Jump to main content or area navigation.

Contact Us

ReefLink Database

Cultural Services

Cultural Services

Cultural services are the nonmaterial benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, recreational opportunities, aesthetic experiences, sense of place, and educational and research opportunities.

CMap

Anemones & zooanthids are cnidarians very similar to coral, but are not characteristic reef builders. Biological monitoring is the use of a biological entity as a detector and its response as a measure to determine environmental conditions. Biotechnology Research and Development involves the study of coral reef organisms and cellular and biomolecular processes to develop pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Contact Uses, such as biological additions, physical damage, and biological harvesting, are activities in which humans create pressures through direct contact with the ecosystem. Coral is a colonial marine animal consisting of polyps. Cultural policies are responses that impact the distribution and functioning of cultural sectors, including tourism, recreation, education, and social organization. Cultural services are the nonmaterial benefits people obtain from ecosystems through spiritual enrichment, cognitive development, recreational opportunities, aesthetic experiences, sense of place, and educational and research opportunities. Culture sectors contribute to the social, emotional, and intellectual well-being of the community. Discharges are the intentional or unintentional distribution of chemicals, debris, or other pollution, into the environment as a consequence of human activities. Ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems . The Education and Information sectors consists of schools, colleges, instruction and training programs that provide instruction in various subjects, organizations that conduct scientific research, and organizations that collect and distribute information. Educational & Research Opportunities pertain to the value derived from a natural ecosystem in regards to knowledge, scientific research, study, and breakthroughs, and the ability to pass this knowledge on to others. Existence value is the economic value or meaning humans place in a particular area, resource or organism simply for existing, separate from any derived use value. Fish are cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates that breathe through gills and usually have scales. The Health sector includes groups which provide for human health through medical and social care, and maintenance and disposal of waste. Health policies are responses that impact the functioning of health sectors, including waste management facilities, biomedical research, and development and sale of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. An Invertebrate is any animal that lacks a backbone. Landscape Changes are alterations of the natural landscape through human activities, including coastal development, shoreline armoring, impervious surfaces, deforestation, or soil disturbance, which can alter water flow patterns and lead to pollutant runoff into coastal systems. Marine vertebrates are aquatic animals with a backbone, such as sea turtles, whales, dolphins and marine birds. The Reef Ecosystem includes a suite of abiotic variables that form the physical and chemical environment. Pressures are human activities that create stress on the environment. Aesthetic & recreational value pertains to the value derived from the visual beauty and recreational opportunities provided by a natural ecosystem, including an assemblage of diverse, healthy, colorful, or unique species. The state of the Reef Ecosystem is the condition, in terms of quantity and quality, of the abiotic and biotic components including physical, chemical, and biological variables. Reef Habitat is the abundance, distribution, and condition of the benthic components of the reef ecosystem. Reef Inhabitants are all of the motile components of the reef ecosystem, including fish, invertebrates, marine reptiles and mammals, and are quantified by their abundance, distribution, and condition. Reef Life is the abundance, distribution, and condition of the biological components of the coral reef ecosystem. Responses are actions taken by groups or individuals in society and government to prevent, compensate, ameliorate or adapt to changes in Ecosystem Services or their perceived value. Socio-Economic Drivers include the sectors that fulfill human needs for Food & Raw Materials, Water, Shelter, Health, Culture, and Security, and the Infrastructure that supports the sectors. Sponges are sessile colonial animals with soft porous bodies supported by a fibrous skeletal framework. Supporting services are ecological processes that indirectly benefit humans by maintaining a functional ecosystem for the production of other ecosystem goods and services. Tourism & Recreation sectors operate facilities and provide services for the varied cultural, entertainment, and recreational interests of residents and tourists. Valuation is the process of estimating the worth, merit, or desirability of benefits derived from ecosystems. A wetland is an area of land whose soil is saturated with moisture either permanently or seasonally.

CMap Description

A diverse and healthy reef provides aesthetic value and recreational opportunities (e.g., scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing), as well as having inherent (existence) value even to individuals who may never visit or directly benefit from reefs. Large, colorful, and unique taxa, including coral, sponges, anemones, fish, invertebrates, sea turtles, and marine mammals, are particularly valued, but are dependent on complex habitat and resources provided by the reef. A diverse assemblage of reef species also provide potential educational opportunities for students, as well as research opportunities for scientists and biotechnology. The reef ecosystem contributes to the cultural identity, or sense of place, of a region and may be a factor driving coastal development. Many of the sectors that benefit from cultural ecosystem services, such as tourism and recreation, create pressures on the reef through increasing coastal development, contact uses, and pollution. Valuation methods can be used to quantify the value of cultural services. Cultural and health policies, such as education and outreach, research funding, or tourism policies, will influence the recreational and educational value derived from reefs and help shape the contribution of the reef ecosystem to the cultural identity of the community.

