Before booking a reef trip, check weather conditions; it's best not to go out in rough seas. Poor visibility, strong winds,
and waves reduce safe interaction at the reef.
Remember that even the lightest touch with hands or equipment can damage sensitive coral polyps.
Snorkelers should wear inflatable snorkel vests to allow gear adjustment without standing on the coral. Never stand on
coral!
To avoid contact with the ocean , divers should only use the weight needed and practice proper buoyancy control. Areas
that appear empty may support new growth if left undisturbed.
Avoid wearing gloves and touched or collecting marine life. Most tropical fish captured die within a year. Some species,
such as Queen conch and Bahama starfish are protected, and cannot be taken.
Resist the temptation to feed fish, seabirds and marine mammals.; it changes their natural behavior and diet.
Remember, it's illegal to take coral in Florida and buying it a local shops only depletes reefs elsewhere in the world.
Bring back any trash you find and recycle it, if possible.
Snorkel aware, dive with care!
Above written by:
Reef Relief
www.reefrelief.org
201 William St
Key West, FL 33040
If you captain your own boat, please read these instructions:
Volunteers from REEF RELIEF have generously placed over 300 mooring buoys around many of the reefs. These are
exceptionally convenient and help save coral from anchor and chain damage. These blue & white buoys have a large
pendant with a loop in the end. Approach the buoy into the wind/current (the pendant will be streaming directly back
toward your bow). Take one of your own long lines and cleat it around one bow cleat, then thread the free end through
the loop of the pendant when you pick it up. Cleat the other end of your own line onto the other bow cleat so that you now
have a "bow" of your own line passing through the loop of the pendant. Using a long line gives you more scope on the
buoy to prevent pulling it loose from its own anchor. The larger your boat or rougher the water the more scope you
should use. If you're pulling the buoy underwater you need more line. When you leave, all you have to do is free your line
from one cleat and back up while pulling in the rest of line. Always approach the moorings from Oceanside - never from
the backside of a reef. These Buoys are one of the best things REEF RELIEF ever did on our Reefs!
Dee Von Quirlo, Executive Director
www.reefrelief.org
Volunteers from REEF RELIEF have generously placed over 300 mooring buoys around many of the reefs. These are
exceptionally convenient and help save coral from anchor and chain damage. These blue & white buoys have a large
pendant with a loop in the end. Approach the buoy into the wind/current (the pendant will be streaming directly back
toward your bow). Take one of your own long lines and cleat it around one bow cleat, then thread the free end through
the loop of the pendant when you pick it up. Cleat the other end of your own line onto the other bow cleat so that you now
have a "bow" of your own line passing through the loop of the pendant. Using a long line gives you more scope on the
buoy to prevent pulling it loose from its own anchor. The larger your boat or rougher the water the more scope you
should use. If you're pulling the buoy underwater you need more line. When you leave, all you have to do is free your line
from one cleat and back up while pulling in the rest of line. Always approach the moorings from Oceanside - never from
the backside of a reef. These Buoys are one of the best things REEF RELIEF ever did on our Reefs!
Dee Von Quirlo, Executive Director
www.reefrelief.org
| Florida Keys businesses cater to tourists. Please help us support our local Keys businesses by your patronage. Florida Keys Small Businesses Thank You! |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 | |  | |  | |  | |  |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
