Foreword

Abstract

When I was a child growing up in south Florida, I loved the environmental treasures at my doorstep. With time the lure of the ocean, its blue waters and breathtaking scenery brought me to the Florida Keys. As an adult I learned how to scuba dive and a new underwater world, much of it hidden at first glance, was realized. Beneath the water’s surface is a natural wonder comprised of living animals and plants. Diving in this underwater landscape you understand why this resource needs to be preserved and protected for all time. The world of the coral reef is spectacular yet incredibly fragile. As we all know, the coral reefs of the Florida Keys have been an important destination for explorers, scientists, and tourists for centuries. However, their popularity has led to pollution of the marine ecosystem and overuse of resources. Signs of anthropogenic degradation in the Keys became apparent several decades ago. Corals were being damaged and water quality was suffering. Many began to recognize that the Keys’ environment and resources needed protection before they were damaged beyond repair.