreline with
the line segment formed between Point 1 and Point 2. From this
intersection the boundary continues towards Point 2 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline south until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 3 and Point 4. From this intersection the
boundary continues towards Point 4 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
south until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 5
and Point 6. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 6 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline generally west until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 7 and Point 8. From
this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 8 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline west until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 9 and Point 10. From this intersection the
boundary continues towards Point 10 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
NW until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 11 and
Point 12. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 12 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline west until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 13 and Point 14. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 14 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
west until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 15
and Point 16. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 16 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline NW until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 17 and Point 18. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 18 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
NE until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 19 and
Point 20. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 20 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline generally east and then north and
then west until it intersects the line segment formed between Point
21 and Point 22. From this intersection the boundary continues
towards Point 22 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally east and
then north and then west until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 23 and Point 24. From this intersection the boundary
continues towards Point 24 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally NE
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 25 and
Point 26. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 26 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline generally west until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 27 and Point 28.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 28 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline generally north and then east until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 29 and Point 30.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 30 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline generally east until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 31 and Point 32. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 32 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
generally south until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 33 and Point 34. From this intersection the boundary continues
towards Point 35 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally south
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 36 and
Point 37 where it ends. The inner landward boundary is defined by
and follows the shoreline where not already specified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1*...................................... 24.67121 -81.69116
2*...................................... 24.67064 -81.69055
3*...................................... 24.67040 -81.69063
4*...................................... 24.66977 -81.69077
5*...................................... 24.66936 -81.69118
6*...................................... 24.66866 -81.69180
7*...................................... 24.66809 -81.69341
8*...................................... 24.66820 -81.69402
9*...................................... 24.66824 -81.69461
10*..................................... 24.66856 -81.69564
11*..................................... 24.66899 -81.69598
12*..................................... 24.66861 -81.69695
13*..................................... 24.66868 -81.69730
14*..................................... 24.66862 -81.69785
[[Page 42902]]
15*..................................... 24.66876 -81.69814
16*..................................... 24.66961 -81.69805
17*..................................... 24.66999 -81.69847
18*..................................... 24.67044 -81.69861
19*..................................... 24.67121 -81.69800
20*..................................... 24.67132 -81.69766
21*..................................... 24.67168 -81.69848
22*..................................... 24.67243 -81.69841
23*..................................... 24.67377 -81.69850
24*..................................... 24.67412 -81.69866
25*..................................... 24.67461 -81.69839
26*..................................... 24.67488 -81.69850
27*..................................... 24.67502 -81.69888
28*..................................... 24.67581 -81.69883
29*..................................... 24.67604 -81.69760
30*..................................... 24.67656 -81.69672
31*..................................... 24.67642 -81.68895
32*..................................... 24.67529 -81.68934
33*..................................... 24.67312 -81.69109
34*..................................... 24.67292 -81.69091
35*..................................... 24.67227 -81.69186
36*..................................... 24.67121 -81.69116
37*..................................... 24.67064 -81.69055
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sawyer Key WMA
No Entry
The wildlife management area seaward boundary begins at Point 1
and continues west to Point 2. From Point 2 the boundary continues
west towards Point 3 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline SW until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 4 and Point 5. From
this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 5 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline SW until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 6 and the intersection of the shoreline and the line
segment formed between Point 7 and Point 8. From this intersection
the boundary continues SW to the intersection of the shoreline and
the line segment formed between Point 7 and Point 8. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally north
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 9 and
Point 10. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 10 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline NE until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 10 and Point 11. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline generally north and then east
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 12 and
Point 13. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 13 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline generally east until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 14 and Point 15.
From this intersection the boundary continues south to Point 16
where it ends. The inner landward boundary is defined by and follows
the shoreline where not already specified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.75564 -81.55825
2....................................... 24.75565 -81.55869
3*...................................... 24.75564 -81.55915
4*...................................... 24.75537 -81.56027
5*...................................... 24.75502 -81.56068
6*...................................... 24.75390 -81.56322
7*...................................... 24.75174 -81.56691
8*...................................... 24.75186 -81.56706
9*...................................... 24.75761 -81.56705
10*..................................... 24.75769 -81.56691
11*..................................... 24.75785 -81.56602
12*..................................... 24.75830 -81.56476
13*..................................... 24.75826 -81.56416
14*..................................... 24.75880 -81.55778
15*..................................... 24.75851 -81.55730
16...................................... 24.75564 -81.55825
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Snipe Keys WMA 2
Idle Speed No Wake
The wildlife management area seaward boundary begins at the
intersection of the shoreline and the line segment formed between
Point 1 and Point 2. From this intersection the boundary continues
towards Point 3 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline west until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 4 and Point 5. From
this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 5 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline generally west until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 6 and Point 7. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 7 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
generally west until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 8 and Point 9. From this intersection the boundary continues
towards Point 9 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally west until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 10 and Point 11.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 11 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline NW until it
[[Page 42903]]
intersects the line segment formed between Point 12 and Point 13.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 13 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline NW until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 13 and Point 14. From this intersection the boundary
continues NW to Point 14 and then west to Point 15. From Point 15
the boundary continues SW towards Point 16 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
generally SW until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 16 and Point 17. From this intersection the boundary continues
towards Point 17 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline west until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 18 and Point 19.
