Administrative & Interagency Policy: Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) |
Develop and maintain standard operating procedures based on federal, state and agency directives and regulation in order to provide staff and programs with consistent and clear direction. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Collaboration & Partnering; Decision Support; Public Administration; Scientific Research; Security; Security & Public Administration Policies |
Administrative & Interagency Policy: Assess and Evaluate Sanctuary Management Plan Implementation |
This assessment should be conducted internally by sanctuary staff on an annual basis. It is important to revisit the sanctuaries management plan every year, to consider the progress and effectiveness of activities implemented over the previous year. Monitoring and research can also provide information that was unavailable when the management plan was first written. Performance evaluations should be performed routinely and be based on consistent measures. These evaluations can also be used to populate NMSP Report Cards and other performance requirements. This new knowledge and experience can be integrated into the plan and its implementation, in a type of adaptive management (#275). Accomplishments, changes and targets should all be discerned for the year to come. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Decision Support; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Public Administration; Scientific Research; Security & Public Administration Policies |
Administrative & Interagency Policy: Provide Policy Information to the Public |
Communicate valid and emerging resource concerns to the general public. This can be accomplished through (#106), (#), or (#). |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Broadcasting, Publishing, & Libraries; Cultural Policies; Culture; Education & Information; Environmental Education & Outreach; Infrastructure; Internet & Telecommunications; Responses; Schools & Colleges; Scientific Research; Sectors Filling Human Needs; Socio-Economic Drivers; Utilities |
Administrative & Interagency Policy: Participate in Technical Advisory Committees |
The technical advisory committee can meet once or twice a year with reef managers to help develop agendas on the design and prioritization of water quality and ecological research and monitoring. This provides managers the opportunity to list research/monitoring priorities to federal, state, and local government entities. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Chemical Variables; Collaboration & Partnering; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Physical Variables; Political Pressure; Public Administration; Scientific Research; Security & Public Administration Policies |
Data Management & Decision Tools: Conduct a Modeling Workshop |
Conducting a workshop can be useful to discuss modeling approaches, develop preliminary conceptual models, and define specific information needs for models. There are decision tools to choose from other than traditional models, and many different modeling approached to choose from, making this type of workshop both an outreach effort, and an effort to collaborate. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Broadcasting, Publishing, & Libraries; Collaboration & Partnering; Cultural Policies; Culture; Decision Support; Education & Information; Environmental Education & Outreach; Physical & Chemical Environment; Reef Life; Scientific Research; Sectors Filling Human Needs; Socio-Economic Drivers |
Develop & Distribute Educational Materials: Provide Interpretive Information |
Targeted information should be provided and interpreted for media, interest groups, periodicals, publications, and environmental organizations. This information may be about available programs/resources, research findings, policy changes, statistics, avoidance techniques, legal/financial consequences etc. This information should be provided specifically for these groups in such a way to best enhance public understanding regarding reef resources. It is important to interpret this information for these user groups, as this will help them convey the often technical information to the public. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Broadcasting, Publishing, & Libraries; Collaboration & Partnering; Decision Support; Education & Information; Environmental Education & Outreach; Scientific Research; Security & Public Administration Policies |
Dissemination of Findings: Report Monitoring and Research Results |
It is important to disseminate data and information gathered to collaborators and the wider scientific community. This can be accomplished through publication, such as journals (#161) or other networks (#159). It is important to share this data with other government agencies as well (#92). |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Broadcasting, Publishing, & Libraries; Collaboration & Partnering; Cultural Policies; Decision Support; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Education & Information; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Scientific Research; Security & Public Administration Policies |
Dissemination of Findings: Participate in Conferences |
Conferences are beneficial as a means to garner and disseminate new information, technology, and methods. Conferences also serve as a networking opportunity to communicate with potential collaborators. Participation in local, state, and federal conferences by sanctuary staff is very important to reach out to the broader coral reef community. Sponsoring conferences would allow scientists and researchers to keep abreast of findings and ongoing research within the local sanctuary. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Collaboration & Partnering; Education & Information; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Funding & Donations; Funding & Incentives; Scientific Research |
