Captain Bryson Shaaber displays the Blue Star Fishing Guides Banner in front of his boat located at Oceans Edge Resort & Marina in Key West. 

Silver Tide Charters of Key West Florida recognized as Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s most recent Blue Star Fishing Guide participant

NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is proud to include Key West-based Silver Tide Charters to the growing list of participants in the sanctuary’s Blue Star Fishing Guide program. The program recognizes tour operators who are committed to promoting responsible recreation through sustainable diving, snorkeling, and fishing practices by reducing the impact of these activities on ecosystems in the Florida Keys. Blue Star operators educate their clients on environmental stewardship with an emphasis on how to interact responsibly with the natural resources in the Florida Keys.

Captain Bryson has been a long-time Key West charter captain and is now an independent operator providing a premier charter fishing experience for visitors to the Florida Keys. While making sure they have a great time, visitors can tap Capt. Bryson’s extensive knowledge of fisheries, the ecosystem, and keys history and culture. The Silver Tide Charters instagram account alone (@captbryson) is sure to make you want to book a trip as soon as possible.

The protected waters of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are home to the only living barrier reef in the continental United States and beckon millions of visitors each year. The multitude of habitats with close proximity to land and an abundance of boat operators in the Keys make this diverse underwater world easily accessible for the novice snorkeler and the seasoned diver alike, and provide endless opportunities to enjoy the fisheries resources of the sanctuary.

Operators become Blue Star Fishing Guides recognized by attending annual training on issues affecting the Florida Keys ecosystem, sanctuary regulations, and coral reef ecosystem etiquette. In turn, Blue Star operators educate their customers by incorporating the information into on-board briefings. They also must participate in activities such as marine debris cleanups or assist with research such as fish tagging and surveys. Operators are re-evaluated on an annual basis.

Visit sanctuarybluestar.org for more information on the program and a list of recognized operators.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects 3,800 square miles of critical marine habitat, including coral reef, hard bottom, seagrass meadows, mangrove communities and sand flats, as well as shipwrecks and maritime heritage resources. NOAA and the state of Florida manage the sanctuary. Visit us at http://floridakeys.noaa.gov, find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Join NOAA on Facebook , Twitter and our other social media channels.

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