From this intersection the boundary continues west to Point 19 and
then Point 20. From Point 20 the boundary continues towards Point 21
until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline west until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 21 and Point 22. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 22 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
west until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 23
and Point 24. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 24 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline west until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 25 and Point 26. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 26 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
west until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 26
and Point 27. From this intersection the boundary continues NW to
Point 27 and then to each successive point in numerical order until
it reaches Point 34. From Point 34 the boundary continues east
towards Point 35 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline east until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 36 and Point 37.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 37 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline generally east until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 38 and Point 39. From this intersection
the boundary continues east to the intersection of the shoreline
with the line segment formed between Point 40 and Point 41. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline east until it
intersects with the line segment formed between Point 42 and Point
43. From this intersection the boundary continues east towards Point
43 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline east until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 44 and Point 45 where it ends. The
inner landward boundary is defined by and follows the shoreline
where not already specified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 *..................................... 24.69379 -81.66054
2 *..................................... 24.69368 -81.66045
3 *..................................... 24.69316 -81.66077
4 *..................................... 24.69355 -81.66239
5 *..................................... 24.69343 -81.66275
6 *..................................... 24.69298 -81.66378
7 *..................................... 24.69273 -81.66402
8 *..................................... 24.69167 -81.66801
9 *..................................... 24.69152 -81.66834
10 *.................................... 24.69174 -81.66910
11 *.................................... 24.69185 -81.67023
12 *.................................... 24.69241 -81.67087
13 *.................................... 24.69262 -81.67119
14...................................... 24.69293 -81.67142
15...................................... 24.69291 -81.67153
16 *.................................... 24.69285 -81.67160
17 *.................................... 24.69275 -81.67166
18 *.................................... 24.69278 -81.67176
19...................................... 24.69279 -81.67189
20...................................... 24.69276 -81.67206
21 *.................................... 24.69264 -81.67220
22 *.................................... 24.69259 -81.67231
23 *.................................... 24.69269 -81.67266
24 *.................................... 24.69263 -81.67287
25 *.................................... 24.69274 -81.67328
26 *.................................... 24.69281 -81.67341
27...................................... 24.69292 -81.67346
28...................................... 24.69343 -81.67337
29...................................... 24.69328 -81.67278
30...................................... 24.69330 -81.67221
31...................................... 24.69335 -81.67208
32...................................... 24.69327 -81.67196
33...................................... 24.69327 -81.67191
34...................................... 24.69335 -81.67182
35 *.................................... 24.69342 -81.67153
36 *.................................... 24.69345 -81.67122
37 *.................................... 24.69330 -81.67089
38 *.................................... 24.69295 -81.67030
39 *.................................... 24.69283 -81.67030
40 *.................................... 24.69309 -81.66963
41 *.................................... 24.69299 -81.66963
42 *.................................... 24.69337 -81.66454
43 *.................................... 24.69380 -81.66326
44 *.................................... 24.69379 -81.66054
45 *.................................... 24.69368 -81.66045
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 42904]]
Snipe Keys WMA 3
No Motor
The wildlife management area seaward boundary begins at Point 1
at Snipe Keys and continues towards Point 2 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
SE until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 2 and
Point 3. From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point
3 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline east until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 4 and Point 5. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 5 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
east until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 6 and
Point 7. From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point
7 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline east until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 7 and Point 8. From this intersection
the boundary continues east to Point 8 and then to Point 9. From
Point 9 the boundary continues towards Point 10 until it intersects
the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the
shoreline east until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 11 and Point 12. From this intersection the boundary continues
towards Point 12 until it intersects the shoreline. From this
intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally NE until
it intersects the line segment formed between Point 12 and Point 13.
From this intersection the boundary continues to Point 13 and then
Point 14. From Point 14 the boundary continues towards Point 15
until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline generally NE until it intersects the
line segment formed between Point 15 and Point 16. From this
intersection the boundary continues towards Point 16 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline SE until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 17 and Point 18. From this intersection the boundary
continues towards Point 18 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline east until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 19 and Point 20.
From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline generally
NE until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 21 and
Point 22. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 22 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline NE and then east until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 23 and Point 24.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 24 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline east and then south until it intersects the
line segment formed between Point 25 and Point 26. From this
intersection the boundary continues towards Point 26 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline south and then west until it intersects the
line segment formed between Point 27 and 28. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 28 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
west until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 29
and Point 30. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 30 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline west until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 30 and Point 31. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 31 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
north until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 31
and Point 33. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 33 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline generally west until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 34 and Point 35.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 35 until
it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline generally NW until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 36 and the intersection of the
shoreline and the line segment formed between Point 37 and Point 38.
From this intersection the boundary continues to the intersection of
the shoreline and the line segment formed between Point 37 and Point
38. From this intersection the boundary continues to the
intersection of the shoreline and the line segment formed between
Point 39 and Point 40. From this intersection the boundary continues
to the intersection of the shoreline and the line segment formed
between Point 41 and Point 42. From this intersection the boundary
continues to the intersection of the shoreline and the line segment
formed between Point 43 and Point 44. From this intersection the
boundary continues to the intersection of the shoreline and the line
segment formed between Point 45 and Point 46. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 47 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
south until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 48
and Point 49. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 49 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline south until it intersects the
line segment formed between Point 50 and Point 51. From this
intersection the boundary continues towards Point 51 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline south until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 52 and Point 53. From this intersection the
boundary continues towards Point 53 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
west until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 54
and Point 55. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 55 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline generally west and then north
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 56 and
Point 57. From this intersection the boundary continues towards
Point 57 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline north until it intersects the
line segment formed between Point 58 and the intersection of the
shoreline and the line segment formed between Point 59 and Point 60.
From this intersection the boundary continues to the intersection of
the shoreline and the line segment formed between Point 59 and Point
60. From this intersection the boundary continues to the
intersection of the shoreline and the line segment formed between
Point 61 and Point 62. From this intersection the boundary follows
the shoreline generally NE until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 63 and the intersection formed between the
shoreline and the line segment formed between Point 64 and Point 65.
