Background
Effective November 2, 1990, the Key Biscayne Artificial Reef Site was designated as a Spe cial Management Zone (SMZ) by the Department of Commerce, National Oceanicand Atmospheric Administration. This designation is the result of a request initially submitted by the Dade County Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) in 1985 to the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC). DERM’s request received final approval from the SAFMC in November 1989.
The intent of the Special Management Zone designation is to restrict the use of highly efficient or selective fishing gear within the boundaries of the Key Biscayne Artificial Reef Site, thereby limiting the potential impacts of unrestrained fishing pressure, while maintaining most recreational uses of the site.
Restricted Activities
Within the boundaries of the Key Biscayne Special Management Zone, the following types of fishing gear are prohibited from use:
- Fish Traps
- Bottom Long Lines
- Spear guns of any type including slings and pole spears
The original SMZ regulations also prohibited the harvest of Goliath Grouper by any method within the site. Since that time the Goliath Grouper has been designated as aprotected species by the State of Florida, and the harvest or possession of this species is prohibited in all Florida waters.
Special Management Zone Boundaries
The Key Biscayne Special Management Zone site boundaries are defined as follows:
|
Cornerpoint
|
Latitude (N) |
Longitude (W) |
Depth |
| Northwest |
25° 42.800’ |
80° 05.516’ |
35’ |
| Northeast |
25° 42.800’ |
80° 04.200’ |
350’ |
| Southwest |
25° 41.316’ |
80° 05.516’ |
35’ |
| Southeast |
25° 41.316’ |
80° 04.200’ |
350’ |
Please note that all natural and artificial reefs/wrecks within the Key Biscayne Artificial Reef Site fall under the SMZ, and all fishing activities conducted on these reefs are subject to the established gear restrictions and other regulations. Please report all violations to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Division of Law Enforcement at (305) 956-2500, or Miami-Dade DERM at (305) 372-6789.
Click on the link for an interactive map of the Key Biscayne SMZ:
Key Biscayne SMZ Map
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