Coral Reef Habitat Assessment for U.S. Marine Protected Areas: State of Florida: Dry Torugas to Biscayne Bay

摘要

Florida is the only state in the continental United States with shallow coral reef formations near its coastline. The Florida reef tract stretches from the Dry Tortugas, west of Key West, to the Saint Lucie Inlet in Martin County, an extension of approximately 530 km. Rohmann et al. (2005) estimate that 30,801 sq. km of Floridas nearshore shallow waters may support coral reef resources. The development of these reefs is attributed to Floridas broad, shallow continental shelf and the Gulf Stream, which carries flora, fauna and warm waters to the area. Floridas primary coral habitats include patch reefs, bank reefs, and hardbottom communities (Trappe and Bareford 2007).