Florida Keys

Use of Landsat data to track historical water quality changes in Florida Keys marine environments

Effects of Stormwater Nutrient Discharges on Eutrophication Processes in Nearshore Waters of the Florida Keys

Satellite-Observed Black Water Events off Southwest Florida:Implications for Coral Reef Health in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Anthropogenic nutrient enrichment of seagrass and coral reef communities in the Lower Florida Keys:discrimination of local versus regional nitrogen sources

 Recognition of the critical interrelationships between water quality, the health of seagrass and coral reef communities, and economic well-being of the Florida Keys led to its designation as an ‘‘Area of Critical State Concern’’ by the Florida Legislature in 1974. Much of the concern centered around the potential impacts of excessive human development on coastal pollution and degradation of water quality.

 Over three decades ago planners recognized that "the high quality of water in and around the Florida Keys is an essential element of the total system. One of the strongest attractions for residents and visitors to the area is the clear, blue waters of the Keys—a resource that rarely exists off the heavily populated, industrialized cities of the mainland."