Florida Keys ecosystem threatened

The Florida Keys ecosystem is threatened by poaching, marine debris, climate change and other factors, according to a federal report.

While spiny lobsters and some fish species have grown larger and more abundant in NOAA’s Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, green sea turtles and coral habitat are recovering too slowly and are still at risk, according to the report.

Sanctuary officials say the report will serve as a benchmark for improving monitoring efforts, addressing human impacts, and increasing community engagement. Ocean recreation in the region accounts for 33,000 jobs and 58 percent of the economy, according to NOAA.

Read more at Science Daily.

Image credit: NOAA