From this intersection the boundary continues to the intersection of
the shoreline and the line segment formed between Point 64 and Point
65. From this intersection the boundary continues to the
intersection of the shoreline and the line segment formed between
Point 66 and Point 67. From this intersection the boundary continues
NE to Point 67. From Point 67 the boundary continues east towards
Point 68 until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection
the boundary follows the shoreline until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 69 and Point 70. From this intersection
the boundary continues north to Point 70 and Point 71 and then
generally east to each successive point in numerical order until it
reaches Point 83. From Point 83 the boundary continues towards Point
84 until it intersects the shoreline where it ends. The inner
landward boundary is defined by and follows the shoreline where not
already specified.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.69292 -81.67346
2 *..................................... 24.69281 -81.67341
3 *..................................... 24.69274 -81.67328
4 *..................................... 24.69263 -81.67287
5 *..................................... 24.69269 -81.67266
6 *..................................... 24.69259 -81.67231
7 *..................................... 24.69264 -81.67220
[[Page 42905]]
8....................................... 24.69276 -81.67206
9....................................... 24.69279 -81.67189
10 *.................................... 24.69278 -81.67176
11 *.................................... 24.69275 -81.67166
12 *.................................... 24.69285 -81.67160
13...................................... 24.69291 -81.67153
14...................................... 24.69293 -81.67142
15 *.................................... 24.69262 -81.67119
16 *.................................... 24.69241 -81.67087
17 *.................................... 24.69185 -81.67023
18 *.................................... 24.69174 -81.66910
19 *.................................... 24.69152 -81.66834
20 *.................................... 24.69167 -81.66801
21 *.................................... 24.69273 -81.66402
22 *.................................... 24.69298 -81.66378
23 *.................................... 24.69343 -81.66275
24 *.................................... 24.69355 -81.66239
25 *.................................... 24.68938 -81.66143
26 *.................................... 24.68868 -81.66151
27 *.................................... 24.68598 -81.66518
28 *.................................... 24.68574 -81.66543
29 *.................................... 24.68572 -81.66562
30 *.................................... 24.68573 -81.66580
31 *.................................... 24.68577 -81.66598
32 *.................................... 24.68592 -81.66595
33 *.................................... 24.68604 -81.66622
34 *.................................... 24.68655 -81.66859
35 *.................................... 24.68733 -81.66899
36 *.................................... 24.68843 -81.67065
37 *.................................... 24.68852 -81.67164
38 *.................................... 24.68869 -81.67164
39 *.................................... 24.68832 -81.67239
40 *.................................... 24.68849 -81.67241
41 *.................................... 24.68821 -81.67283
42 *.................................... 24.68836 -81.67294
43 *.................................... 24.68780 -81.67317
44 *.................................... 24.68798 -81.67334
45 *.................................... 24.68753 -81.67355
46 *.................................... 24.68768 -81.67373
47 *.................................... 24.68702 -81.67392
48 *.................................... 24.68598 -81.67433
49 *.................................... 24.68579 -81.67505
50 *.................................... 24.68506 -81.67548
51 *.................................... 24.68481 -81.67598
52 *.................................... 24.68454 -81.67621
53 *.................................... 24.68420 -81.67739
54 *.................................... 24.68415 -81.67947
55 *.................................... 24.68453 -81.67966
56 *.................................... 24.68780 -81.68024
57 *.................................... 24.68815 -81.68001
58 *.................................... 24.68838 -81.67997
59 *.................................... 24.68883 -81.67993
60 *.................................... 24.68880 -81.67979
61 *.................................... 24.68970 -81.67984
62 *.................................... 24.68965 -81.67964
63 *.................................... 24.69017 -81.67882
64 *.................................... 24.69054 -81.67760
65 *.................................... 24.69029 -81.67763
66 *.................................... 24.69055 -81.67730
67...................................... 24.69078 -81.67719
68 *.................................... 24.69099 -81.67589
69 *.................................... 24.69180 -81.67492
70...................................... 24.69239 -81.67474
71...................................... 24.69256 -81.67476
72...................................... 24.69262 -81.67462
73...................................... 24.69256 -81.67437
74...................................... 24.69243 -81.67423
75...................................... 24.69256 -81.67406
76...................................... 24.69260 -81.67391
77...................................... 24.69288 -81.67376
78...................................... 24.69290 -81.67369
79...................................... 24.69296 -81.67367
80...................................... 24.69300 -81.67364
81...................................... 24.69302 -81.67354
[[Page 42906]]
82...................................... 24.69299 -81.67350
83...................................... 24.69292 -81.67346
84 *.................................... 24.69281 -81.67341
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix F to Subpart P of Part 922--Sanctuary Preservation Areas
Boundary Coordinates
Coordinates listed in this appendix are unprojected (Geographic)
and based on the North American Datum of 1983.
The boundary for the following Sanctuary Preservation Areas
(SPA) begins at each individual zone's Point 1 and continues to each
successive point in numerical order until ending at that same zone's
last point as listed in its specific coordinate table.
