Coordination between Monroe County and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS)

Abstract

Preservation of marine habitats and water quality is paramount to the future economy of the Florida Keys. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) together with Monroe County have coordinated their actions to protect benthic habitats, improve water quality in the Sanctuary, and implement stormwater and wastewater infrastructure. Cooperation between the Sanctuary and Monroe County has resulted in the creation of No-Discharge Zones and public works projects both of which have succeeded in reducing pollutants into Sanctuary waters. Efforts to improve communication between the Sanctuary and County should still be made in order for improvements in water quality to be realized.