Dissemination of Findings: Develop an Information Exchange Network |
This management option involves developing a compendium of current and ongoing research that should be updated on a regular basis. This is important as it allows for collaborators to share information and resources. This type of exchange helps to maximize gains in economies of scale and reduce duplication of efforts. Decision tools such as inventories and databases can often be adapted for this use. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Collaboration & Partnering; Decision Support; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Internet & Telecommunications; Scientific Research |
Dissemination of Findings: Support Journal Publication |
This management option involves sponsoring the publication of journals that contain peer-reviewed scientific research. For sanctuaries this can be an excellent place to publish reports and research that used sanctuary areas or resources. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biotechnology Research & Development; Collaboration & Partnering; Cultural Policies; Culture; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Funding & Donations; Oil & Gas Research & Exploration; Scientific Research |
Marine Zoning: Special Use Areas |
Special use areas are set aside for specific scientific or educational purposes. This is in order to encourage the recovery or restoration of injured or degraded resources. Also, the areas may be designated to facilitate access to, or use of, resources, and prevent other user conflicts. Special-use areas are achieved through a variety of methods such as: placing/maintaining buoys along zone boundaries; adjusting boundaries if necessary; evaluating allowable activities within zone boundaries; identifying potential areas that need additional zoning; reviewing the effectiveness of the zoning; and revising NOAA and GIS charts; and determining/establishing appropriate zones for high-impact or user-conflict activities. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Addition; Biological Harvest; Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Biomedical Research Policies; Complex Habitat & Resources; Contact Uses; Cultural Services; Decision Support; Designated Uses; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Education & Information; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Health Policies; Marine Protected Areas; Permitting & Zoning; Physical Damage; Provisioning Services; Resource Use Management; Scientific Research; Social Organizations; Special Use Permitting; Supporting Services; Wetland & Reef Restoration |
Marine Zoning: Permitting Application & Award |
This management approach is important because permits assure protection and conservation of coral resources from harmful activities and practices. Within sanctuary waters, special use permits (#157) can be used to allow scientists and others to conduct necessary work while following permitting regulations to reduce the impact of that work. General permits are often required for altering land-use, construction projects and certain discharges. To be eligible for a permit, the operator may be required to conduct impact assessments, institute best management practices and conduct monitoring of the project. Though permits are a necessary precaution, the process can be streamlined through ensuring clear submittal requirements, and reducing redundancy. Redundancy often occurs when multiple agencies must approve a permit, a single point of contact and standard, inter-agency protocols can reduce unnecessary redundancy. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Addition; Biological Harvest; Building & Home Construction; Coastal Development; Collaboration & Partnering; Cultural Policies; Discharges; Dredging, Draining, & Filling; Impervious Surfaces; Land-Based Civil Engineering; Landscape Changes; Landuse Management; Permitting & Zoning; Physical Damage; Point Source Discharges; Public Administration; Resource Use Management; Scientific Research; Security & Public Administration Policies; Special Use Permitting |
Marine Zoning: Develop Baseline Data |
Baseline surveys of existing resources need to be conducted before monitoring can begin. The surveys must be conducted in Ecological Reserves, Sanctuary Preservation Areas, and Special-Use Areas to characterize the status of important marine species and their habitats. Establishing baseline data allows for later comparisons to monitoring data to gauge changes over time and revaluate current management actions being taken. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Chemical Variables; Cultural Services; Decision Support; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Funding & Donations; Physical Variables; Provisioning Services; Reef Habitat; Reef Inhabitants; Reef Life; Regulating Services; Scientific Research; Security & Public Administration Policies; Supporting Services; Wetlands |
Monitor & Research: Continue Stakeholder Research |
It is beneficial to support monitoring and research projects that are developed by stakeholders because these present an opportunity to directly engage constituents in sanctuary resource issues and to increase understanding of the ecosystem. Sanctuaries can provide support in the form of helping to coordinate activities, assisting with field work, issuing research permits, assisting with identifying potential funding sources, and providing letters of support for grant proposals. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Collaboration & Partnering; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Funding & Incentives; Scientific Research; Security & Public Administration Policies |