Alligator Reef SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.85383 -80.61950
2....................................... 24.84691 -80.60967
3....................................... 24.84002 -80.62083
4....................................... 24.84683 -80.62716
5....................................... 24.85383 -80.61950
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Carysfort Reef SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.22734 -80.19447
2....................................... 25.19451 -80.20821
3....................................... 25.20476 -80.23208
4....................................... 25.23405 -80.21709
5....................................... 25.23671 -80.21573
6....................................... 25.23492 -80.21169
7....................................... 25.22734 -80.19447
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheeca Rocks SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.90367 -80.61917
2....................................... 24.90700 -80.61517
3....................................... 24.90417 -80.61283
4....................................... 24.90167 -80.61667
5....................................... 24.90367 -80.61917
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Coffins Patch SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.67917 -80.97217
2....................................... 24.68433 -80.97467
3....................................... 24.69117 -80.96133
4....................................... 24.68533 -80.95883
5....................................... 24.67917 -80.97217
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Conch Reef SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.95800 -80.45783
2....................................... 24.95567 -80.45433
3....................................... 24.94986 -80.45703
4....................................... 24.94633 -80.45867
5....................................... 24.94933 -80.46217
6....................................... 24.95800 -80.45783
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 42907]]
Davis Reef SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.92233 -80.50867
2....................................... 24.92683 -80.50450
3....................................... 24.92350 -80.50083
4....................................... 24.91850 -80.50583
5....................................... 24.92233 -80.50867
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eastern Dry Rocks SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.46200 -81.84767
2....................................... 24.46533 -81.84250
3....................................... 24.46217 -81.83883
4....................................... 24.45783 -81.84667
5....................................... 24.46200 -81.84767
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hen and Chickens SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.93400 -80.55317
2....................................... 24.93967 -80.54767
3....................................... 24.93683 -80.54383
4....................................... 24.93100 -80.54917
5....................................... 24.93400 -80.55317
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Key Largo Dry Rocks--Grecian Rocks SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.10502 -80.30565
2....................................... 25.10880 -80.31061
3....................................... 25.12650 -80.29850
4....................................... 25.12432 -80.29468
5....................................... 25.10502 -80.30565
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looe Key SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.55200 -81.41350
2....................................... 24.55400 -81.40050
3....................................... 24.54500 -81.39750
4....................................... 24.54200 -81.41167
5....................................... 24.54745 -81.41267
6....................................... 24.55200 -81.41350
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Molasses Reef SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.01767 -80.36400
2....................................... 25.00483 -80.37833
3....................................... 25.01200 -80.38050
4....................................... 25.01667 -80.37550
5....................................... 25.01767 -80.36400
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newfound Harbor Key SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.61233 -81.39667
2....................................... 24.61667 -81.39767
3....................................... 24.61833 -81.38900
4....................................... 24.61417 -81.38800
5....................................... 24.61233 -81.39667
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 42908]]
Sand Key SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.45033 -81.88250
2....................................... 24.46017 -81.88233
3....................................... 24.45967 -81.87150
4....................................... 24.45017 -81.87200
5....................................... 24.45033 -81.88250
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sombrero Key SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.62983 -81.11863
2....................................... 24.63398 -81.10694
3....................................... 24.62500 -81.10317
4....................................... 24.62083 -81.11483
5....................................... 24.62983 -81.11863
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Elbow SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.14950 -80.26050
2....................................... 25.14917 -80.25367
3....................................... 25.13633 -80.26067
4....................................... 25.14167 -80.26783
5....................................... 25.14320 -80.26640
6....................................... 25.14720 -80.26266
7....................................... 25.14950 -80.26050
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Turtle Rocks SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.27452 -80.23195
2....................................... 25.28222 -80.24276
3....................................... 25.31600 -80.21793
4....................................... 25.30578 -80.20878
5....................................... 25.27452 -80.23195
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Turtle Shoal SPA
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.73452 -80.92027
2....................................... 24.72375 -80.91202
3....................................... 24.71386 -80.93661
4....................................... 24.72406 -80.94341
5....................................... 24.73452 -80.92027
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix G to Subpart P of Part 922--Conservation Areas Boundary
Coordinates
Coordinates listed in this appendix are unprojected (Geographic)
and based on the North American Datum of 1983.
The boundary for the following Conservation Areas begins at each
individual zone's Point 1 and continues to each successive point in
numerical order until ending at that same zone's last point as
listed in its specific coordinate table.
Conch Reef Conservation Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.95167 -80.44883
2....................................... 24.94717 -80.45433
3....................................... 24.94986 -80.45703
4....................................... 24.95567 -80.45433
5....................................... 24.95167 -80.44883
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 42909]]
Eastern Sambo Conservation Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.48950 -81.66600
2....................................... 24.49617 -81.66717
3....................................... 24.49733 -81.65983
4....................................... 24.49250 -81.65583
5....................................... 24.48950 -81.66600
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tennessee Reef Conservation Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.77003 -80.75115
2....................................... 24.75788 -80.74189
3....................................... 24.75157 -80.75147
4....................................... 24.76495 -80.75955
5....................................... 24.77003 -80.75115
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tortugas North Conservation Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.76667 -83.10000
2....................................... 24.76667 -82.90000
3....................................... 24.76333 -82.80000
4....................................... 24.72610 -82.80000
5....................................... 24.72537 -82.86646
6....................................... 24.71690 -82.89975
7....................................... 24.65000 -82.96674
8....................................... 24.65000 -83.10000
9....................................... 24.76667 -83.10000
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tortugas South Conservation Area
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.55017 -83.16643
2....................................... 24.55000 -83.08333
3....................................... 24.30000 -83.08333
4....................................... 24.30084 -83.16711
5....................................... 24.55017 -83.16643
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Western Sambo Conservation Area
The Western Sambo Conservation Area boundary begins
approximately 6 miles south of Boca Chica Key at Point 1. From Point
1 the boundary continues to Point 2 and Point 3. From Point 3 the
boundary continues towards Point 4 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary continues east
following the shoreline until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 5 and Point 6. From this intersection the boundary
continues to Point 6 and ends at Point 7.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.47295 -81.70024
2....................................... 24.46655 -81.72928
3....................................... 24.49877 -81.72544
4 *..................................... 24.55794 -81.71838
5 *..................................... 24.56201 -81.67996
6....................................... 24.50469 -81.69301
7....................................... 24.47295 -81.70024
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: The coordinates in the table above marked with an asterisk (*) are
not a part of the zone's boundary. These coordinates are landward
reference points used to draw a line segment that intersects with the
shoreline.
