1. MARINE POLLUTION IN THE FLORIDA KEYS NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY
Created By:
Brandy Curry, Andrew Paciulli, Rosalyn McGee, and Justin Perry

2. Introduction
The Florida Keys natural marine is a popular destination for scientist, explorers, and tourists
Pollution defined
Different types of pollution
Effects of marine pollution
Regions affected by pollutants
Marine pollution can be defined as the introduction of energy or substances by man, indirectly or directly to the marine environment which results to deleterious effects. This effects include hindrance of activities of the marine, human health hazards, impairment of seawater quality of water for different uses as well as the reduction of amenities. Marine pollution usually occurs when potentially harmful effects affect the marine water from their entry into the marine water such as particles, chemicals, industrial waste, residential waste and agricultural waste, noise as well as other invasive organisms.
The Florida Keys natural marine is a popular destination for scientist, explorers, and tourists. However, the popularity of this marine has resulted into the pollution of this marine ecosystem as well as resource overuse. Several decades ago, there have been signs of degradation of the anthropogenic. Corals in the marine were being destroyed while the quality of water in the marine was suffering. Different people started realizing that the resources and environment of Florida Keys were fragile and hence required being protected before it could get destroyed more than it could be repaired (FKNMS, 2001).

3. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Description of sanctuary
Established in 1990
Jointly managed by NOAA and the State of Florida
Comprised of 9,844 km2 of water and submerged land
Includes sea grass meadows, mangrove-fringed islands, and coral reefs
Supports over 6,000 species of plants, fishes, and invertebrates
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary was established by Congress is November of 1990 in order to protect the regions resources from ecological threats such as oil drilling, sea grass die-offs, coral bleaching and disease, declining populations of reef fish, and deteriorating water quality. (Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Para. 1-6). The sanctuary is vast comprising about 9,844 km2 of water and submerged land and is connected to Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park, and Dry Tortugas National Park (Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Para. 2). Marine environments such as sea grass meadows, mangrove-fringed islands, and coral reefs support thousands of species of plants, fishes, and invertebrates (Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Para. 5).
(Florida Keys Management Areas,2005)

4. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Water Quality Protection Program
Water quality Monitoring Project
Sea grass Monitoring Project
Coral Reef Evaluation and Monitoring Project
Special Projects
According to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary website, the purpose of the Water Quality Protection Program (WQPP) is, “to recommend priority corrective action and compliance schedules addressing point and non-point sources of pollution; to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Sanctuary. This includes restoration and maintenance of a balanced, indigenous population of corals, shellfish, fish, and wildlife, and recreational activities in and on the water” (Para. 1). The EPA and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) in cooperation with NOAA developed a water quality protection program that consists of four inter-related components: corrective action, monitoring, special studies, and public education (Water Quality Protection Program, Para. 2). The long term monitoring programs are considered the glue that holds the Water Quality Protection Program together.
The Water Quality Monitoring Project (WQMP)- the southeastern environmental research program at Florida International University operates 340 sampling sites throughout Florida's estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Many variables are measured including temperature, salinity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, total organic carbon/nitrogen/phosphorus, light extinction, and more. The purpose of the measurements is to address concerns about regional water quality that overlap political boundaries (Water Quality Monitoring Project, Para. 1).
The Seagrass Monitoring Project purposes are to define the present distribution of sea grass within the sanctuary, to provide high-quality, quantitative data on the status of the sea grass, to quantify the importance of sea grass primary production, to define baseline conditions for sea grass, to determine relationships between water quality and sea grass status, and to detect trends in the distribution and status of sea grass communities (Sea grass Monitoring Project, Para. 2). Data is derived using three different types of sites and collected either annually or quarterly. Four kinds of data are collected in sea grass beds: distribution and abundance, demographics of sea grass communities, productivity, and nutrient availability (Sea grass Monitoring Project, Para. 3-4).
The Coral Reef Evaluation and Monitoring Projects primary goal is to measure the status and trends of these communities, and to assist managers in understanding, protecting, and restoring marine resources in the sanctuary (Coral Reef Evaluation and Monitoring Project, Para. 1). This project documents the status of reef habitats at 40 different sites which aids in our understanding of a coral reef system.
In addition to these projects are Special Projects that are much shorter in duration and address specific concerns. Data collected from special projects help to better understand Florida Keys ecosystem as a whole (Special Projects, Para. 1).
(Reef Restoration, NOAA)

5. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Pollution
Waste Water
Storm Water, Runoff Contaminants
Oil
Direct Human Impact
The Florida Keys is a very large watershed for all the rivers and streams that lead into the Florida Bay, Southwest Florida Shelf, the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Straits and the Atlantic Ocean. That includes all the pollution from the Mississippi Basin. (NOAA). Not only does the runoff pose a severe threat of pollution, but the desirability of the Florida Keys as a tourist attraction has caused several problems for the marine community. The constant traffic of boats adds several toxins to the habitat. The boats often run aground on the coral reefs which kill the corals instantly. Boaters that run a ground on sea grass beds are subject to fines and may even need to pay fines to have the sea grass restored. Near shore waters are bombarded with the emptying of septic tanks and cesspits which add to the poor water quality.
(Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary)

6. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
(NOAA)
Regions Effected by Pollution
All the regions of the ocean are effected by onshore pollution but most notably the near shore waters. Runoff and sewage is very rich in nutrients when this is constantly added to the nearby water it changes the habitat drastically. Along with an abundance of nitrogen, and phosphates, fertilizers and pesticides are being added through runoff. Over fishing has now become in issue in the area due to the large draw of tourists the region brings, and it is the fourth largest commercial fishing region in the country. Red tide has become prevalent in the region as well, which is a consequence of higher than normal microscopic algae which is caused by the nutrient rich runoff.
Coral reefs need clean, clear water to survive. When sediment and other pollutants enter the water, they smother coral reefs, speed the growth of damaging algae, and lower water quality. Pollution can also make corals more susceptible to disease, impede coral growth and reproduction, and cause changes in food structures on the reef.
In the Florida Keys, our expansive watershed includes all of the rivers and streams that drain into Florida Bay, the Southwest Florida Shelf, the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Straits, and the Atlantic Ocean. This means that pollutants from as far away as the Mississippi Basin, or as close as your own backyard, can be entering the system. Thankfully, there are simple things that you can do to reduce the amount of pollution that eventually make it to Florida Keys waters.
Near shore waters
Marine Habitats
Seafloor
(NOAA)

7. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Regions Effected by Pollution
Ecological Reserves
Sanctuary Preservation Areas
Wildlife Management Areas
Existing Management Areas
Special-use Areas
Ecological Reserves (ERs) are the largest of the sanctuary zones and are able to protect an entire range of marine habitats found in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. These large, contiguous, diverse habitats help protect natural spawning, nursery, and permanent-residence areas needed for sustainable populations of fish and other marine life. There are currently two ERs in the sanctuary, the Western Sambo Ecological Reserve and the Tortugas Ecological Reserve, which together protect nearly 160 square nautical miles. The Tortugas Ecological Reserve is separated into two parts, Tortugas South and Tortugas North. Regulations for ERs limit consumptive activities while continuing to allow activities that do not threaten resource protection.
Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs) within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protect shallow reefs along the reef tract. SPAs encompass discrete, biologically important areas that help sustain critical marine species and habitats. SPAs have mooring buoys for boaters to use in order to prevent anchor damage to corals. There are 18 SPAs within the sanctuary, which together cover a total of about 4.97 square nautical miles. Regulations for this z
one type are designed to limit consumptive activities and to separate users engaged in different kinds of activities. Diving, snorkeling and boating are allowed inside these zones.
Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are intended to minimize disturbance to sensitive or endangered wildlife and their habitats, such as bird nesting, resting or feeding areas, and turtle nesting beaches. Regulations governing WMAs are designed to provide opportunities for public use while protecting wildlife. These areas often include no-motor zones, idle speed only/no wake zones, and buffer and closed zones. There are currently 27 WMAs in the sanctuary. Twenty of these areas are co-managed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as part of their plan for managing backcountry portions of the national wildlife refuges in the Florida Keys. The remaining seven WMAs are under sanctuary management. Public-access restrictions in WMAs include idle speed only/no wake, no access buffer, no motor, and limited closures, and are marked as such on white and orange information/regulatory cylindrical spar buoys.
Existing Management Areas (EMAs) are areas within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary that were established by NOAA or another federal agency prior to 1997 when sanctuary zoning regulations went into effect.
There are six Existing Management Areas in the sanctuary, including Key Largo and Looe Key, which are managed by the sanctuary, and Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge, National Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge, and Key West National Wildlife Refuge, which are managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services. EMAs have their own protections and restrictions in addition to regulations that are applicable sanctuary-wide. Check with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for applicable rules and regulations that apply in these areas.