Monitor & Research: Develop Innovative Monitoring Tools |
This management option calls for identifying and evaluating monitoring tools and methodologies used to detect pollutants and identify cause-and-effect relationships among water quality and biological resources. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Chemical Variables; Contact Uses; Decision Support; Discharge Limitations; Discharges; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Landscape Changes; Nutrients; Physical Variables; Reef Habitat; Reef Inhabitants; Scientific Research; Toxics |
Monitor & Research: Adaptive Management |
By definition, adaptive management is a structured management approach that links science to decision-making, thereby improving the probability of restoration success. It provides an efficient process to address risk and uncertainty inherent within ecosystem restoration by encouraging flexible plans and designs. Monitoring (#) is an important component of adaptive management. The affect of different restoration alternatives can be seen using monitoring data, and compared against other environmental variables to determine what the best future actions are based on results of previous projects. |
CERP Committee. 2006. Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan Adaptive Management Strategy. |
Artificial Habitat; Biological Addition; Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Chemical Variables; Decision Support; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Landscape Changes; Landscape Conservation & Restoration; Landuse Management; Physical Variables; Public Administration; Regulating Services; Remediation; Scientific Research; Supporting Services |
Monitor & Research: Develop Scientific Research Study Program |
Management areas can encourage scientific studies by coordinating efforts of research groups and institutions. Collaboration and integration of these scientific studies can be beneficial to both the research groups and the management area. For example, data from monitoring of restoration projects could be analyzed by an academic institution, helping to reduce the burden on funds and perhaps using data in ways outside the scope of management objectives. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Biomedical Research Policies; Collaboration & Partnering; Cultural Policies; Cultural Services; Decision Support; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Ecosystem Services; Education & Information; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Resource Use Management; Schools & Colleges; Scientific Research; Security & Public Administration Policies; Special Use Permitting |
Monitor & Research: Integrate Volunteer Monitoring Program |
Monitoring by trained volunteers yields useful, cost-effective data that provides positive engagement for a variety of stakeholders. Such existing programs include The Ocean Conservancy, Atlantic Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment, and the Dolphin Ecology Project. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Collaboration & Partnering; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Education & Information; Reef Life; Scientific Research; Social Organizations |
Monitor & Research: Research and Monitor Wetlands |
This management option involves monitoring and research of mangroves, both for biotic and abiotic factors. Some biotic factors include disease, species, invasive species, abundance, age and leaf litter. Important abiotic factors include sedimentation rates, types and causes of turbidity, and soil chemistry. The activity would document changes to the extent of mangrove vegetation by using historical aerial photography and other records. Wetland nutrient and contaminant processing productivity depends on maintaining a balance and not exceeding thresholds. There remain many unknowns in wetland restoration as to optimal capacity and how to achieve this. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Carbon Storage & Cycling; Chemical Variables; Climate Regulation; Complex Habitat & Resources; Deforestation & Devegetation; Discharges; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Educational & Research Opportunities; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Invasive Species; Mangroves; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Nutrients; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Physical Variables; Primary Production; Regulating Services; Scientific Research; Seawater Flow; Sediment; Shoreline Protection; Substrate; Supporting Services; Surface & Groundwater Flow; Wetland & Reef Restoration; Wetlands |
Public Participation: Assist Reef Environmental Education Foundation REEF |
This program uses recreation divers who conduct fish biodiversity and abundance survey in the Keys and the Caribbean. This surveys work towards contributing to The Great Annual Fish Count. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Monitoring & Restoration; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Collaboration & Partnering; Dive, Snorkeling, & Swimming Tourism; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Education & Outreach; Fish; Scientific Research; Social Organizations |
Public Participation: Assist Florida Keys Watch |