Within the Western Sambo Conservation Area, an additional no
anchor zone surrounds the offshore reef tract. The boundary for the
Western Sambo Conservation Area No Anchor zone begins at Point 1 and
continues to each successive point in numerical order until ending
at Point 5.
Western Sambo Conservation Area
[[Page 42910]]
No Anchor
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.49877 -81.72544
2....................................... 24.50469 -81.69301
3....................................... 24.47295 -81.70024
4....................................... 24.46655 -81.72928
5....................................... 24.49877 -81.72544
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix H to Subpart P of Part 922--Restoration Areas--Habitat
Boundary Coordinates
Coordinates listed in this appendix are unprojected (Geographic)
and based on the North American Datum of 1983.
The boundary for the following Restoration Areas--Habitat zones
begins at each individual zone's Point 1 and continues to each
successive point in numerical order until ending at that same zone's
last point as listed in its specific coordinate table.
Cheeca Rocks East Restoration Area--Habitat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.90299 -80.61106
2....................................... 24.90298 -80.60901
3....................................... 24.90194 -80.60902
4....................................... 24.90195 -80.61106
5....................................... 24.90299 -80.61106
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cheeca Rocks South Restoration Area--Habitat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.89782 -80.62210
2....................................... 24.89846 -80.61492
3....................................... 24.89581 -80.61500
4....................................... 24.89587 -80.62216
5....................................... 24.89782 -80.62210
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Horseshoe Reef Restoration Area--Habitat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.13797 -80.29796
2....................................... 25.14422 -80.29317
3....................................... 25.13806 -80.28500
4....................................... 25.13196 -80.28979
5....................................... 25.13797 -80.29796
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pickles Reef Restoration Area--Habitat
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.97864 -80.43372
2....................................... 24.97866 -80.44120
3....................................... 24.98488 -80.44055
4....................................... 24.98459 -80.43332
5....................................... 24.97864 -80.43372
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix I to Subpart P of Part 922--Restoration Areas--Nursery
Boundary Coordinates
Coordinates listed in this appendix are unprojected (Geographic)
and based on the North American Datum of 1983.
The boundary for the following Restoration Areas--Nursery zones
begins at each individual zone's Point 1 and continues to each
successive point in numerical order until ending at that same zone's
last point as listed in its specific coordinate table.
[[Page 42911]]
Carysfort Reef Restoration Area--Nursery
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.23492 -80.21169
2....................................... 25.23231 -80.21302
3....................................... 25.23405 -80.21709
4....................................... 25.23671 -80.21573
5....................................... 25.23492 -80.21169
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looe Key East Restoration Area--Nursery
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.55911 -81.40124
2....................................... 24.56385 -81.40272
3....................................... 24.56554 -81.39802
4....................................... 24.56109 -81.39638
5....................................... 24.55911 -81.40124
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Looe Key West Restoration Area--Nursery
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.55149 -81.41663
2....................................... 24.55200 -81.4135
3....................................... 24.54745 -81.41267
4....................................... 24.54705 -81.41568
5....................................... 24.55149 -81.41663
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marathon Restoration Area--Nursery
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.66333 -81.02078
2....................................... 24.66333 -81.02780
3....................................... 24.66986 -81.02781
4....................................... 24.66986 -81.02078
5....................................... 24.66333 -81.02078
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marker 32 Restoration Area--Nursery
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.47712 -81.77809
2....................................... 24.48104 -81.77811
3....................................... 24.48105 -81.77368
4....................................... 24.47717 -81.77372
5....................................... 24.47712 -81.77809
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Middle Keys Restoration Area--Nursery
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.65659 -81.02141
2....................................... 24.65858 -81.01799
3....................................... 24.65533 -81.01548
4....................................... 24.65337 -81.01932
5....................................... 24.65659 -81.02141
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sand Key Restoration Area--Nursery
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.45983 -81.88394
2....................................... 24.45605 -81.88389
3....................................... 24.45603 -81.88804
4....................................... 24.45981 -81.88808
5....................................... 24.45983 -81.88394
------------------------------------------------------------------------
[[Page 42912]]
Tavernier Restoration Area--Nursery
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 24.98883 -80.42110
2....................................... 24.99140 -80.41819
3....................................... 24.98708 -80.41356
4....................................... 24.98417 -80.41647
5....................................... 24.98883 -80.42110
------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Elbow Restoration Area--Nursery
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Point Latitude Longitude
------------------------------------------------------------------------
1....................................... 25.14320 -80.26640
2....................................... 25.14515 -80.26901
3....................................... 25.14928 -80.26534
4....................................... 25.14720 -80.26266
5....................................... 25.14320 -80.26640
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Appendix J to Subpart P of Part 922--Revised Designation Document for
the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Article I. Designation and Effect
On November 16, 1990, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
and Protection Act, Public Law 101-605 (16 U.S.C. 1433 note), became
law. That Act designated an area of waters and submerged lands,
including the living and nonliving resources within those waters, as
described therein, as the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
(sanctuary). In 2001, the boundary of the sanctuary was expanded to
include important coral reefs and other resources in two areas west
of the Dry Tortugas National Park, including Sherwood Forest and
Riley's Hump. By this revised Designation Document, the boundary of
the sanctuary is further expanded to include areas: (a) north of the
existing northern extent of the sanctuary, offshore of Miami-Dade
County, to align with the Area To Be Avoided, (b) seaward of the
existing southern boundary of the sanctuary to align with the Area
To Be Avoided, (c) at the far western end of the existing sanctuary
boundary, to extend by approximately one mile westward and encompass
the outer boundaries of the Tortugas South Conservation Area
(formerly the Tortugas South Ecological Reserve) and square off the
sanctuary boundary in its northwestern corner, and (d) encompassing
Pulley Ridge, north and west of the westernmost boundary and as a
distinct segment of the sanctuary.