8. Ecosystems Effected by the Pollution
(NOAA)
The Florida Keys contain
The third longest Coral Reef in the world
Extensive sea grass beds
Over 6,000 species of marine life
The coral reefs of the Florida Keys are the most effected ecosystem. Coral reefs need clean and clear water to thrive. The addition of any chemicals or even an increase of organic sediment from runoff will gravely harm the corals. Higher levels of suspended sediment in overlying water is the primary cause of coral reef degradation. Corals are so delicate and particular of their environment they are very rarely found where near river mouths do to the influx of turbid waters. Pollution of sediment runoff not only smothers the corals it makes them more susceptible to diseases. The sediment acts to limit coral growth, feeding patterns, and photosynthesis.
(Burdick, 2013)

9. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Coral Habitats and Biodiversity
Hard bottom
Patch or Shallow Offshore Reefs
Bank Reefs or Intermediate Reefs
Deep Offshore Reefs
Hard Bottom
Patch Reefs
Hard bottom - There are four main types of coral habitat in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary: hardbottom, patch reef, shallow offshore reef, and deep offshore reef. The hardbottom area is dominated by soft corals, such as sea fans, with a sandy substrate. A patch reef is a tall mound of coral dominated by massive corals, like brain coral. A higher diversity of organisms is found here. Shallow offshore reefs are found in zones of high-energy water. These are usually the barrier reefs. They are dominated by branching corals, such as staghorn and elkhorn corals. The deep offshore reefs are dominated by the massive corals and bottom-dwelling organisms.
Hardbottom Community are
Close to shore
Low species diversity
Dominated by gorgonians, algae, and sponges
Hardbottom reef communities are found close to shore over limestone rock covered by a thin sandy layer. Hardbottom communities have low species diversity, dominated by gorgonians, algae, sponges, and a few stony coral species. Hardbottom habitats provide important cover and feeding areas for many fish and invertebrates.
Hardbottom communities are often divided into two types:
Nearshore restricted hardbottom communities are subject to limited water movement. This bottom community is dominated by algae including epilithic algae that attaches itself directly to the limestone bottom as well as drift algae.
Nearshore high-velocity hardbottom communities are exposed to strong currents. Gorgonians, easily recognized with their rod-like appearance and flexibility, and sponges dominate these communities.
Patch Reef Community
Located in shallow water 10-20'
Outer edge ringed by sand
Dominated by large star and brain coral colonies
Patch reefs are located in shallow waters of feet (3-6 m) in depth, within the Florida Reef Tract. The outer edge of each patch reef is surrounded by a halo of sand that extends out to adjacent Seagrass beds. The width of this ring of sand is determined by the distance that herbivorous fish feel is within safe foraging range from the reef. Each patch reef differs in size, development, and species residing on them. The patch reef originates with a coral larva settling out of the plankton onto a hard surface for attachment. It develops into a moderate-sized coral colony over time. Eventually the coral dies, perhaps from storm or predator damage, leaving behind the calcium carbonate skeleton upon which more coral larvae can settle. This continues for hundreds of years with the reef expanding upwards, towards the water's surface. As the reef reaches the surface, it will begin growing outward rather than upward.
Zooplankton/ Phytoplankton
Several species of stony coral
Spiny Lobster
Anemones
Mollusks
Flamingo Tongues
Parrotfish
Surgeonfish
Yellow Snapper
Grunts
Brain & Star Coral

10. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Coral Habitats and Biodiversity
Hard bottom
Patch or Shallow Offshore Reefs
Bank Reefs or Intermediate Reefs
Deep Offshore Reefs
Bank Reefs
Deep Offshore Reefs
Bank Reefs - Bank reefs form an elongate, broken arc from Miami south along the Florida Keys to the Dry Tortugas. Located further toward the sea than the patch reefs of nearshore environments, bank reefs are significantly larger than patch reefs and are common dive and snorkel destinations.
On the inshore side of the bank reef is the reef flat. This area consists of broken coral skeletons and coralline algae. Seaward from the reef flat is the spur and groove formation consisting of low ridges of corals spurs separated by sandy bottom channels or grooves. Within shallow areas, the bottom substrate is colonized by fire corals and zoanthids. The sand grooves running between the spurs consist primarily of shells and fragments of coral and algae that make up the coarse white limestone sand. These grooves are habitat for many invertebrates which remain hidden in the sand during the day, sneaking out under the cover of night to search for food.
Deep Offshore Reefs – as the ocean gets deep it drop off sharper and the light from the surface starts to disappear. As the light fade and the animals that use photosynthesis stay near the surface water and the sunlight, most of the same coral are found in these regions. However, they are more sparse. There are less places for the reef fish to hide and therefore are usually larger. For this reason pelagic fish start intruding into this area. This area also serves as nursery for pelagic fish like sharks and tuna. Once they reach a certain sixe the venture off to the deep open water.
Shrimp
Gobies
Moray Eels
Trigger Fish
Grouper
Fire Coral
Great Barracuda
Red Snapper
Jewfish
Amber Jack
Small Tuna

11. Coral description What is a coral?
Polyps are invertebrates that range in size from 50 mm up to a foot in diameter and reproduce both sexually and asexually (NOAA, Corals and coral reefs). The rocky part of the polyp is actually a hard shell made from calcium carbonate, this shell is essential to the polyps as it grounds them to one area and protects their soft bodies from predators. Each species forms a structure such as a mound that is comprised of many genetically identical polyps. More mounds are created asexually and eventually colonies are formed, these colonies then can reproduce sexually by the release of eggs and sperm into the waters.

12. Corals Over 50 species living in the sanctuary Staghorn Coral
2100 sites studied
Coral population and density
Staghorn coral
Living within the sanctuary are over 50 species of corals. One such species is Acropora cervicornis or Staghorn coral. Staghorn is a reef building coral listed as a threatened species on the Endangered Species List. Since 1999 there have been 2100 sites studied, these studies show that staghorn coral are present in a variety of habitats such as patch reefs and shallow hard-bottom areas but are no longer found in deeper fore-reefs where they once thrived (FKNMS, Elkhorn and Staghorn Coral Surveys). Furthermore the colonies that are present are small in size measuring on average 12 inches in diameter with only 4% having a maximum of 27 inches or more (FKNMS, Elkhorn and Staghorn Coral Surveys). For polyps to reproduce sexually is dependent on the size of the corals colony prior to obtaining the required size corals will only reproduce asexually.
Adaptations and threats
Destruction occurs when people drop anchor, use cages to fish, or the bottom of the boat drags across the reef. Pollution is another issue that corals must deal with as they prefer clear water with low turbidity. There are various forms of pollution brought into the reef area which can impede reproduction and growth, make corals more susceptible to disease, and cause changes to the food web (NOAA, Corals and Coral Reefs). While corals and other organisms might have a chance at adapting to a particular issue all will have more difficulties adapting to various forms of destruction and pollution happening at the same time. The staghorn coral is surviving but that does not equate to adapting. If nothing was done to prevent further damage the corals would continue to decline. However, the regulations and guidelines set in place are working and the staghorn corals along with other Florida Key inhabitants are recovering in the sanctuary.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), April Elkhorn and Staghorn Coral Surveys. Retrieved from:
NOAA (2011), Corals and Coral Reefs. Retrieved from:

13. Species found on coral reefs
Structure of reef provided by corals
Base nutritional energy provided by algae
Reef fish both herbivores and carnivores live full time on reef
Sharks and lobsters roam in and out daily
Dolphins and sea turtles stop by seasonally
Coral reefs are home to a multitude of species. Some species live on the reef their entire lives while others stop by seasonally for breeding or spawning, and the coral reef is used as a nursery for many of the fish we like to eat. The basic energy flow of a reef is that corals provide the structure and algae provides nutritional energy which herbivores eat and then of course come the carnivores.
Urchins have a special relationship to coral in that they clear away macro algae that competes with corals for sunlight and cut into the substrate where budding polyps attach enabling the reef to grow (NOAA, Coral Reef Restoration). Corals are also a habitat for micro fauna that reef fish such as the Banded Butterfly fish and Scrawled File fish feed on. There are also carnivore fish including sting rays and other sharks. There are bottom dwellers like spiny lobsters, mammals such as dolphins, and five species of sea turtles among the hundreds of species living in the Florida Keys. Unfortunately some species that live on the are either endangered or threatened due to a decline of living reefs. If the coral dies the remaining part of the food chain dies or substantially reduces. Corals are the key species in the reef habitat. The good news is the current efforts for reef restoration are going well, as can be seen in the pictures above. The top pictures was taken in October 2002 and the bottom picture in August The reef has improved significantly.
NOAA, National Marine Sanctuary. Image derived from:
NOAA, Coral Reef Restoration. Retrieved from:
NOAA, National Marine Sanctuary

