One thing all Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Buoy Team members have in common is a love of diving and being immersed in the marine environment. Being able to do this as part of their job — while also working to protect the places they love — brings an immense sense of accomplishment. Every time they head out on the water, they know their work is
helping boaters safely enjoy sanctuary waters while protecting fragile marine habitats. Providing this service to the community is a rewarding and meaningful part of the job.
Why Buoys Matter in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
When Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary was established, the areas most in need of protection were also some of the most biologically rich — home to coral reefs, seagrass beds, and abundant marine life that support tourism valued at $2.4 billion in the Keys (2018 data from Rockport Analytics). To protect these areas while still allowing public access, the sanctuary installed a network of mooring buoys in high-traffic areas to reduce anchor damage to sensitive marine habitats.
The first buoys were placed at French Reef in 1981, giving boaters a simple, anchor-free way to tie up and enjoy the reef. Since then, the sanctuary has expanded its mooring buoy system, now maintaining over 800 buoys throughout the Keys. These buoys not only protect fragile habitats but also provide easy and convenient access to prime dive and snorkel locations — because, let’s face it, no one wants to haul up an anchor if they don’t have to.
The buoy system is now widely recognized as an essential management tool that helps protect the natural resources that sustain the Keys’ culture, economy, and way of life.