Citations

Citation Year Study Location Study Type Database Topics
Principe, P., P. Bradley, S. Yee, W. Fisher, E. Johnson, P. Allen, and D. Campbell. 2012. Quantifying Coral Reef Ecosystem Services. EPA/600/R-11/206, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC. 2012 Global Aquarium & Pet Trade; Aquarium Stock; Beach & Land Formation; Carbon Storage & Cycling; Complex Habitat & Resources; Corporate Responses; Cultural Policies; Cultural Protections; Cultural Services; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fish; Landscape Conservation & Restoration; Mangroves; Monetary Valuation; Ornamental Jewelry & Art; Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics; Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Sources; Provisioning Services; Regulating Services; Seagrasses; Shoreline Protection; Supporting Services; Tourism & Recreation; Valuation
Godet, L; Zelnio, KA; Van Dover, CL. 2011. Scientists as Stakeholders in Conservation of Hydrothermal Vents. Conservation Biology 25:214-222. 2011 Educational & Research Opportunities; Seagrasses
Nava, H; Ramirez-Herrera, MT. 2011. Government conservation policies on Mexican coastal areas: is "top-down" management working? Revista de Biologia Tropical 59:1487-1501. 2011 Global; South & Central America; US Pacific & Hawaii; Caribbean Index or Indicator Algae; Landscape Changes; Landscape Conservation & Restoration; Marine Protected Areas; Non-Monetary Valuation; Recreational Opportunities; Sediment; Skeletal Coral
Harrison, P. A., M. Vandewalle, M. T. Sykes, P. M. Berry, R. Bugter, F. de Bello, C. K. Feld, U. Grandin, R. Harrington, J. R. Haslett, R. H. G. Jongman, G. W. Luck, P. M. da Silva, M. Moora, J. Settele, J. P. Sousa, and M. Zobel. 2010. Identifying and prioritising services in European terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Biodiversity and Conservation 19:2791-2821. 2010 Europe Review Agriculture; Biochemical & Genetic Resources; Biomedical Research Policies; Climate; Climate Regulation; Cultural Policies; Cultural Services; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fishing Sector; Forestry; Non-Monetary Valuation; Pathogens; Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics; Provisioning Services; Recreational Opportunities; Regulating Services; Seawater Flow; Special Use Permitting; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Wetlands
Haslett, J. R., P. M. Berry, G. Bela, R. H. G. Jongman, G. Pataki, M. J. Samways, and M. Zobel. 2010. Changing conservation strategies in Europe: a framework integrating ecosystem services and dynamics. Biodiversity and Conservation 19:2963-2977. 2010 Europe Review; Decision Support Frameworks & Tools Cultural Policies; Cultural Protections; Non-Monetary Valuation; Recreational Opportunities
Ojea, E. and M. L. Loureiro. 2010. Valuing the recovery of overexploited fish stocks in the context of existence and option values. Marine Policy 34:514-521. 2010 Global; Europe Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fish; Housing; Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Monetary Valuation; Special Use Permitting; Valuation
Skourtos, M., A. Kontogianni, and P. A. Harrison. 2010. Reviewing the dynamics of economic values and preferences for ecosystem goods and services. Biodiversity and Conservation 19:2855-2872. 2010 Review; Model Monetary Valuation; Non-Monetary Valuation; Recreational Opportunities; Valuation
TEEB. 2010. Socio-cultural context of ecosystem and biodiversity valuation. in P. Kumar, editor. The economics of ecosystems and biodiversity: ecological and economic foundations. Earthscan, United Kingdom. 2010 Decision Support Frameworks & Tools Existence Value & Sense of Place; Funding & Incentives; Landscape Conservation & Restoration; Monetary Valuation; Valuation
TEEB. 2010. The economics of valuing ecosystem services and biodiversity. in P. Kumar, editor. The economics of ecosystems and biodiversity: ecological and economic foundations. Earthscan, United Kingdom. 2010 Climate; Climate Regulation; Cultural Policies; Monetary Valuation; Recreational Opportunities; Special Use Permitting; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Valuation
Ghermandi, A., P. A. L. D. Nunes, R. Portela, N. Rao, and S. S. Teelucksingh. 2009. Recrational, cultural, aesthetic services from estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei. 2009 Europe Review Cultural Policies; Cultural Protections; Finfish Harvest; Marine Protected Areas; Monetary Valuation; Non-Monetary Valuation; Recreational Fishing; Recreational Opportunities; Social Organizations; Tourism & Recreation; Valuation
Layke, C. 2009. Measuring nature�s benefits: a preliminary roadmap for improving ecosystem service indicators. 2009 Index or Indicator; Decision Support Frameworks & Tools Climate; Climate Regulation; Corporate Responses; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Provisioning Services; Regulating Services; Social Organizations; Special Use Permitting
Morgan, O. A., D. M. Massey, and W. L. Huth. 2009. Diving demand for large ship artificial reefs. Marine Resource Economics 24:43-59. 2009 Model Artificial Habitat; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Large Ships; Monetary Valuation; Non-Monetary Valuation; Recreational Opportunities; Tourism & Recreation; Valuation
Barton, D. N., T. Saloranta, S.J. Moe, H.O. Eggestad, and S. Kuikka. 2008. Bayesian belief networks as a meta-modelling tool in integrated river basin management Pros and cons in evaluating nutrient abatement decisions under uncertainty in a Norwegian river basin. Ecological Economics 66:91-104. 2008 Norway Review; Model; Decision Support Frameworks & Tools Mitigation; Monetary Valuation; Non-Monetary Valuation; Nutrients; Recreational Opportunities; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Valuation
Beaumont, N. J., M.C. Austen, S.C. Mangi, and M. Townsend. 2008. Economic valuation for the conservation of marine biodiversity. Marine Pollution Bulletin 56:386-396. 2008 Cultural Policies; Cultural Services; Fishing Sector; Monetary Valuation; Special Use Permitting; Supporting Services; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Valuation
Hasler, H. and J. A. Ott. 2008. Diving down the reefs? Intensive diving tourism threatens the reefs of the northern Red Sea. Marine Pollution Bulletin 56:1788-1794. 2008 Cuba; Egypt Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Environmental Education & Outreach; Fish; Recreational Opportunities; Sediment; Small Herbivorous Fish; Special Use Permitting; Tourism & Recreation
Irion, J. B., D. Ball, and C. E. Horrell. 2008. The US government's role in deepwater archaeology: The deep gulf Wrecks project. International Journal of Historical Archaeology 12:75-81. 2008 South & Central America; Mexico Field Study & Monitoring; Remote Sensing Artificial Habitat; Collaboration & Partnering; Cultural Policies; Educational & Research Opportunities; Oil & Gas Research & Exploration
Lev, E. and Z. Amar. 2008. \Fossils\" of practical medical knowledge from medieval Cairo". Journal of Ethnopharmacology 119:24-40. 2008 Educational & Research Opportunities; Microorganisms; Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics
Parsons, G. R. and S. M. Thur. 2008. Valuing changes in the quality of coral reef ecosystems: A stated preference study of SCUBA diving in the Bonaire National Marine Park. 40:593-608. 2008 South & Central America; Cuba; Caribbean Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Marine Protected Areas; Monetary Valuation; Non-Monetary Valuation; Recreational Opportunities; Valuation
Andersson, J. E. C. 2007. The recreational cost of coral bleaching - A stated and revealed preference study of international tourists. Ecological Economics 62:704-715. 2007 Indian Ocean; India Model Recreational Opportunities; Tourism & Recreation; Valuation
Brander L.M., Van Beukering P., Cesar H.S.J. 2007. The recreational value of coral reefs: a meta-analysis. Ecological Economics 63:209-218. 2007 Model Monetary Valuation; Recreational Opportunities; Tourism & Recreation; Valuation
David, G., J.-B. Herrenschmidt, E. Mirault and A. Thomassin. 2007. Social and economic values of Pacific coral reefs. Coral Reef Initiatives for the Pacific (CRISP) Component 1A, Project 1A4 Integrated Coastal Management (GERSA)., Noumea, New Caledonia. 2007 Global; US Pacific & Hawaii; Jamaica; Indonesia; Philippines Field Study & Monitoring Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fishing Sector; Marine Protected Areas; Monetary Valuation; Valuation
De Araujo, M. C. B. and M. F. Costa. 2006. Municipal services on tourist beaches: Costs and benefits of solid waste collection. Journal of Coastal Research 22:1070-1075. 2006 Beaches & Nature Parks; Environmental Education & Outreach; Recreational Opportunities; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Tourism & Recreation
Wang, L. and H. Zhao. 2006. Coral reef ecosystem service and its value evaluation. Chinese Journal of Ecology 25:1384-1389. 2006 China Review Recreational Opportunities
Auster, P. J. 2005. Are deep-water corals important habitats for fishes? Pages 747-760 in Freiwald, A. and J. M. Roberts, editors. Cold-water Corals and Ecosystems. Springer-Verlag. 2005 Model Complex Habitat & Resources; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Finfish Harvest; Fish; Landscape Conservation & Restoration
Chong, Jo. 2005. Protective values of mangrove and coral ecosystems: a review of methods and evidence. IUCN. 2005 Review; Field Study & Monitoring Banks, Credit, & Securities; Forestry; Mangroves; Nutrients; Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics; Recreational Opportunities; Shoreline Protection; Storms & Hurricanes; Tourism & Recreation; Valuation
Gayle, P. M. H., P. Wilson-Kelly, and S. Green. 2005. Transplantation of benthic species to mitigate impacts of coastal development in Jamaica. Revista de Biologia Tropical 53:105-115. 2005 Jamaica; Panama Coastal Development; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Mitigation; Octocoral; Recreational Opportunities; Sea Urchins; Sediment; Stony Coral; Substrate
Kwon, M. S., J. H. Noh, and M. Lee. 2005. An overview of potentials in the South Pacific and the new R&D investment challenges. Ocean and Polar Research 27:419-431. 2005 Global; US Pacific & Hawaii; Australia Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Fishing Sector; Recreational Opportunities; Tourism & Recreation
Cesar, H. S. J. and P. J. H. van Beukering. 2004. Economic valuation of the coral reefs of Hawai'i. Pacific Science 58:231-242. 2004 US Pacific & Hawaii Educational & Research Opportunities; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fishing Sector; Monetary Valuation; Tourism & Recreation; Valuation
Cesar, H. S. J., P. van Beukering, R. Payet, and E. Grandourt. 2004. Evaluation of the socio-economic impacts of marine ecosystem degradation in the Seychelles. Cesar Environmental Economics Consulting, Netherlands. 2004 Seychelles Cultural Policies; Cultural Protections; Cultural Services; Fishing Sector; Marine Protected Areas; Monetary Valuation; Shoreline Protection; Tourism & Recreation; Valuation
Bhat, M. G. 2003. Application of non-market valuation to the Florida Keys marine reserve management. Journal of Environmental Management 67:315-325. 2003 Florida Model Fish; Funding & Donations; Funding & Incentives; Monetary Valuation; Non-Monetary Valuation; Recreational Opportunities; Tourism & Recreation; Valuation
Pattengill-Semmens C.V., Semmens B.X. 2003. Conservation and management applications of the reef volunteer fish monitoring program. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 81:43-50. 2003 Florida; US Pacific & Hawaii; US East Coast (NC, SC, GA) Field Study & Monitoring Collaboration & Partnering; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fish; Marine Protected Areas; Social Organizations
Beattie, A., U.R. Sumaila, V. Christensen, D. Pauly. 2002. A Model for the Bioeconomic Evaluation of Marine Protected Area Size and Placement in the North Sea. Natural Resource Modeling 15:413-437. 2002 Field Study & Monitoring; Model; Decision Support Frameworks & Tools Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Finfish Harvest; Fishing Sector; Marine Protected Areas; Whales & Dolphins
Crosby, M. P., G. Brighouse, and M. Pichon. 2002. Priorities and strategies for addressing natural and anthropogenic threats to coral reefs in Pacific Island Nations. Ocean and Coastal Management 45:121-137. 2002 US Pacific & Hawaii; New Caledonia Cultural Policies; Cultural Protections; Fishing Sector; Recreational Opportunities
Pocock, C. 2002. Sense matters: Aesthetic values of the Great Barrier Reef. International Journal of Heritage Studies 8:365-381. 2002 Australia Non-Monetary Valuation; Recreational Opportunities
Tratalos, J. A. and T. J. Austin. 2001. Impacts of recreational SCUBA diving on coral communities of the Caribbean island of Grand Cayman. Biological Conservation 102:67-75. 2001 South & Central America; Cayman Islands; Cuba; Caribbean Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Recreational Opportunities; Skeletal Coral; Stony Coral; Tourism & Recreation
Waldman, M. and Y. Shevah. 2000. Biological diversity - An overview. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 123:299-310. 2000 Global Agriculture; Banks, Credit, & Securities; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Landscape Conservation & Restoration
Inglis, G. J., V. I. Johnson, and F. Ponte. 1999. Crowding norms in marine settings: a case study of snorkeling on the great barrier reef. Environmental Management 24:369-381. 1999 Australia; Cuba Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Infrastructure; Marine Protected Areas; Recreational Opportunities; Tourism & Recreation
Moberg F. and C. Folke. 1999. Ecological goods and services of coral reef ecosystems. Ecological Economics 29:215-233. 1999 Review Cultural Services; Monetary Valuation; Valuation
Ruitenbeek, J. and C. Cartier. 1999. Issues in applied coral reef biodiversity valuation: results for Montego Bay, Jamaica. World Bank Research Committee Project RPO# 682-22. 1999 Jamaica Biochemical & Genetic Resources; Educational & Research Opportunities; Fishing Sector; Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics; Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Sources; Tourism & Recreation; Valuation
Gjerde, K. and D. Freestone. 1994. Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas - an important environmental concept at a turning-point. International Journal of Marine and Coastal Law 9:431-578. 1994 Australia Review Educational & Research Opportunities; Marine Protected Areas; Shipping, Storage, & Warehousing
Greb, S. E. 1994. The fossil beds of the Falls of the Ohio in Kentucky & Indiana. Rocks & Minerals 69:170-175. 1994 India Echinoderms; Educational & Research Opportunities; Fish; Snails & Conch
Talent, J. A. and R. Mawson. 1993. Teaching reef environments and paleoecology on contemporary and Quaternary reefs. Journal of Geological Education 41:231-243. 1993 US Pacific & Hawaii; Vanuatu; New Caledonia; Cook Islands Educational & Research Opportunities
Done, T. J. 1992. Phase shifts in coral reef communities and their ecological significance. Hydrobiologia 247:121-132. 1992 Review; Model Algae; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Finfish Harvest; Fishing Sector
Eid, E.-M., E., and M. A. Fawzi. 1991. Egyptian approach towards appropriate use of coastal zones on the Red Sea. Marine Pollution Bulletin 23:331-337. 1991 Egypt Mangroves; Non-Monetary Valuation; Recreational Opportunities; Tourism & Recreation
Dicks, B. 1984. Oil pollution in the Red Sea - Environmental monitoring of an oilfield in a coral area, Gulf of Suez. Deep Sea Research Part A, Oceanographic Research Papers 31:833-854. 1984 Egypt Field Study & Monitoring Beaches & Nature Parks; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Petroleum Spills; Recreational Opportunities; Seagrasses; Sediment; Tourism & Recreation; Valuation
Lindstadt-Siva, JU NE, H. Albers Peter, KE NN ET H Fucik, and G. Maynard Nancy. 1984. Ecological Considerations For The Use Of Dispersants In Oil Spill Response. Pages 363-377 ASTM Special Technical Publication. 1984 Review Petroleum Spills; Recreational Opportunities