14. Adaptations to the Environment
Fluorescent Pigment -
Natural adaptation that forms a shield around the zooxanthellae and protects them form high temperatures and UV Rays
(NOAA.COM)
Warmer oceans have triggered widespread episodes of coral bleaching, a condition linked to an increase in UV rays. Fluorescent pigment changes the harmful UV rays rays, and blue wavelengths from the sunlight to lower energy wavelengths like green and yellow. This adaptation helps fluorescent corals survive longer than non fluorescent corals. (
Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is a leading cause of climate change. The ocean absorbs one third of the carbon dioxide creating a more acidic ocean. In order for a coral reef to grow it needs to produce more calcium carbonate at a rate faster than it is being eroded, and Ocean acidification is greatly slowly the rate at which corals generate calcium carbonate. ( (
Increase Calcium Carbonate Production -
The increase of acidity in the oceans slows corals growth rate

15. Future Adaptations For Survival(
Gain The Ability to Withstand:
- Increase in Ocean Temperatures
- Increase in Turbidity
- Increase in Ocean Acidity Levels
(NOAA.GOV)
To withstand the current climate change Corals are going to need to adapt to the increase of Carbon Dioxide in the atmosphere, which they will ultimately consume. The increase in Carbon Dioxide will also increase the ocean temperatures which is very unfavorable to the coral. Corals are beginning to create adaptations already to survive the increase of temperature. They will also need to increase the effectiveness of their filtering process they don’t get clogged up so easily by the sediments in the water. The is a going to be a predicted increase in runoff which will increase the sediment in the water. Overfishing, and all the land pollution caused by humans destroys the habitat of Coral, like many other organism on the planet they are going to need to adapt to our careless nature.
Survive Direct and Indirect Human Impact -
Humans are the biggest threat to Corals

16. How do the currents and tides affect your selected animal

17. What are the geological features of the selected region where your organism dwells? 

18. Avoiding Pollution in the Future
Measures to Avoid Pollution
Wide-ranging education program for ensuring the protection of Florida Keys’ resources
Monitoring and research activities
Enforcing regulations
Avoid marine dumping
Trimming down trash
Recreate Responsibly
The sanctuary usually relies on Wide-ranging education programs for ensuring the protection of Florida Keys’ resources. There have been outreach and education efforts that are primarily aimed for recreational users, tourist, resident as well as students. Such campaigns on education focuses on managing fishing, boating and snorkeling since this activities serious damages the sea grasses and corals if conducted carelessly.
Monitoring and research activities are important since the basic goal of the sanctuary is resource protection. This research helps scientist in establishing baseline knowledge and information for different components of the marine ecosystem (Marine Protected Areas of the United States Para. 11).
The sanctuary enforces certain regulations for protecting and preserving ecological, research, recreational, historical, education as well as aesthetic resources. These regulations include, fishing, boating, recreational activities, submerging cultural resources and submerging land use. Several techniques are implemented in order to ensure people follow this rules and regulations.
Trimming down trash reduces moving water from carrying with it the “throw away” rashes to the ocean. Some garbage and especially plastics ends up to the marine water hence polluting the marine water.
Taking a trip to the marine water such as at the beach or even on the water fishing or snorkeling is usually a good way for celebrating or learning about the ocean. However, we should ensure we do not cause any harm to the marine ecosystem.
Mooring buoys is imperative in protecting coral reefs from boat anchors

