The Upper Region buoy maintenance program extends from the northern boundary of the National Marine Sanctuary at the Dade County Line south to Tennessee Reef off Lower Matecumbe Key.

The natural and historical significance of the sanctuary comprises diverse natural reefs and significant cultural and historical resources.

The mooring buoy system is used regularly and helps to keep the damage from vessel anchors to a minimum. Sixty-four SPA buoys regulate activities for non-consumptive and research use. Four spar buoys designate four  historic shipwrecks in the Florida Keys, that are part of the FKNMS shipwreck trail.

Currently there are 205 mooring buoys, 64 Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA) buoys, 96 Wildlife management buoys and five spar buoys using over 10,000 feet of downline.

All the measurements and procedures are developed for the use in this area and may need modification to fit conditions in other areas.