Section 304 of the National Marine Sanctuaries Act (NMSA), 16
U.S.C. 1434, authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to issue such
regulations as are necessary and reasonable to implement the
designation, including managing and protecting the conservation,
recreational, ecological, historical, scientific, educational,
cultural, archaeological or aesthetic resources and qualities of a
national marine sanctuary. Section 1 of Article IV of this
Designation Document lists activities of the type that are presently
being regulated or may have to be regulated in the future, in order
to protect sanctuary resources and qualities. Listing in section 1
does not mean that a type of activity will be regulated in the
future, however, if a type of activity is not listed, it may not be
regulated, except on an emergency basis, unless section 1 is
amended, following the procedures for designation of a sanctuary set
forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 304 of the NMSA, to
include the type of activity.
Nothing in this Designation Document is intended to restrict
activities that do not cause an adverse effect on the resources or
qualities of the sanctuary or on sanctuary property or that do not
pose a threat of harm to users of the sanctuary.
Article II. Description of the Area
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary boundary encompasses
a total of approximately 3,622 square nautical miles (4,797 square
statute miles) of coastal, ocean, and Gulf of Mexico waters, and the
submerged lands thereunder, surrounding the Florida Keys in south
Florida. The northernmost point of the sanctuary lies just east of
Miami and Key Biscayne, and the westernmost point is approximately
60 miles to the west of the western boundary of Dry Tortugas
National Park at Pulley Ridge, a linear, arcing distance of
approximately 290 miles. The contiguous area boundary on the
Atlantic Ocean side of the Florida Keys runs south from just north
of Biscayne National Park generally curving in a southwesterly
direction along the Florida Keys archipelago until southwest of the
Dry Tortugas and Loggerhead Key. The contiguous area boundary on the
Gulf of Mexico side of the Florida Keys continues from this
southwestern point to the north approximately 32 miles until it
reaches a point northwest of Loggerhead Key and the Dry Tortugas.
The boundary then continues east to approximately 8 miles north of
Cottrell Key, and then from there it continues generally to the
northeast to just north of Sprigger Bank. The boundary then
generally approximates the southeastern Everglades National Park
boundary until it continues along the western shore of Manatee Bay,
Barnes Sound, and Card Sound. The boundary then generally
approximates the southern boundary of Biscayne National Park and
continues to do so north along the park's eastern boundary until it
reaches the sanctuary's northeastern most point.
In addition, the sanctuary boundary includes a non-contiguous
section encompassing Pulley Ridge and the Gulf of Mexico waters and
lands thereunder to the west of the contiguous boundary area. Pulley
Ridge is a carbonate ridge that extends nearly 186 miles along the
southwest Florida Shelf in the eastern Gulf of Mexico, approximately
41 miles west of the Dry Tortugas and is entirely oceanic with no
landward boundary.
The landward boundary of the contiguous sanctuary area is the
shoreline as defined by the mean high-water line. The Dry Tortugas
National Park is not included within the sanctuary and the inner
sanctuary boundary in this location is coterminous with this
national park boundary. The sanctuary boundary encompasses the
entire Florida coral reef tract, all of the mangrove islands of the
Florida Keys, and some of the seagrass meadows of the Florida Keys.
The precise boundary of the sanctuary is set forth at the end of
this Designation Document.
Article III. Characteristics of the Area That Give it Particular
Value
The Florida Keys extend approximately 223 miles southwest from
the southern tip of the Florida peninsula. Adjacent to the Florida
Keys land mass are located spectacular unique, nationally
significant marine environments, including seagrass meadows,
mangrove islands, and extensive living coral reefs. These marine
environments support rich biological communities possessing
extensive conservation, recreational, commercial, ecological,
historical, research, educational, and aesthetic values which give
this area special national significance. These environments are the
marine equivalent of tropical rain forests in that they support high
levels of biodiversity, are fragile and easily susceptible to damage
from human activities, and possess high value to humans if properly
conserved. These marine environments are subject to damage and loss
of their ecological integrity from a variety of sources of
disturbance.
The Florida Keys are a limestone island archipelago. The Keys
are located at the southern edge of the Florida Plateau, a large
[[Page 42913]]
carbonate platform made of a depth of up to 7000 meters of marine
sediments, which have been accumulating for 150 million years and
which have been structurally modified by subsidence and sea level
fluctuation. The Keys region is generally divided into five distinct
areas: the Florida reef tract, one of the world's largest coral reef
tracts and the only barrier reef in the United States; Florida Bay,
a large, shallow seagrass-dominated estuary and world-famous game
fishing region that sits at the interface between the Florida
Everglades and the Florida Reef Tract; the Southwest Continental
Shelf; the Straits of Florida; and the Keys themselves.
The more than three million-acre sanctuary contains one of North
America's most diverse assemblages of terrestrial, estuarine, and
marine fauna and flora. In addition to the Florida reef tract, the
sanctuary includes thousands of patch reefs, various hardbottom
habitats, mangrove fringed shorelines and mangrove islands, and a
substantial portion of one of the world's largest seagrass
communities that covers 3.6 million acres of the nearshore marine
environment in south Florida. The sanctuary area at Pulley Ridge
supports the deepest known photosynthetic coral reef off the
continental United States. These diverse habitats provide shelter
and food for thousands of species of marine plants and animals,
including more than 50 species of animals identified under Federal
or State law, as endangered or threatened. The Keys were at one time
a major seafaring center for European and American trade routes to
the Caribbean, and the submerged cultural and historic resources
(i.e., shipwrecks) abound in the surrounding waters. In addition,
the sanctuary contains substantial archaeological resources of pre-
European cultures.