Management Options

More than 50 management options. Click here to load.

Management Option Description Sources Database Topics

Laws

Legal Citation Purpose of Law Management Organization Database Topics
Administrative fines for damaging State Lands of products thereof, 18-14 Florida Administrative Code. 18-14.003 Violations. It shall be a violation of this rule for any person or the agent of any person to knowingly refuse to comply with any provision of Chapter 253, F.S., willfully violate any provision of Chapter 253, F.S., or to willfully damage state land (the ownership or boundaries of which have been established by the state) or products thereof, by doing any of the following: (1) Fill, excavate, or dredge, including prop dredging in a manner which produces a defined channel, on state land without the lease, license, easement or other form of consent required by the Board. (2) Remove, in violation of state or federal law, any product from state land without written approval or specific exemption from the Board or Department. (3) Discharge contaminants, wastes, effluents, sewage or any other pollutant as defined in Chapter 376 or Chapter 403, F.S., on, under or over state land; when such discharge is in violation of Chapter 403 or conditions of a permit issued pursuant to that chapter, or conditions of a lease or easement issued pursuant to Chapter 253, F.S. - 37 (4) Maintain, place or build permanent or temporary structures, including, but not limited to, additions to existing structures; all structures whose use is not water-dependent; sanitary septic systems; fences, docks and pilings; houses; oil rigs; and utility installations on or over state land without consent or authority from the Board or Department. (5) Place garbage, refuse, or debris on or over state land without approval by the Board or Department. (6) Any other willful act that causes damage to state land, or products thereof, when such activity occurs without the required approval by the Board or Department.

Application to Coral Reefs:Controlling and limiting excavation and dredging, as well as discharge of contaminants, wastes, sewage, and other pollutants will assist in keeping sediment and pollutants from reaching the coral reefs and causing degradation of reef organisms..

Legislative Actions:

Comments:Administrative Fines for Damaging State Lands or Products Thereof 		Florida State Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
US State Waters 		Anchoring & Vessel Grounding; Ballast Discharge; Coastal Engineering; Commercial Fisheries; Construction Codes & Projects; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Educational & Research Opportunities; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fertilizer & Pesticide Use; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Oil & Gas Research & Exploration; Petroleum Spills; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Substrate; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 as amended, 16 United States Code § 470. To protect historic ruins, monuments, and objects of antiquity. Strenghtens and expands the protective provisions of the Antiquities Act of 1906 regarding archeological resources. It also revised the permitting process for conducting archeological research.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:

