A new general management plan for Biscayne National Park should lead to healthier fisheries and coral reef systems/NPS

More than 10,000 watery acres of Biscayne National Park is being designated a "no fishing area" in a bid to improve the overall health of fisheries and coral reef systems in the park.

"Our primary goal is a natural, healthy marine ecosystem for visitors to explore, learn about, and enjoy" said Superintendent Brian Carlstrom. "This plan will guide us and help ensure that the park's vital and extraordinary coral reefs, mangrove forests, extensive tracts of Biscayne Bay and the Florida Keys, and 10,000 years of human history, will be protected for future generations."

Biscayne's watery underworld has historically featured a wondrous and bountiful array of species, from bonefish, tarpon and oysters to groupers, barracuda, spiny lobster, and lustrous parrotfish. However, of the few hundred species that inhabit the park'€™s waters, 150 have faced population pressures from recreational and commercial fishing, according to the National Park Service.

For the past 15 years officials, environmentalists, anglers, and boaters have struggled to agree on an appropriate strategy, leaving the future of America's largest marine park, and part of the only tropical coral reef system in the continental United States, unresolved.

But earlier this month the National Park Service adopted a new general management plan for the park that sets aside a no-fishing marine reserve zone to improve the declining reef's condition.

"A marine reserve is one of the most effective ways for us to encourage restoration of the park's coral reef ecosystem and it received strong support from the public during development of the plan," Superintendent Carlstrom said. "In addition to producing larger fish and more fish for snorkelers and divers to enjoy, the marine reserve is expected to have a spillover effect, improving the fishing experience outside the zone."

The no-fishing marine reserve zone will set aside 10,502 acres (about 6 percent) of the park's waters. An expanded slow speed zone along the mainland shoreline will improve manatee protection and an idle speed zone (no-wake) at Elliott Key will enhance boater and swimmer safety.

The park received about 43,000 unique public comments over the years as the GMP took shape.

"We worked with many partners and public agencies to determine the way to a healthy park and with minimum restrictions on activities in the park today," the superintendent said.

Continued public involvement is critical to success of park management actions. The park continues to work cooperatively with partner agencies, especially the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Fisheries Service.

The plan will be gradually implemented depending on available funding and staffing. Implementation of the marine reserve zone will occur after a special park regulation is issued. The regulation will define the various aspects and requirements of visitor access within the zone.

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