The uniqueness of the marine environment draws multitudes of
visitors to the Keys. The major industry in the Florida Keys is
tourism, including activities related to the Keys' marine resources,
such as dive shops, charter fishing and dive boats and marinas, as
well as hotels and restaurants. The abundance of the resources also
supports a large commercial fishing employment sector.
The number of visitors to the Keys grows each year, with a
concomitant increase in the number of residents, homes, jobs, and
businesses. As population grows and the Keys accommodate ever-
increasing resource use pressures, the quality and quantity of
sanctuary resources are increasingly threatened. These pressures
require coordinated and comprehensive monitoring and researching of
the Florida Keys' region.
Article IV. Scope of Regulations
Section 1. Activities Subject to Regulation
The following activities are subject to regulation under the
NMSA, either throughout the entire sanctuary or within identified
portions of it or, as indicated, in areas beyond the boundary of the
sanctuary, to the extent necessary and reasonable. Such regulation
may include prohibitions to ensure the protection and management of
the conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, scientific,
educational, cultural, archaeological or aesthetic resources and
qualities of the area. Because an activity is listed here does not
mean that such activity is being or will be regulated. Listing an
activity here means that Secretary of Commerce can regulate the
activity, after complying with all applicable regulatory laws,
without going through the designation procedures required by
paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 304 of the NMSA, 16 U.S.C. 1434(a)
and (b). Further, no regulation issued under the authority of the
NMSA except an emergency and/or temporary regulation issued with the
approval of the Governor of the State of Florida may take effect in
Florida State waters within the sanctuary if the Governor of the
State of Florida certifies to the Secretary of Commerce that such
regulation is unacceptable within the forty-five day review period
specified in NMSA.
Activities Subject to Regulation:
1. Mineral or hydrocarbon exploration, development, or
production;
2. Destroying, causing the loss of, or injuring coral or live
rock or attempting to do so;
3. Altering or placing any structure, object, or other material
on the seabed, except as authorized by appropriate permits or as
part of lawful fishing;
4. Discharging or depositing any material, or discharging or
depositing any material beyond the sanctuary that then enters the
sanctuary and injures a sanctuary resource or quality;
5. Operating a vessel, including anchoring, in a manner that may
destroy, cause the loss of, or injure sanctuary resources or
property; or in a manner that may injure or endanger the life of
sanctuary users;
6. Diving in a manner that could harm sanctuary resources,
sanctuary property, or other users of the sanctuary;
7. Stocking within the sanctuary or releasing within or from
beyond the boundary of the sanctuary, any non-native or exotic
species;
8. Defacing, marking, or damaging in any way or displacing,
removing, or tampering with any markers, signs, notices, placards,
navigational aids, monuments, stakes, posts, mooring buoys, boundary
buoys, trap buoys, or scientific equipment;
9. Moving, removing, injuring, preserving, curating, and
managing historic resources;
10. Taking, removing, moving, catching, collecting, harvesting,
feeding, attracting, injuring, destroying, or causing the loss of,
or attempting to take, remove, move, catch, collect, harvest, feed,
attract, injure, destroy, or cause the loss of any sanctuary
resource;
11. Conducting or attempting to conduct any manner of activities
within specially designated marine areas, including removing,
injuring or disturbing any living or dead organism or bottom
formation; possessing or using certain fishing gear; operating or
anchoring vessels; entering areas; and diving;
12. Harvesting marine life species except as regulated by the
State of Florida;
13. Possessing or using explosives, electrical charges, or toxic
substances within the sanctuary, or using explosives, electrical
charges, or toxic substances beyond the sanctuary that then enter
the sanctuary and injure a sanctuary resource or quality;
14. Abandoning fishing gear or vessels; and removing (including
salvaging) fishing gear and grounded, derelict, or abandoned
vessels;
15. Maintaining or deserting a derelict vessel or vessel at risk
of becoming derelict; and leaving harmful matter aboard a grounded
or deserted vessel; and,
16. Interfering with any enforcement action.
Section 2. Emergency and/or Temporary Regulation
Any and all activities are subject to immediate emergency and/or
temporary regulation, including any not listed in Section 1 of this
article. However, no such regulation may take effect in Florida
State waters within the sanctuary without the approval of the
Governor of the State of Florida.
Article V. Effect on Leases, Permits, Licenses, and Rights
Pursuant to paragraph (c)(1) of section 304 of the NMSA, 16
U.S.C. 1434(c)(1), a person may conduct an activity prohibited by
sanctuary regulations if such activity is specifically authorized by
a valid Federal, State, or local lease, permit, license, approval,
or other authorization or right in existence prior to the effective
date of these revised terms of designation, provided that the holder
of the lease, permit, license, approval, or other authorization
complies with the procedures outlined in this subpart and subpart E.
However, in no event may the Secretary of Commerce or his or her
designee issue any form of approval for the: (1) exploration,
leasing, development, or production of minerals or hydrocarbons; (2)
disposal of dredged material within the sanctuary other than in
connection with beach renourishment or sanctuary restoration
projects; or (3) discharge of untreated or primary treated sewage.
Any purported authorizations issued by other authorities for any of
these activities within the sanctuary shall be invalid.