Comments: 		National Park Service

Jurisdiction:
United States; US Territorial Waters; US Territories; Designated Marine Areas; US Virgin Islands 		Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Coastal Development; Cultural Policies; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Educational & Research Opportunities; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Public Administration; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Responses; Special Use Permitting; Tourism & Recreation Policies
Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, 18-18 Florida Administrative Code. 18-18.001 Intent. (1) The Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, the boundaries of which are fully described in Rule 18-18.002, F.A.C., was established for the purpose of preserving and enhancing Biscayne Bay and all natural waterways tidally connected to the bay in an essentially natural condition so that its biological and aesthetic values may endure for the enjoyment of future generations. (2) These rules shall apply to all lands public and private within the boundaries of the preserve. However, privately owned uplands shall be excluded from these rules except as otherwise provided for herein. (3) In promulgating and implementing these rules, it is the intent of the Department to construe the provisions of Sections 258.397 and 258.35 through 258.46, F.S., together and to apply the more stringent statutory provisions for the maintenance of the preserve. (4) The preserve shall be administered and managed in accordance with the following goals: (a) To preserve, protect, and enhance Biscayne Bay and all natural waterways tidally connected to the bay by reasonable regulation of human activity within the preserve through the development and implementation of a comprehensive management program; (b) To protect and enhance the waters of the preserve so that the public may continue to enjoy the traditional recreational uses of those waters such as swimming, boating and fishing; (c) To coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies to aid in carrying out the intent of the legislature in creating the preserve; (d) To use applicable federal, state, and local management programs, which are compatible with the intent and provisions of the Act and these rules, to assist in managing the preserve; (e) To encourage activities that protect or enhance the biological and aesthetic values of the preserve, including but not limited to the modification of existing manmade conditions towards their natural condition, when reviewing applications or developing and implementing management plans for the preserve; (f) To preserve and promote indigenous life forms and habitats including but not limited to sponges, soft corals, hard corals, seagrasses, mangroves, mud flats, marine reptiles, game and non-game fish species, marine mammals, tropical marine invertebrates, birds and shellfish; (g) To acquire additional title interests in land wherever such acquisitions would serve to protect or enhance the biological or aesthetic values of the preserve.

Application to Coral Reefs:Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve protection of water quality will contribute to a lowering of contaminants leaving the preserve on tides and thus limiting the contaminants that reach off-shore ecosystems including the FKNMS and the reef system within the sanctuary.

Legislative Actions:

Comments:This chapter establishes the rules to protect the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve, which was established for the purpose of preserving and enhancing Biscayne Bay and all natural waterways tidally connected to the bay in an essentially natural condition so that its biological and aesthetic values may endure for the enjoyment of future generations. 		Florida State Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
Designated Marine Areas 		Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Anchoring & Vessel Grounding; Ballast Discharge; Boat Movement; Coastal Development; Docks & Marinas; Dredging Regulations; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Environmental Education & Outreach; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Finfish Harvest; Hydrologic Management; Landuse Management; Mangroves; Marine Birds; Marine Debris; Nutrients; Point Source Discharges; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Seawater Flow; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Small Boats; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
Chapter 1: Wildlife including protected areas, 12 Virgin Islands Code. Regulates hunting, including for migratory birds, wildlife restoration, establishes and regulates wildlife and marine sactuaries and game preserves.

Application to Coral Reefs:The coral reefs of the US Virgin Islands are within the boundaries off the marine sanctuaries and therefore have the same protection that marine sanctuaries have. Special licenses are required for scientific investigation and for collectors. In wildlife and marine sanctuaries, except under proper permit, taking or posessing any bird, fish, or other wildlife is illegal. Discharge of a firearm or release of arrows (spearfishing) in wildlife or marine sanctuaries is illegal. No form of waste can be thrown, placed or deposited in a wildlife or marine sanctuary.

Legislative Actions:The Commissioner or any USVI resident can commence a civil action. Civil penalties for violators are not to exceed $50,000 per day. Any knowingly or negligently discharging polluants can be crimimnally punished with a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more

Comments:Commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources can designate and establish wildlife and marine sanctuaries, and accept monitary and animal donations from the United States. 		US Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
US Virgin Islands 		Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Arthropods; Bivalves; Complex Habitat & Resources; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fish; Invertebrates; Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Mangroves; Marine Protected Areas; Marine Vertebrates; Molluscs; Octopus & Squid; Recreational Opportunities; Reef Inhabitants; Reef Life; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Snails & Conch; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Wetlands
Chapter 10: Open shorelines, 12 Virgin Islands Code. The seashore has always provided recreation, meditation, and physical therapy to the residents of the USVI. The shoreline provides access to the sea and a way of life for fisherman.The law requires that the public be given access to shorelines of the USVI for use and enjoyment.

Application to Coral Reefs:The limitation on barriers, obstructions, and retraints to beach access will have a minor role in protecting coral reefs because sedimentation that would have been associated with that minor construction will not occur.

Legislative Actions:No person, firm, corporation, association or other legal entity shall create, erect, maintain, or construct any obstruction, barrier, or restraint of any nature whatsoever upon, across or within the shorelines of the USVI as defined in this section, which would interfere with the right of the public individually and collectively. to use and enjoy any shoreline.

Comments: 		US Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
US Virgin Islands 		Coastal Development; Coastal Engineering; Construction Codes & Projects; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fish; Mangroves; Marine Vertebrates; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses
Chapter 3: Trees and vegetation next to waterways, 12 Virgin Islands Code. Establishes buffer zone for protecting natural watercourses from vegetation clearing. The buffer zone either 30 feet from the center of the natural watercourse, or 25 feet from its edge, whichever is greater.

Application to Coral Reefs:Assists in erosion control and can protect reefs from harmful sedimentation, if the stream or river sediment is capable of reaching the coral reef. Vegetation along river and stream banks will remove nutrients and assist in preventing eutrophocation of waters that can reach coral reefs.

Legislative Actions:Enforcement is by conservation officers with assistance from local police when required. Penalties are fines of not more than $100, or 180 days in jail, or both

Comments:Permits can be obtained if the purpose of clearing is for development. 		US Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
US Virgin Islands 		Building & Home Construction; Coastal Development; Construction Codes & Projects; Ditching & Soil Disturbance; Dredging Regulations; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Landscape Conservation & Restoration; Landscaping & Household Services; Landuse Management; Resource Use Management; Shoreline Protection; Wetlands
Endangered and Threatened Species; Critical Habitat for Threatened Elkhorn and Staghorn Corals, 73 Federal Register § 6895 (2008). To make it unlawful, to import or export the species into or from the US, to take the species within the US or territorial seas of the US, to take the species upon the high seas, to possess, sell, deliver, carry, transport, or ship by any means whatsoever the species taken in violation, to deliver, receive, carry, transport, or ship in interstate or foreign commerce, by any means whatsoever and in the course of a commercial activity the species, to sell or offer for sale in interstate or foreign commerce the species, to violate any regulation pertaining to the species.

Application to Coral Reefs:The deignation of Acropa palmeta and Acropa cervicornis as threathened species will allow the species advantages in recovery. The designation protects the reef habitat because the species must have the reef to reproduce and grow.

Legislative Actions:Section 11 of the ESA provides civil and criminal penalties for a violation of the ESA.

Comments: 		NOAA

Jurisdiction:
US Coral Reefs; US Territorial Waters; US Virgin Islands; Puerto Rico 		Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Collaboration & Partnering; Environmental Education & Outreach; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Invertebrate Harvest; Recreational Opportunities; Skeletal Coral; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies
Endangered and Threatened Species; Critical Habitat for Threatened Elkhorn and Staghorn Corals; Final Rule, 73 Federal Register § 72210. We, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), issue a final rule designating critical habitat for elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and staghorn (A. cervicornis) corals, which we listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (ESA), on May 9, 2006. Four specific areas are designated: the Florida area, which comprises approximately 1,329 square miles (3,442 sq km) of marine habitat; the Puerto Rico area, which comprises approximately 1,383 square miles (3,582 sq km) of marine habitat; the St. John/St. Thomas area, which comprises approximately 121 square miles (313 sq km) of marine habitat; and the St. Croix area, which comprises approximately 126 square miles (326 sq km) of marine habitat. We are excluding one military site, comprising approximately 5.5 square miles (14.3 sq km), because of national security impacts.

Application to Coral Reefs:The law protects coral habitat for elkhorn and staghorn coral which strenghtens their protection in the FKNMS, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands.

