Management Plan
Regulations to protect sanctuary resources are only one instrument in the sanctuary's management toolbox. The backbone of the sanctuary's management - the management plan - determines how the sanctuary and its staff conduct daily operations, including activities such as outreach, education, scientific research, and collaboration with partners.
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is currently operating under a 2007 management plan. Over time, however, the sanctuary's natural and cultural resources and environmental conditions have changed, creating new challenges for protecting resources and facilitating compatible resource use. Meanwhile, new tools for effective management have emerged, driven by scientific advances, technological innovation, and new partnerships. Evaluating past, present, and future management approaches ensures that we and our partners are making the most effective use of programmatic resources.
Management Plan Revision
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is undergoing a management plan review process as part of the larger Restoration Blueprint comprehensive review.
Informed by public comments on the draft environmental impact statement and notice of proposed rulemaking, a revised draft management plan includes comments and edits based on the draft management plan published in 2019. Once final, it will replace the 2007 management plan. While this revised draft management plan represents the full suite of activities needed to advance Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary management goals and objectives, implementation is dependent upon the available resources including funding, staff capacity, and partnership contribution.
Previous management plans can be found here:
- 2007 Management Plan
- 2000 Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Final Management Plan for the Tortugas Ecological Reserve
- 1997 Management Plan
Cooperative Management
Approximately 60% of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary falls within state waters, and is under a co-trusteeship with the state of Florida. To help guide coordinated and cooperative management, NOAA and the state of Florida developed a suite of cooperative management agreements. These agreements are currently under review as part of the larger Restoration Blueprint process and will be updated when final.