Buoys and signs replaced, added in wildlife refuges and marine sanctuary

Backcountry boaters in the Lower Florida Keys may notice more regulatory signs and buoys around uninhabited islands, long protected by federal agencies. Utilizing Hurricane Irma Congressional supplemental funding, the Florida Keys National Wildlife Refuges Complex is repairing, replacing, and installing the fixed regulatory signs and buoys in both the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge and Key West National Wildlife Refuge around 12 protection zones established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in agreement with the State of Florida in 1992. The areas also were designated as Wildlife Management Areas in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in 1997.

These signs and buoys mark regulations existing since 1992 that remain the same today. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service identified these markings as priorities to better inform the public of existing regulations, facilitate law enforcement, and enable the Service, NOAA, and the State of Florida to optimize management of critically important and unique habitats. Due to be completed in September, the marking project delineates several of the closed, no entry, no motor, and idle speed regulated areas from Upper Harbor Key to Boca Grande Key.

For a list of marine zones and regulations, visit floridakeys.noaa.gov/zones/.

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