Legislative Actions:

Comments:the National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS), issue a final
rule designating critical habitat for
elkhorn (Acropora palmata) and
staghorn (A. cervicornis) corals, which
we listed as threatened under the
Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (ESA), on May 9, 2006. Four
specific areas are designated: the Florida
area, which comprises approximately
1,329 square miles (3,442 sq km) of
marine habitat; the Puerto Rico area,
which comprises approximately 1,383
square miles (3,582 sq km) of marine
habitat; the St. John/St. Thomas area,
which comprises approximately 121
square miles (313 sq km) of marine
habitat; and the St. Croix area, which
comprises approximately 126 square
miles (326 sq km) of marine habitat. We
are excluding one military site,
comprising approximately 5.5 square
miles (14.3 sq km), because of national
security impacts. 		National Marine Fisheries Service

Jurisdiction:
US Coral Reefs; US Territorial Waters; US Territories; US State Waters; Designated Marine Areas; US Virgin Islands 		Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Collaboration & Partnering; Commercial Fisheries; Commercial Fishing Boats; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Recreational Fishing; Tourism & Recreation Policies
Estuaries and Clean Waters Act of 2000, 33 United States Code §§ 2901 et seq. Creates a federal interagency council that includes the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Secretary of Army for Civil Works, the Secretary of Agriculture, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The council is charged with developing a national estuary habitat restoration strategy and providing grants to entities to restore and protect estuary habitat to promote the strategy.

Application to Coral Reefs:Protecting water quality in estuaries will help mitigate the impacts of water pollution which inturn would help mitigate ocean acidification.

Legislative Actions:The Act authorized the formation of the Estuary Habitat Restoration Council that was responsible for developing a National Habitat Restoration Strategy.

Comments: 		US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, Department of Agriculture, US Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Jurisdiction:
United States 		Ballast Discharge; Building & Home Construction; Collaboration & Partnering; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Finfish Harvest; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Forestry; Funding & Donations; Mangroves; Marine Birds; Mining; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Remediation; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Sediment; Sewage Treatment; Solid Waste Disposal; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies; Wastewater Discharge
Estuaries Protection Act of 1968, 16 United States Code §§ 1221-1226. Authorizes the Secretary of Interior in cooperation with other federal agencies and the states, to study and inventory estuaries of the united states, including land and water of the Great Lakes, and to determine whether such areas should be acquired for protection. The Secretary is also requied to encourage state and local governments to consider the importance of estuaries in their planning activities relative to federal natural resources grants.

Application to Coral Reefs:Established the congressional policy on the values of wetlands and the need to conserve their natural resources. Protection of wetlands provide coral reefs with an indirect benefit as the wetland serves the functions of nutrient removal and sediment containment

Legislative Actions:

Comments: 		Secretary of Interior in conjunction with other federal agencies and States

Jurisdiction:
United States 		Building & Home Construction; Collaboration & Partnering; Discharges; Docks & Marinas; Environmental Education & Outreach; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fertilizer & Pesticide Use; Hydrologic Management; Landscape Changes; Mangroves; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Ports & Harbors; Recreational Opportunities; Seagrasses; Waterborne Discharges; Wetlands
Exec. Order No. 11990, Protection of Wetlands, 42 Federal Register 26961 (1977). Federal agencies are directed to provide leadership and take action to minimize the destruction, loss, or degradation of wetland and to preserve and enhance the natural and beneficial uses of wetlands.

Application to Coral Reefs:Protection and restoration of wetlands benefits coral reefs because wetlands stop nutrients and sediments from entering waterbodies and eventually reaching coral reefs and producing adverse effects.

Legislative Actions:The Order protects wetlands on projects on Federal lands. The agencies are to provide leadership to minimize the destruction, loss or degradation of wetlands, to preserve and enhance natural and beneficial values when carrying our their responsibilities.

Comments: 		Federal agencies

Jurisdiction:
United States 		Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Hydrologic Management; Mangroves; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Public Administration; Seagrasses; Security & Public Administration Policies; Wetlands
Exec. Order No. 13089, Coral Reef Protection, 63 Federal Register 32701 (1998). Protect coral reefs. Established the US Coral Reef Task Force

Application to Coral Reefs:The Task Force was assigned duties including developing and implementing research, in conjunction with the scientific community, to identify the major causes of coral reef degradation.

Legislative Actions:No penalties for noncompliance.

Comments: 		12 federal agencies, 7 states and territories, 3 freely associated states

Jurisdiction:
United States; US Territorial Waters; US Territories; US Virgin Islands; Puerto Rico 		Boating Regulations; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Hydrologic Management; Public Administration; Recreational Opportunities; Reef Life; Resource Use Management; Sectors Filling Human Needs; Special Use Permitting; Tourism & Recreation Policies
Exec. Order No. 13112, Invasive Species, 68 Federal Register 6183 (1990). Federal agencies are directed to prevent the introduction of invasive species, detect and rapidly respond to control populations of such species in a cost effective and environmentalyy sound manner, accurately monitor invasive species, provide for restoration of native species and habitat conditions, conduct research to prevent introduction and to control invasive species, and promote public education on invasive species and the means to address them.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:No enforcement provisions. Federal agencies are encouraged to prevent the introduction, detect and respond to control, monitor, and conduct research of invasives. Secretary of Interior established an "Invasive Species Council" to address invasive species issues.

Comments: 		Federal Agencies

Jurisdiction:
United States 		Collaboration & Partnering; Designate Protected Species; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Escape & Release of Non-natives; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Invasive Species; Political Pressure; Remediation
Exec. Order No. 13158, Marine Protected Areas, 65 Federal Register 34909 (2000). This Executive Order is meant to help protect the significant natural and cultural resources within the marine environment for the benefit of present and future generations by strengthening and expanding the Nation�s system of marine protected areas.

Application to Coral Reefs:Benefits to coral reefs within MPA's.

Legislative Actions:One of the provisions of the Act requires that the Secretary develop a scientifically based, comprehensive system of MPA's representing diverse US marine ecosystems, and the Nation's natural and cultural resources.

Comments: 		Department of Interior, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Jurisdiction:
United States 		Biocriteria; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Collaboration & Partnering; Complex Habitat & Resources; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Marine Protected Areas; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Tourism & Recreation Policies
Florida Aquatic Preserves, 18-20 Florida Administrative Code. 18-20.001 Intent. (1) All sovereignty lands within a preserve shall be managed primarily for the maintenance of essentially natural conditions, the propagation of fish and wildlife, and public recreation, including hunting and fishing where deemed appropriate by the Board, and the managing agency. (2) Aquatic preserves which are described in Part II of Chapter 258, Florida Statutes, were established for the purpose of being preserved in an essentially natural or existing condition so that their aesthetic, biological and scientific values may endure for the enjoyment of future generations. (3) The preserves shall be administered and managed in accordance with the following goals: (a) To preserve, protect, and enhance these exceptional areas of sovereignty submerged lands by reasonable regulation of human activity within the preserves through the development and implementation of a comprehensive management program; (b) To protect and enhance the waters of the preserves so that the public may continue to enjoy the traditional recreational uses of those waters such as swimming, boating, and fishing; (c) To coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies to aid in carrying out the intent of the Legislature in creating the preserves; (d) To use applicable federal, state, and local management programs, which are compatible with the intent and provisions of the act and these rules, and to assist in managing the preserves; (e) To encourage the protection, enhancement or restoration of the biological, aesthetic, or scientific values of the preserves, including but not limited to the modification of existing manmade conditions toward their natural condition, and discourage activities which would degrade the aesthetic, biological, or scientific values, or the quality, or utility of a preserve, when reviewing applications, or when developing and implementing management plans for the preserves; (f) To preserve, promote, and utilize indigenous life forms and habitats, including but not limited to: sponges, soft coral, hard corals, submerged grasses, mangroves, salt water marshes, fresh water marshes, mud flats, estuarine, aquatic, and marine reptiles, game and non-game fish species, estuarine, aquatic and marine invertebrates, estuarine, aquatic and marine mammals, birds, shellfish and mollusks; (g) To acquire additional title interests in lands wherever such acquisitions would serve to protect or enhance the biological, aesthetic, or scientific values of the preserves; (h) To maintain those beneficial hydrologic and biologic functions, the benefits of which accrue to the public at large. (4) Nothing in these rules shall serve to eliminate or alter the requirements or authority of other governmental agencies, including counties and municipalities, to protect or enhance the preserves provided that such requirements or authority are not inconsistent with the act and this chapter.

