The Florida keys are one of three of the worlds barrier reefs, and in similar way to the Amazon Rain forest, an immensely important, yet fragile ecosystem. In the 1990’s congress began a comprehensive management plan, which was fueled by conservationists and scientists who had lobbied since the 1970’s. The National Marine Sanctuary was formed to conserve and protect what is considered a national treasure. The present dangers to the fragile reefs are numerous and there are disagreements as to which are the biggest concerns. A 1.2 billion dollar restoration project for the Everglades and Florida keys is under way and expected to take 30 years. Here are some of the major issues affecting the Florida Keys.

• Global warming causes the sea temperature to rise and the resulting coral bleaching. When the sea temperature rises,  as much as one degree, it forces the coral to expel algae, this stops the coral from producing food. The coral turns white and dies. The process is known as Bleaching.
• Hurricanes also damaged the reef, but the coral can survive and regenerate.  The reef is a natural barrier to hurricanes and tidal surge  
• Coral needs light, nutrient free, clean water to survive. When the water quality declines, algae cover and kill the coral. In the past sea urchins eat the algae, but in the 1980’s sea urchins began to die out in the Florida keys. Scientist don’t know the reason but suspect it was  caused by a water born pathogen.
• Soil erosion and agricultural run off  has had a major effect. The spraying of pesticides in South Florida and in the Caribbean causes pollution. The polluted water is high in nitrogen which helps form phytoplankton, which  in turn covers the coral. The keys are in the direct path of the Gulf stream current, which brings polluted  waters from as far as the Mississippi Delta and beyond. 
• Each year 500-600 boats are grounded on coral reefs. In the best case scenario, the reefs will take 15-20 years too re-grow where they are damaged . If a boat or ship causes more extensive damage, the coral may be unable to recover and die off. People Snorkeling in the Keys sometimes touch, or accidently bump into coral which can also destroy it.
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The National Marine Sanctuary which covers an area of 2800 square nautical miles is working to rejuvenate the Keys. They grow coral nursery’s which are grown in  aquariums and transplanted to the reefs. Navy ships have been sunk  in areas where there is no coral, to form reefs which harbor marine life. Although experts say they are no substitute for coral, they are an important resource in preserving fish.  Heavy fines of tens of thousands of dollars are imposed against irresponsible  boaters who destroy coral. The N.M.S encourages boaters to follow maps carefully, or if they unable too, learn how. They can also employ someone to navigate. 

photo credit; media.photobucket.com/image/florida%20keys%20reef/Flowtography