The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary was established in 1990 and actually reaches into the Atlantic Ocean, Florida Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. The Sanctuary includes the largest known seagrass bed in the world, extensive mangrove forests, and many coral reefs. It really is one of the most complex ecosystems on the earth, and according to the Florida Department of Protection, one-third of Florida's endangered species rely on the coral reef ecosystem for at least part of their lifespan.
One of the highlights of this huge National Marine Sanctuary is the Florida Reef off the coast of the Key’s including Key West ,which is the only barrier coral reef in North America. It is the third largest coral reef in the world. I recommend that you check out the Living Reef Exhibit at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Key West. This exhibit includes a 2,500-gallon reef tank that contains living corals and tropical fish. There are displays that explain and demonstrate the coral reef habitat.
Another fascinating part of the National Marine Sanctuary is the Aquarius, an underwater laboratory where scientists live and work for ten days at a time. Check out the webcams and videos on their website. You can even watch live outside the Aquarius as tropical fish swim by. Now and then you might see one of the scientists swim by!
The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center located in Key West is another good stop to learn more about the marine life in the Sanctuary. There is 6000 square feet of exhibit space devoted to displays explaining native plants, animals, and habitats on land and sea around the Keys.
It truly is a unique feature of Key West to be surrounded by this beautiful and fascinating National Marine Sanctuary. And, I have some great choices of property to make Key West your own sanctuary. Give me a call today. Jimmy Lane: 305-766-0585.
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