Volunteers participating in this program help collect seawater samples and environmental data. Florida Keys Watch help to assist scientific studies conducted by universities, agencies, and other institutions. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Collaboration & Partnering; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Education & Information; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Physical & Chemical Environment; Physical & Chemical Water Quality Criteria; Scientific Research |
Public Participation: Assist Dolphin Ecology Project |
This volunteer program photographs individual dolphins for identification, observes the activities of the dolphins, samples environmental parameters, and identifies and measures the abundance of important dolphin prey. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Collaboration & Partnering; Environmental Education & Outreach; Environmental Monitoring & Restoration; Environmental Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Fish; Marine Vertebrates; Physical & Chemical Environment; Reef Inhabitants; Reef Life; Scientific Research; Security & Public Administration Policies; Whales & Dolphins |
Regulatory Review and Development: Evaluate Bait Fishing and/or Catch & Release Trolling Regulations |
This option seeks to reduce or eliminate bait fishing, and catch & release trolling in fragile areas. First assessments must be conducted to measure the effects of bait fishing and catch & release trolling. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Harvest; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Contact Uses; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Finfish Harvest; Fisheries & Hunting Policies; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Fishing Sector; Recreational Fishing; Resource Use Management; Scientific Research; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies |
Regulatory Review and Development: Evaluate Fish Feeding Regulations |
Divers in FL are already prohibited from fish feeding. Further review may show a need to prohibited anyone in state water from feeding fish. There will need to be investigations on the biological and behavioral impacts of fish feeding. This investigation can be used to keep the status quo, or may encourage further regulations. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Addition; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Contact Uses; Cultural Policies; Cultural Services; Culture; Ecosystem Monitoring & Restoration; Education & Information; Educational & Research Opportunities; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Recreational Fishing; Scientific Research; Supplemental Feeding; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies |
Regulatory Review and Development: Consider Regulations for Catch & Release Trolling |
This plan seeks to reduce or eliminate catch-and-release fishing in many fragile areas. First an assessment must be conducted to measure the effects of catch-and -release trolling. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Biological Harvest; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Contact Uses; Finfish & Shellfish Stock; Finfish Harvest; Fisheries & Hunting Policies; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Fishing Sector; Recreational Fishing; Resource Use Management; Scientific Research; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies |
Resource Use Management: Develop Live Collection Regulations |
Live collection is often more destructive than capture of food fishes because of the destructive methods used to remove live fish and invertebrates from the reef habitat. These methods include use of cyanide and explosives. Current methods should be assessed and alternatives should be developed or collection prohibited. |
World Resource Institute International Marinelife Alliance, editor. 1997. Sullied Seas. WRI, Washington D.C. |
Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Aquarium & Pet Trade; Biochemical & Genetic Resources; Biological Harvest; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Commercial Fisheries; Contact Uses; Educational & Research Opportunities; Finfish Harvest; Fisheries & Hunting Policies; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Fishing Sector; Invertebrate Harvest; Live Collection; Marine Products; Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Sources; Physical Damage; Resource Use Management; Scientific Research; Sponges; Toxics; Trawling & Fishing Gear Damage; Wholesale & Retail Trade |
Resource Use Management: Develop Regulations for Sponge Fisheries |
Sponges play a vital role on reefs, providing structure, food and filtration. Depending on the method of removal, this process can be very destructive to other reef fauna and habitat. Research is needed to compare impacts of different sponge fishing methods in different areas. |
NOAA Marine Sanctuary Program. 2007. Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary revised management plan. National Ocean Service, Key West, FL. |
Accidental & Illegal Harvest; Biochemical & Genetic Resources; Biological Harvest; Biological Monitoring, Mapping, & Scientific Research; Boring Sponges; Commercial Fisheries; Contact Uses; Culture; Cyanobacteria; Educational & Research Opportunities; Encrusting Sponges; Finfish Harvest; Fisheries & Hunting Policies; Fishing & Harvesting Management; Fishing Sector; Invertebrate Harvest; Live Collection; Marine Products; Microorganisms; Nutrient & Contaminant Processing; Pharmaceuticals & Cosmetics Sources; Physical Damage; Resource Use Management; Scientific Research; Sponges; Tourism & Recreation; Tourism & Recreation Policies; Trawling & Fishing Gear Damage; Tube, Barrel, & Finger Sponges |