Boating in the Keys
Big Pine Key lies within the boundaries of three national wildlife sanctuaries: the Key Deer Sanctuary, the White Heron Sanctuary and the Florida Keys Marine Sanctuary. For that reason, it can be very expensive as well as environmentally damaging to be unaware of the restrictions and special environmental concerns of the Florida Keys. If you are to anchor at a coral reef you must use the mooring buoys.
For
Do's and don'ts of boating in the Keys,
Keys
coral reefs and Noaa Sanctuary
information, please click on these sites. For understanding navigational
aids click
Aids to Navigation
The Florida Keys is a haven for boaters with its warm sunny winters, but there are some things you need to know before venturing out in the water. The water is very shallow and prop marks spoil the grasses on the sea bottom and grounding is a common occurrence.
The Keys are environmentally sensitive and many species of flora and fauna are protected so it is important to have an up to date chart and to be aware of the the current rules and regulations of boating in the Florida Keys.
For more boating safety information such as
safety equipment recalls as well as up to date regulations click
USCG boating safety
Webmaster: FSO Communication Services last updated:05/10/2008