FLORIDA REEF
BY Ha Eun Chang APRIL.11.14
FLORIDA REEF
FLORIDA REEF is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. It is the third largest coral barrier reef system in the world. The Florida Reef consists of two ridges separated from the Florida Keys by the Hawk Channel. Further out to sea on the edge of the Florida Straits is the second ridge forming the outer reefs, covered by reefs and hard banks composed of coral rubble and sand.Almost 1,400 species of marine plants and animals, including more than 40 species of stony corals and 500 species of fish, live on the Florida Reef.
Everglades National Park
Biscayne National Park
Everglades Alligator Farm
INFORMATIONS ABOUT FLORIDA REEF
- LOCATION: Florida, United States
- THINGS TO DO: Ocean Reef Yacht Club, Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, Everglades National Park, Everglades Alligator Farm, Biscayne National Park
- ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels Near Coral Reef Yacht Club in Coconut Grove FL Florida
- HEALTH ISSUES: WATER QUALITY DECLINE, Corals require clean, nutrient-free waters to thrive. A healthy coral reef has from 30-40% live coral coverage. However, in the Florida Keys, coral coverage is now reduced to an alarming 3%. Coral spawning has been reduced due to lack of healthy coral colonies and clean water.
CONTACTS
Website: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/habitats/coral/
Location: 3900 Commonwealth Boulevard M.S. 235 Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Phone: 850-245-2094