Application to Coral Reefs:By maintaining coastal aquatic preserves in their natural condition, mangrove forests, wetlands and submerged aquatic vegetation will perform the functions of being sediment traps and removing some contaminants such as nutrients. Therefore, they will not reach marine ecosystems including coral reefs.

Legislative Actions:

Comments:Aquatic preserves which are described in Part II of Chapter 258, Florida Statutes, were established for the purpose of being preserved in an essentially natural or existing condition so that their aesthetic, biological and scientific values may endure for the enjoyment of future generations.  All sovereignty lands within a preserve shall be managed primarily for the maintenance of essentially natural conditions, the propagation of fish and wildlife, and public recreation, including hunting and fishing where deemed appropriate by the Board, and the managing agency. 		Florida State Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
State Coastal Waters 		Building & Home Construction; Coastal Development; Docks & Marinas; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Landuse Management; Mangroves; Marine Birds; Ports & Harbors; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Waste Management Policies
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Regulations; Final Rule, Code of Federal Regulations § Parts 922, 929, 937 (1997). NOAA developed the comprehensive Final Management Plan for the FKNMS and issued the Plan on January 30, 1997. Congress and the Governer of Florida were provided a 45-day period to provide certification of unacceptable regulations that needed amendments. NOAA incorporated the certified changes provided and issued the final regulations and management plan for the Sanctuary that went into effect with the publication of the final rule, including waters within the State of Florida in the Sanctuary.

Application to Coral Reefs:The Sanctuary sets aside the coral reef system that is the third largest barrier coral reef in the world. Included in the FKNMS are the Key Largo Marine Sanctuary containing 103 square nautical miles of coral reefs and Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary containing 5.32 square nautical miles of coral reefs. The Act protects the reefs from anchoring directly into the coral formation and taking coral dead or alive. The Act protects mangrove islands and submerged aquatic vegetation, both potential buffers for the reef system against eutrophication and sediment deposition. The Act prohibits oil and hydrocarbon exploration, mining or altering the seabed, restricts large shipping traffic, and restricts the discharge of pollutants, further protecting coral, mangroves, and submerged aquatic vegetation.

Legislative Actions:The Act requires the preparation of a comprehensive management plan and implementing regulations to protect Sanctuary resources.

Comments:The final rule codifies the Act and further defines boundaries of the Sanctuary as well as providing a list of species protected in the Sanctuary. 		National Oceanic and Atmospheric and Administration

Jurisdiction:
US Coral Reefs; US Territorial Waters; State Coastal Waters; US State Waters; Designated Marine Areas 		Ballast Discharge; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Boating Regulations; Collaboration & Partnering; Commercial Fishing Boats; Cruise Ships; Cultural Protections; Designate Protected Species; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Finfish Harvest; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Invertebrate Harvest; Invertebrates; Large Ships; Live Collection; Mangroves; Marine Debris; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Oil & Gas Tankers; Point & Mobile Source Controls; Recreational Fishing; Recreational Opportunities; Reef Inhabitants; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Sediment; Shoreline Protection; Small Boats; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Transportation Policies; Waste Management Policies; Wetlands
Land and Water Conservation Fund Act of 1965, 16 United States Code § 4601. Provides funding through receipts from the sale of surplus federal land, appropriations from oil and gas receipts from the outer continental shelf, and other sources of land acquisition. Appropriations from the fund may be used for matching grants to states for outdoor recreation projects and for land acquisition by various federal agencies, including the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Application to Coral Reefs:Protection of wetlands benefits coral reefs through nutrient removal and the control of sedimentation so that they do not enter near shore waters.

Legislative Actions:The legislation was amended in 1986 by the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act and required the States to identify the agencies and organizations involved in wetland management, evaluate existing and proposed wetlands protection mechanisms, assess wetlands resources, identify wetlands loss and degradation factors, and establish priorities for protection.

Comments: 		National Park Service

Jurisdiction:
United States 		Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Funding & Donations; Landuse Management; Public Administration; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management
Marine Turtle Conservation Act of 2004, 16 United States Code § 6601. The law was created to aid in the conservation of sea turtles and their nesting habitats in foreign countries by providing funds for the conservation of nesting areas, sea turtles in in their nesting habitats, and dealing with threats to sea turtle survival.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:

Comments: 		National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration/National Marine Fisheries Service/US Fish and Wildlife Service

Jurisdiction:
United States 		Building & Home Construction; Coastal Development; Coastal Engineering; Designate Protected Species; Docks & Marinas; Educational & Research Opportunities; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Funding & Incentives; Ports & Harbors; Resource Use Management; Sea Turtles
Mitigation Banking, 62-342 Florida Administrative Code. (1) The Department recognizes that, in certain instances, adverse impacts of activities regulated under Part IV of Chapter 373, F.S., can be offset through the utilization of mitigation credits from a permitted Mitigation Bank. This rule provides criteria for this mitigation alternative to complement existing mitigation criteria and requirements. This chapter is supplemental to and does not supersede any other criteria and requirements in rules promulgated under Part IV of Chapter 373, F.S. (2) The Department intends that Mitigation Banks be used to minimize mitigation uncertainty associated with traditional mitigation practices and provide greater assurance of mitigation success. It is anticipated that the consolidation of multiple mitigation projects into larger contiguous areas will provide greater assurance that the mitigation will yield long-term, sustainable, regional ecological benefits. Mitigation Banks shall be consistent with Department endorsed watershed management objectives and emphasize restoration and enhancement of degraded ecosystems and the preservation of uplands and wetlands as intact ecosystems rather than alteration of landscapes to create wetlands. This is best accomplished through restoration of ecological communities that were historically present. The establishment and use of Mitigation Banks in or adjacent to areas of national, state, or regional ecological significance is encouraged, provided the area in which the Mitigation Bank is proposed to be located is determined appropriate for a Mitigation Bank and the Mitigation Bank meets all applicable permitting criteria. (3) Nothing in this chapter shall affect the mitigation requirements set forth in any Mitigation Bank agreement or any permit issued under Chapter 84-79, Laws of Florida, or Part IV of Chapter 373, F.S., prior to February 2, 1994. If a permittee wishes to substantially modify a Mitigation Bank previously established by agreement or permit, the permittee must comply with this chapter. Additionally, some Mitigation Banks may be subject to the version of this section existing prior to July 1, 1996, under subsections 373.4136(9) and (10), F.S., and will not be affected by amendments adopted after that date. This chapter does not prohibit an applicant from proposing project-specific, pre-construction on-site or off-site mitigation, without establishing a Mitigation Bank.

Application to Coral Reefs:Mitigation banking in coastal wetlands, as presented in the Chapter, can provide large areas of functioning wetlands. The wetlands can function as sediment and nutrient traps keeping sediment and nutrients from entering coastal waters and damaging marine ecosystems including coral reefs.

Legislative Actions:

Comments:Establishes the regulations and permitting requirements for mitigation banks. 		Florida State Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
US State Waters 		Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Building & Home Construction; Coastal Development; Construction Codes & Projects; Docks & Marinas; Educational & Research Opportunities; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Ports & Harbors; Shoreline Armoring; Waste Management Policies
National Environmental Education Act of 1990, 20 United States Code § 5501. Established the Office of Environmental Education within USEPA to develop and administer a federal environmental education program in consultation with other federal natural reource management agencies.

Application to Coral Reefs:The Act could be used as a tool to educate the public about the values of coral reefs

Legislative Actions:

Comments: 		US Environmental Protection Agency

Jurisdiction:
United States 		Collaboration & Partnering; Cultural Services; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Public Administration; Recreational Opportunities
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 as amended through 1982,. Declared a national policy that will encourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his environment : promote efforts that will prevent or eliminate damage to the environment and biosphere: stimulate the health and welfare of resources important to the Nation and establish a Council on Environmental Quality.

