http://floridakeys.noaa.gov/ 

NOAA is threatening to vastly change the way Keys locals utilize OUR waters. By over regulating fishing and recreational boat use, they are going to essentially steal both fun and finances from locals. Shrouded under “environmentalism”, this is an effort to take the most popular back country and reef locations away forever. We, the people of this slice of paradise, must come together to let all of our voted in officials understand just how deeply we OPPOSE this hostile takeover. 
 
A few thoughts from watching public commentary:

If scientific and environmental evidence is clear, highly impactful, and measurable, we as locals are willing to consider seasonal or migration/spawning based closures of areas deemed as essential for bird and fish populations that require such management to survive and thrive. 

We, as boaters, support and ask for better channel markers in the back county to assist boaters in navigating safely and causing less impact to sea bottom and sea grass. 

We support mandatory boater safety courses that assist boaters in learning to navigate the waters with less environmental impacts.  

We do not support the overtly corrupt closure of OUR waters to only NOAA approved ($$$$$$$$) “BlueStar Operators”. This is blatant pay to play corruption at its finest. No matter what a cattle boat operator states, there is no way that dozens of tourists who 1) are not from here, hence have less vested in protecting our waters 2) often times are at best poor swimmers... will be guaranteed to treat the reef with respect. 

What are the environmental impacts to the few places left if these closures are enacted? Will the remaining sandbars be inundated with hundreds of boats, therefore creating new environmental degradation? 

We do not support NOAA closing even more of OUR waters when, as clearly explained by several people at the public forums, this organization has failed to enforce the rules that protect the existing sanctuary. 

We do not support NOAA taking away the most fundamental source of recreation for Keys island dwellers. As tax payers, employees, home owners, renters, shoppers, and all other facets of the economy and foundation of our islands, we have earned the right to take out our boats and enjoy the back country. 

We do not support NOAA over regulating the fishing industry. This industry is already heavily regulated, to the detriment of the small time fishermen that make their livelihood fishing in their own backyard. This endeavor to over regulate will force more Conchs and longtime locals out of the Keys. 

NOAA is attempting a mass takeover of OUR waters. Please look at the Restoration Blueprint information on the web. The list of proposed no motor/anchor zones throughout the Keys is very extensive.  Do not be fooled.... these areas will never be regained once stolen from US. With enough support, Keys locals can express their disgust to every political figure that has an ounce of ability to sway NOAA from this takeover. If our politicians do nothing, VOTE them out.