Florida’s barrier reef is the third largest in the world and the only one on the North American continent.

The Great Florida Reef Track, and the third largest coral system in the world, stretches from Fowey Rocks; a patch of coral reef located south of Cape Coral, near Miami, and east of Soldier Key, in Biscayne National Park.

The reef route then runs 170 miles southwest paralleling all of the Florida Keys to find its final destination in the Marquesas Islands located 30 miles west of Key West, this coral reef complex known as the National Marine Sanctuary. of the Florida Keys is also a large part of the US National Marine Sanctuary.

But how important is this barrier reef to the Florida Keys and South Florida?

Coral reefs are rock-like underwater structures made of a calcium chemical secreted by corals, and corals are living organisms that subsist in colonies under these tropical waters.

These underwater structures often called “the forests of the sea” are the heart and support of much of the marine habitat, and at the same time, this interactive marine habitat, as we know, is an important sequel to our own habitat. In other words, it is a major operation that falls as a current major operation!

This marine habitat is important to the local economy, as the fishing industry is entirely dependent on this fragile ecosystem. South Florida fish and seafood markets depend on this operation year-round. Also recreational and sport fishing through tourism is a very important sector of the economy of the Florida Keys.

It is very important to know that this is a very fragile ecosystem and that due to ignorance on our part, carelessness, negligence, some forms of fishing, water temperature, ocean acidification, pollution, climate changes, storms and accidents, it could suffer some damage.

The damage to corals and the ecosystem in general could be detrimental and, in some cases, irreversible. Corals take a long time to heal and regrow; but “coral farming” or “farming” is a promising and potential tool for restoring reefs to their original state of health.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Organization are the lead agencies in charge of preserving the natural environment of this area, and they also do a great job of educating the public about the importance of this matter.

In the northern section of the Florida Keys, and east of Key Largo, is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef and State Park, which is the most abundant, healthy, and extensive section of coral reefs in Florida.

John Pennekamp, ​​these 70 square nautical miles of coral reefs are a well-known tourist attraction visited by a large number of tourists from all over the world who come here for the simple reason of admiring this modern nature walk, and our coral reefs. coral are explored by divers and snorkelers of all ages, genders and nationalities.

The land base and park headquarters are located at MM 102.5 Highway US 1, Ocean Side, Key Largo, Florida Keys. (305) 451 1202, the park is open 365 days from 8:00 am to sunset, and admission fees are $8:00 per vehicle. The park offers many other activities and attractions for the public, such as kayak and canoe rentals, glass bottom boat rides, snorkeling tours to coral reef sites, has an RV and tent camping site, as well as nature trails through mangrove hammocks and a beach. .

After so many years of exploring this territory, I recommend the Florida Keys as a great vacation spot, travel destination, and one of the best things you can do is explore the beautiful coral reefs. Anyone can do it regardless of age and gender!