Application to Coral Reefs:Re-athorizes NEPA of 1969. Provides additional funding.

Legislative Actions:The Act potentially could protect coral reefs if the proposed federal project could have a significant impact on the reef.

Comments:The amendments did not add regulations to the Act 		Federal Agencies

Jurisdiction:
United States 		Atmospheric Emissions; Chemical Variables; Collaboration & Partnering; Complex Habitat & Resources; Dam Construction & Maintenance; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Educational & Research Opportunities; Energy Policy & Development; Environmental Education & Outreach; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Infrastructural Policies; Landuse Management; Manufacturing & Trade; Mining; Oil & Gas Industry; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Security; Toxics; Transportation; Waterborne Discharges
National Marine Sanctuaries Act of 1972, 16 United States Code §§ 1431-1445. Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to designate and manage areas of the marine environment with special national significance due to their conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, scientific, cultural, archeological, educational, or esthetic qualities as National Marine Sanctuaries.

Application to Coral Reefs:Protects marine resources, such as coral reefs, sunken historical vessels, or unique habitats.

Legislative Actions:NOAA may impose civil penalties up tp $130,000 per day per violation. Criminal penalties were added in the 2000 amendments for interfering or resisting with any enforcement of the NMSA, or providing false information to the Secretary or any officer authorized to enforce NMSA. The 2000 amendments made it illegal to offer for sale, purchase, import, or export, any sanctuary resource and increased enforcement authority.

Comments:There are 13 marine sanctuaries in the National Marine Sactuary System, six of which were created after 1990. Each sanctuary has a separarte staff and program in its local region. 		National Oceanic Aatmospheric Administration

Jurisdiction:
Designated Marine Areas 		Apex Fish Predators; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Boating Regulations; CO2; Coastal Development; Commercial Fishing Boats; Coral; Corporate Responses; Designate Protected Species; Designated Uses; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Large Ships; Marine Birds; Marine Protected Areas; Nutrients; Ocean Acidity; Oil & Gas Research & Exploration; Political Pressure; Recreational Opportunities; Remediation; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Sediment; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Wetlands
National Park Service General Partnership Authorities of 1970, 16 United States Code § 1. The Act supplemented and clarified the National Park Service's mandate with respect to the management of the National Park System.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:

Comments: 		National Park Service

Jurisdiction:
United States 		Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Boating Regulations; Designated Uses; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Marine Protected Areas; Recreational Opportunities; Remediation; Resource Use Management; Tourism & Recreation Policies
National Park Service, Department of Interior,. To conserve the scenery, natural and historic objects, and wildlife of the National Parks; and to provide for the enjoyment of those resources in a sustainable manner. Regulations provide for the proper use, management, government, and protection of persons, property, and natural and cultural resources within areas under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service.

Application to Coral Reefs:

Legislative Actions:

Comments: 		National Park Service

Jurisdiction:
United States 		Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Boating Regulations; Construction Codes & Projects; Deforestation & Devegetation; Designated Uses; Economic Markets & Policies; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Landuse Management; Mangroves; Marine Debris; Marine Protected Areas; Permitting & Zoning; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Transportation Policies
Proclamation No. 7392, The Buck Island Reef National Park, 66 Federal Register 7335-7336 (2001). 18,000 acres in the US Virgin Islands

Application to Coral Reefs:The Proclamation expanded the original momument thus protecting additional coral reefs within the monument boundaries.

Legislative Actions:

Comments:Together, Proclamation 7399 and 7392 designated a total of 30,843 marine acres in the United States Virgin Isalnds as monuments. 		US Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
US Virgin Islands 		Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Commercial Fishing Boats; Cruise Ships; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Economic Markets & Policies; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Invertebrate Harvest; Mangroves; Marine Protected Areas; Recreational Fishing; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Small Boats; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies
Proclamation No. 7399, Establishment of Virgin Islands Coral Reef National monument, 66 Federal Register 7364 (2001). Designated 12,000 marine acres in the US Virgin Islands

Application to Coral Reefs:Monuments include coral reefs thereby providing the coral reefs within the monument bondaries the same protection as the designated monument areas.

Legislative Actions:

Comments:Together, Proclamation 7399 and 7392 designated a total of 30,843 marine acres in the United States Virgin Isalnds as monuments. 		US Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
US Virgin Islands 		Building & Home Construction; Commercial Fishing Boats; Designate Protected Species; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Finfish Harvest; Fishing Sector; Invertebrate Harvest; Mangroves; Marine Protected Areas; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Road Construction & Maintenance; Seagrasses; Small Boats; Tourism & Recreation Policies
Proposed Coral Reef Conservation Act Amendments of 2005, 2007 and 2009,. To preserve, sustain, and restore the condition of coral reef ecosystems, to promote the wise management and sustainable use of coral reef ecosystems, to benefit local communities and the Nation, to develop sound scientific information on the condition of coral reef ecosystems and threats to the ecosystems, to assist in the preservation of coral reefs by supporting and financing conservation programs including local and non-governmental programs, establish a formal mechanism for collecting and allocating monetary donations from the private sector to be used for coral reef conservation projects

Application to Coral Reefs:When passed, the Amendments, among other issues, would reauthorize the Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000 and authorize appropriations through fiscal 2012 for the coral reef conservation program and community- based planning grants. Will authorize activities designed to minimize the likelihood of vessel impacts or other physical dammage to coral reefs, including activities to identify certain at-risk coral reefs. Promote international cooperation, codify the US Coral Reef Task Force.

Legislative Actions:Provided funding for matching grants, encouraged education and outreach, encouaged cooperative conservation and management through partnerships with other federal, state, regional and local partners including citizen groups.

Comments:The amendments would not add regulations to the Act. 		National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Jurisdiction:
US Coral Reefs 		Anchoring & Vessel Grounding; Ballast Discharge; Boat Movement; CO2; Coral; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Educational & Research Opportunities; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fertilizer & Pesticide Use; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Recreational Opportunities; Reef Habitat; Reef Inhabitants; Sediment; Tourism & Recreation; Water Transportation
Revised Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Management Plan §§ Public Law 101-605 (HR 5909, Public Law (2007). The document is a report on the results of NOAA's five year review of strategies and activities detailed in the 1996 Final Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement for the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

Application to Coral Reefs:The plan specifically addresses preserving and enhancing Sanctuary resources including four national wildlife refuges, six state parks, three state aquatic preserves, Key Largo Marine Sanctuary, Looe Key Marine Sanctuary and a total of 2,900 square nautical miles of coastal waters and numerous coral reefs. The sanctuary ecosystems are facing specific threats including direct human impacts such as vessel groundidngs, pollution and overfishing.

Legislative Actions:

Comments: 		National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission as Co-trustees

Jurisdiction:
US Federal Waters; Designated Marine Areas 		Anemones & Zooanthids; Apex Fish Predators; Ballast Discharge; Coastal Development; Commercial Fishing Boats; Complex Habitat & Resources; Coral; Cruise Ships; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Economic Markets & Policies; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Fish; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Littering; Lobster, Crab, & Shrimp; Marine Debris; Natural Gas & Electric Power; Non-point Source Runoff; Nutrients; Ocean Acidity; Oil & Gas Research & Exploration; Oil & Gas Rigs; Recreational Opportunities; Reef Habitat; Reef Inhabitants; Seastars; Sediment; Sponges; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Waste Management; Waste Management Policies; Waterborne Discharges
Significant amendments to the Coastal Barrier Resources Act of 1982 include (1) Coastal Barrier Improvement Act of 1990, (2) Coastal Barrier Resources Reauthorization Act of 2000, (3) Coastal Barriers Resources Reauthorization Act of 2005,. (1) Added additional areas along the Great Lakes, Puerto Rico, the Florida Keys and the Virgin Islands and established "Otherwise Protected Areas OPAs); (2) amended the guidelines for making recommendations regarding additions to the CBRS and reqired a pilot digital mapping project; (3) reauthorized CBRA and required the submission of the final digital mapping pilot project.