Article VI. Alteration of This Designation
The terms of designation, as defined in paragraph (a) of section
304 of the NMSA, 16 U.S.C. 1434(a), may be modified only by the
procedures outlined in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 304 of the
NMSA, 16 U.S.C. 1434(a) and (b), including public hearings,
consultation with interested federal, state, and local government
agencies, review by the appropriate Congressional committees, review
by the Governor of the State of Florida, and approval by the
Secretary of Commerce, or his or her designee. No designation, term
of designation, or implementing regulation may take effect in
Florida State waters within the sanctuary if the Governor of the
State of Florida certifies to the Secretary of Commerce that such
designation or term of designation regulation is unacceptable within
the forty-five day review period specified in NMSA.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Boundary Coordinates
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (sanctuary)
encompasses an area of 3,622 square nautical miles (4,797 square
miles) of coastal, ocean, and Gulf of Mexico
[[Page 42914]]
waters and the submerged lands thereunder from the boundary to the
shoreline as defined by the mean high water tidal datum surrounding
the Florida Keys in southern Florida. The precise boundary
coordinates are listed in Appendix I to this Subpart.
The sanctuary boundary begins approximately 4 miles east of the
northern extent of Key Biscayne at Point 1 and continues roughly
south and then southwest and west in numerical order to Point 15
approximately 27 miles SW of Loggerhead Key. From Point 15 the
sanctuary boundary continues north to Point 17 which is
approximately 18 miles NW of Loggerhead Key and then continues
roughly east in numerical order to Point 23 just north of Sprigger
Bank. From Point 23 the boundary continues in numerical order
roughly SE to Point 26 just north of Old Dan Bank. From Point 26 the
boundary continues NE in numerical order through Bowlegs Cut and
Steamboat Channel to Point 42 near the southern entrance to Cowpens
Cut west of Plantation Key.
From Point 42 the boundary continues towards Point 43 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline roughly NNE until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 44 and Point 45.
From this intersection the boundary continues NNE to Point 45
and then roughly NE in numerical order to Point 61 just west of
Hammer Point in Tavernier, FL. From Point 61 the boundary continues
in numerical order roughly north and then NW to Point 64 just west
of Pigeon Key. From Point 64 the boundary continues in numerical
order roughly NE then NNE through Baker Cut to Point 69. From Point
69 the boundary continues in numerical order roughly NE through
Buttonwood Sound to Point 73.
From Point 73 the boundary continues towards Point 74 until it
intersects the shoreline near the southern entrance to Grouper Creek
west of Key Largo, FL. From this intersection the boundary follows
the shoreline NE along Grouper Creek until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 75 and Point 76. From this intersection
the boundary continues towards Point 76 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
roughly east until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 77 and Point 78.
From this intersection the boundary continues to Point 78 and
then roughly ESE in numerical order through Tarpon Basin to Point
85. From Point 85 the boundary continues NE and then NW to Point 92.
From Point 92 the boundary continues towards Point 93 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline roughly north along Dusenberry Creek until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 94 and Point 95.
From this intersection the boundary continues to Point 95 and
then NE in numerical order through Blackwater Sound to Point 102
south of the entrance to Jewfish Creek.
From Point 102 the boundary continues towards Point 103 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline roughly NNE and then NW until it intersects
the line segment formed between Point 104 and Point 105. From this
intersection the boundary continues towards Point 105 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline roughly NNE and then roughly west along
southwestern Barnes Sound and around Division Point until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 106 and Point 107
near Manatee Creek east of Long Sound. From this intersection the
boundary continues towards Point 107 until it intersects the
shoreline. From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline
roughly NNW until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 108 and Point 109. From this intersection the boundary
continues towards Point 109 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline roughly east
until it intersects the line segment formed between Point 109 and
110. From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 110
until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline roughly north and then NE until it
intersects the line segment formed between Point 111 and Point 112.
From this intersection the boundary continues towards Point 112
until it intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the
boundary follows the shoreline roughly east and then north around
Bay Point and then west until it intersects the line segment formed
between Point 113 and Point 114. From this intersection the boundary
continues towards Point 114 until it intersects the shoreline. From
this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline north along the
western side of Manatee Bay until it intersects the line segment
formed between Point 115 and Point 116. From this intersection the
boundary continues towards Point 116 until it intersects the
shoreline.
From this intersection the boundary follows the shoreline around
northern Manatee Bay and Barnes Sound until it intersects the line
segment formed between Point 117 and Point 118. From this
intersection the boundary continues towards Point 118 until it
intersects the shoreline. From this intersection the boundary
follows the shoreline roughly to the SE south of FL State Route
905A--Card Sound Road then NW and roughly north along western Little
Card Sound and then Card Sound cutting off the mouths of canals and
drainage ditches until it intersects the line segment formed between
Point 119 and Point 120 south of Midnight Pass. From this
intersection the boundary continues to Point 120 and then roughly SE
to each successive point in numerical order approximating the
southern boundary of Biscayne National Park to Point 142
approximately 3 miles ENE of Turtle Rocks. From Point 142 the
boundary continues roughly N to each successive point in numerical
order ending at Point 158.
The inner landward sanctuary boundary is defined by and follows
the shoreline where not already specified in the description above.
Pulley Ridge, located along the southwest Florida Shelf in the
eastern Gulf of Mexico, is included as a part of the FKNMS, and the
sanctuary boundary for this area begins approximately 52 miles NW of
Loggerhead Key at Point PR1 and continues to each successive point
in numerical order ending at Point PR9.
Dry Tortugas National Park is not included within the FKNMS and
the inner sanctuary boundary in this area is coterminous with this
national park boundary and begins at Point DT1 and continues in
numerical order counterclockwise around the national park ending at
Point DT10.
[FR Doc. 2022-14554 Filed 7-12-22; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-NK-P