Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Proposed Regulations

NOAA, as required by section 7(a) of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act, is proposing a comprehensive management plan and implementing regulations to manage an approximately 2,800 square nautical mile area of coastal and ocean waters and the submerged lands thereunder, surrounding the Florida Keys in and adjacent to the State of Florida, designated by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act as the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (the ``Sanctuary''). This document publishes the Designation Document, and summarizes the draft comprehensive management plan, for the Sanctuary. The draft management plan details the proposed goals and objectives, management responsibilities, research activities, interpretive and educational programs, and enforcement, including surveillance, activities for the Sanctuary. The proposed regulations would implement the comprehensive management plan and govern the conduct of activities consistent with the provisions of the Designation Document. The intended effect of the Designation Document, proposed regulations, and DEIS/MP is to protect the conservation, recreational, ecological, historical, research, [[Page 16400]] educational, and aesthetic qualities of the Florida Keys coastal and ocean waters and the submerged lands thereunder.