Application to Coral Reefs:Development of coastal barrier islands can cause sedimentation, through runoff and construction activities, that could reach inshore coral reefs.

Legislative Actions:Restricted most federal expenditures and financial assistance that encourage development including federal flood insurance.

Comments:Recognized coastal barriers as essential habitat for many fish, water fowl and other aquatic animals   		U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Jurisdiction:
United States 		Beach & Land Formation; Coastal Development; Dam Construction & Maintenance; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Forestry; Mangroves; Seagrasses; Seawater Flow; Shoreline Protection
Significant amendments to the National Marine Sanctuaries Act of 1972. Amendments of 1980 were PL 96-332, 1984 were PL98-498, 1988 were Title II of PL 100-627, 1992 were PL 102-587, 1996 were PL 104-283 and for 2000 were PL106-513,. Title III of the Marine Protection, Reseach and Sanctuaries Act was amended to create the National Marine Sanctuaries Program. The amendments of 1980 mandated the terms of designation to include the geographic area included within the sanctuary and the characteristics of the area that give it conservation, recreational, ecological, or esthetic value, and the types of activities that would be subject to regulation to protect those characteristics. The 1984 amendments required a Resource Assessment Report documenting present and potential use of the area. 1998 amendments established a special use permit for commercial operations, added a section that a vessel or person causing damage to the resources of a sanctuary would be liable for both response and cleanup costs as well as damages for any sanctuary resource destroyed. Amendments of 1992 provided that Title III may be cited as 'The National Marine Sanctuaries Act." Also, federal agencies had to be consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act in commenting on proposed designations.

Application to Coral Reefs:Strenghtened the protectinon of marine sanctuaries and their resources. Some specific purposes of the Act that add to coral reef protection include; to identify and designate national marine sanctuaries of the marine environment, to maintain the natural b

Legislative Actions:

Comments: 		National Oceanic Aatmospheric Administration

Jurisdiction:
Designated Marine Areas 		Anchoring & Vessel Grounding; Ballast Discharge; Boating Activities; Collaboration & Partnering; Commercial Fisheries; Commercial Fishing Boats; Construction Codes & Projects; Coral; Cruise Ships; Deforestation & Devegetation; Economic Markets & Policies; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Large Ships; Mangroves; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Oil & Gas Tankers; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Recreational Fishing; Recreational Opportunities; Reef Habitat; Reef Inhabitants; Reef Life; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Wetland & Reef Restoration
Sovereign submerged lands management, 18-21 Florida Administrative Code Annotated (2006). To manage, protect, and enhance sovereignty lands so that the public may continue to enjoy traditional uses, including, but not limited to, navigation, fishing and swimming, public drinking water supply, shellfish harvesting, public recreation, and fish and wildlife propagation and management.

Application to Coral Reefs:Permitting activities on submerged lands owned by Florida will improve water quality which will indirectly protect reef systems.

Legislative Actions:These rules are to implement the administration and management responsibilities of the board and department regarding sovereign submerged lands. Responsibility for environmental permitting of activities and water quality protection on sovereign lands is vested with the Department of Environmental Protection. These rules are considered cumulative.

Comments: 		Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
State Coastal Waters 		Anchoring & Vessel Grounding; Aquaculture; Beach & Land Formation; Coastal Defense; Commercial Fisheries; Construction Codes & Projects; Docks & Marinas; Dredging Regulations; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Energy Policy & Development; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Oil & Gas Research & Exploration; Pipelines; Point Source Discharges; Ports & Harbors; Recreational Fishing; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Seawater Flow; Sediment; Shoreline Protection; Trawling & Fishing Gear Damage
The DPNR states that wetlands in the Virgin Islands are covered by the Clean water Act and the Endangered and Indigenous Species Act of 1990 (Title 12, Chapter 2, US Virgin Island Code,. To protect wetlands and wetland species from degradation, loss as a result of dredging and filling.

Application to Coral Reefs:Protection of wetlands assists in controlling sedimentation and nutrient runoff from terrstrial locations, thus protecting coral reefs that are influenced by terrestrial sources.

Legislative Actions:

Comments:The wetlands portion of the USVI Division of Environmental Protection website was under construction at the time of this atlas preparation.  However, it appears that DEP works with the USACE and USEPA on matters related to wetlands. 		US Virgin Islands, Department of Planning and Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
US Virgin Islands 		Building & Home Construction; Coastal Development; Coastal Engineering; Construction Codes & Projects; Dredging Regulations; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Educational & Research Opportunities; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Mangroves; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Seagrasses; Shoreline Armoring; Wetlands
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act, Public Law 101-605 (H.R. 5909 United States Code (1990). To protect the resources of the area delineated in section 5(b) of the Act, to educate and interpret for the public regarding the Florida Keys marine environment, and to manage such human uses of the Sanctuary consistent with the Act. Nothing in the Act is intended to restrict activities that do not cause adverse effects to the resources or property of the Sanctuary or that do not pose harm to the users of the Sanctuary.

Application to Coral Reefs:The Sanctuary sets aside the coral reef system that is the thrid largest coral reef barrier in the world. Included in the FKNMS are Key Largo Marine Sanctuary containing 103 square nautical miles of coral reefs and Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary containing 5.32 squared nautical miles of coral reefs.The Act protects the reefs from anchoring directly into the coral formation and taking coral dead or alive in the Sanctuary. From Miami to the Marquesas Keys there are over 6000 patch reefs. The Act also protects mangrove islands and submerged aquatic vegetation, both potential buffers for the reef system against eutrophication and sediment deposition. The Act prohibits oil and hydrocarbon exploration, mining or altering the seabed, restricts large shipping traffic, and restricts the discharge of pollutants, futher protecting mangroves, and submerged aquatic vegetation.

Legislative Actions:The Act required the preparation of a comprehensive mangement plan and implementing regulations to protect Sanctuary resources.

Comments:Large vessel groundings on coral reefs in the Florida Keys was a major driver for the designation of the Sanctuary. In 1989, there were three groundings of large commercial vessels on the coral reef tract within an eighteen day period. 		National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration as lead agency and Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, and Monroe County as Co-Trustees

Jurisdiction:
US Coral Reefs; US Federal Waters; US State Waters; Designated Marine Areas 		Anchoring & Vessel Grounding; Ballast Discharge; Boating Regulations; Complex Habitat & Resources; Coral; Economic Markets & Policies; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Existence Value & Sense of Place; Finfish Harvest; Fish; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Invertebrate Harvest; Large Ships; Marine Debris; Marine Protected Areas; Recreational Opportunities; Reef Habitat; Reef Inhabitants; Reef Life; Shoreline Protection; Substrate; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Water Transportation
Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method, Florida Administrative Code Annotated §§ Chapter 62-345 (2005). Establishes a methodology that provides a standard procedure for assessing the functions provided by wetlands and other surface waters, the amount that those functions are reduced by a proposed impact, and the amount of mitigation necessary to offset that loss.

Application to Coral Reefs:Protecting wetlands provides wetland areas that can act as buffers against nutrients, pollutants and contaminants from reaching habitats including coral reefs.

Legislative Actions:The Chapter is administrative and provides methods to assess wetland value and appropriate mitigation to offset impact.

Comments: 		Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Jurisdiction:
State Coastal Waters 		Agriculture, Aquaculture, & Forestry Policies; Building & Home Construction; Civil Engineering & Construction; Coastal Development; Coastal Engineering; Complex Habitat & Resources; Construction Codes & Projects; Dam Construction & Maintenance; Docks & Marinas; Dredging Regulations; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Forestry; Land-Based Civil Engineering; Landuse Management; Mangroves; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Oil & Gas Research & Exploration; Pipelines; Ports & Harbors; Recreational Opportunities; Resource Use Management; Road Construction & Maintenance; Seagrasses; Sediment; Shoreline Armoring; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Utility Line Construction & Maintenance; Wetlands

Jump to main content.