| Impact and threats |
level |
Evolution In the short term |
Evolution In the long term |
Species affected |
Habitats affected |
Description / comments |
| Exploitation of natural ressources: Fishing |
very important |
increase |
increase |
- Decapod crustaceans (shrimp, stone crab, and spiny lobster)
- Snappers (e.g., yellowtail), - Groupers,
- King mackerels,
- Spanish mackerels |
|
Two recent (2000-01, 2003) non-concurrent studies showed that 3.64 million person days were spent fishing on natural reefs annually in the Florida Keys. Concomitant with increasing fishing pressure associated with increasing population, average fishing power (the proportion of stock removed per unit of fishing effort) may have quadrupled in recent decades because of technological advances in fishing tackle, hydroacoustics (depth sounders and fish finders), navigation (charts and global positioning systems), communications, and vessel propulsion.
In southwest Florida (including Monroe County), decapod crustaceans (shrimp, stone crab, and spiny lobster), snappers (e.g., yellowtail), groupers, king mackerels, and Spanish mackerels dominate commercial catches. In Monroe County, the total annual commercial landings for these species average almost 15 million pounds. In recent years, crustaceans have comprised 81 to 92 percent of the total catch value, while finfish made up the remainder.
Poaching by fishers is a constant threat and a focus of much law enforcement activity. |
| Exploitation of natural ressources: Agriculture |
limited |
not specified |
not specified |
|
|
Not commented |
| Exploitation of natural ressources: Tourism |
very important |
not specified |
not specified |
|
|
Two recent (2000-01, 2003) Non-concurrent studies showed that 3.64 million person days were spent fishing on natural reefs annually in the Florida Keys. |
| Exploitation of natural ressources: Industry |
limited |
not specified |
not specified |
|
|
Not commented |
| Exploitation of natural ressources: Forest products |
limited |
not specified |
not specified |
|
|
Not commented |
| Increased population |
very important |
increase |
increase |
|
|
Most pressures stem from the 5 million annual visitors and approximately 80,000 year-round
residents of Monroe County. Their high levels of use in the Sanctuary have significant direct and indirect effects on the ecosystem. Sanctuary visitors primarily seek water-related recreation, including diving, snorkeling, fishing and boating. |
| Invasive alien species |
significant |
not specified |
not specified |
|
|
Harmful algal blooms |
| Pollution |
limited |
not specified |
not specified |
|
|
Not commented |
| Other |
very important |
not specified |
not specified |
|
|
Climatic events play an important role in the ecosystem productivity of the Florida Keys NMS. Winter storms are common and recent cold periods have killed fish, manatees and corals. Summertime tropical cyclones are always a threat to this area. Recent periods of high sea temperature has caused many corals of the Keys to die due to coral bleaching.
Diseases of coral have caused significant declines in coral species abundance and cover on coral reefs.
Vessel groundings and anchor damage
Dredging and Desalination plants
Pollution from point and non-point sources, marinas, boats, and cruise ships
Poaching by fishers is a constant threat and a focus of much law enforcement activity.
Demand by an increased population and infrastructures
Assess whether the current human presence or an expected increase in visitation (tourism, passage of vehicles and boats) and any human immigration into the area, or plans to build infrastructures, are considered a threat.
Increasing human populations and development remains a constant threat to the regions natural resources. |