19. Water Quality Protection Program Accomplishments
Monroe County Sanitary wastewater plan
Monroe County storm-water plan
No discharge zones
Mooring fields for vessels
The best method for pollution control is prevention. Data derived from programs and projects conducted by or in conjunction with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) is used to strengthen laws and regulations. The FKNMS Advisory council works directly with the Water Quality Steering Committee, the Water Quality Management Committee and EPA Florida Keys Liaison Office (Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Para. 3). One piece of legislation that governs over the sanctuary is the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act. A 1992 amendment to the act directs the Steering Committee to produce a biennial report summarizing the progress and modifications of the program, and to make recommendations for implementation of future projects (Report to Congress, 2013).
Some accomplishments listed in the 2013 report are: The implementation of the Monroe County Sanitary Wastewater Master Plan has eliminated cesspools, traditional septic tanks, and noncompliant wastewater facilities. Implementation of the Monroe County Storm-water Management Master Plan which prioritizes storm-water management needs for islands and financing for construction of facilities. Establishing the Florida Keys as a no discharge zone which makes it illegal to dump treated or untreated boat sewage in State waters. Established plans for mooring fields for vessels which has resulted in a reduction of 100,000 gallons of sewage to nearshore waters. (Report to Congress, 2013). These actions help reduce excessive nutrient and bacteria levels and restore water clarity and quality. Also these actions help restore biodiversity to the region with observable returns of porpoises and eagle rays.
The research and monitoring projects are extremely important for effective resource management of the sanctuary because the data derived from the studies influences how laws and regulations are implemented and enforced such as those regulations pertaining to fishing and recreational activities or sewage discharge practices. Future studies will focus on climate change impacts on the sanctuary, the effects of pharmaceuticals and personal care products on aquatic organisms health, and mosquito control practices on non-target organisms (Report to Congress, 2013).
FKNMS Facebook Photos

20. Conclusion
There are different type of marine pollution affecting the Florida Keys sanctuary.
Different types of pollution include; direct discharge, land runoff, Storm water, runoff contaminants, oil, ship pollution, boating, overfishing among others.
The major ecosystem affected by the pollution is the coral reef, sea grass beds and the marine life species.
The Florida Keys marine sanctuary should be protected to avoid further marine destruction
There are different type of marine pollution affecting the Florida Keys sanctuary. This types of pollution include; direct discharge, land runoff, Storm water, runoff contaminants, oil, ship pollution, boating, overfishing among others. The major ecosystem affected by the pollution is the coral reef, sea grass beds and the marine life species. Eutrophication is the increase of chemical nutrients and especially compounds that has phosphorous and nitrogen in the marine ecosystem. This will mostly happen as the productivity of the ecosystem increases due to excessive plant decay and growth. This results to further effects due to severe reduction in fish, water quality and marine species as oxygen reduces.

21. References
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (2014, August 15). Red Tide Summary. Retrieved from
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (n.d.). Fish and Wildlife Research Institute. Retrieved from
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Protection Program. Retrieved from:
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Protection Program: Report to Congress (September 2013). United States EPA region 4 office in cooperation with Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary WQPP partners. Retrieved from: %20Report% pdf

22. References
Coral Reef Evaluation and Monitoring Project. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Retrieved from:
Special Projects. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Retrieved from:
Water Quality Protection Program. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Retrieved from:
Water Quality Monitoring Project. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Retrieved from:
Seagrass Monitoring Project. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Retrieved from:

23. References
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Protection Program. (2014). Water Quality Monitoring Project (WQMP). Retrieved from
Populations and Ecosystems. (n.d). Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Retrieved from fosscom/Contribution%20Folders/FOSS/multimedia_ms_1E/PopulationsandEcosyste ms/ecoscenario/drytort/index.html
Florida International University. (2012). Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Protection Program. Retrieved from Water Quality Monitoring Project (WQMP) :
NOAA. (2014, February 6). Sanctuaries and climate change. Retrieved from NOAA / National MArine Sanctuaries:

24. Image References
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Facebook page. Images retrieved from: Wilmington, t. N. (n.d.). The Aquarius underwater habitat and laboratory. The Aquarius Habitat. Florida International University, Miami, FL. Retrieved from csa.gc.ca/eng/missions/neemo/aquarius.asp on 5 August 2014
Burdick, D. (2013, September 20). Strategic plans for addressing pollution in key watersheds. Retrieved from
Humann., P. b. (n.d.). Roving Diver. ScubaBoard.com, Key Largo. Retrieved from citizen-science-reef-survey-data.html on 5 August 2014
Reef Restoration. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Image retrieved from: Restoration

25. Image References
Humann., P. b. (n.d.). Roving Diver. ScubaBoard.com, Key Largo. Retrieved from citizen-science-reef-survey-data.html on 5 August 2014
Reef Restoration. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Image retrieved from:
Burdick, D. (2013, September 20). Strategic plans for addressing pollution in key watersheds. Retrieved from