Looe Key anchoring...??

[chrtucke]

Does anyone know if you can anchor overnight/multi-day at Looe Key off the southern Florida Keys? Is there any real protection and/or any regs that would prevent it?

If Looe Key is not a good option for this any other suggestions would be appreciated...I have heard about Rodriquez Key as well if anyone is familiar with that.

Thanks,

[LeaseOnLife]

Originally Posted by chrtucke

Does anyone know if you can anchor overnight/multi-day at Looe Key off the southern Florida Keys? Is there any real protection and/or any regs that would prevent it?

If Looe Key is not a good option for this any other suggestions would be appreciated...I have heard about Rodriquez Key as well if anyone is familiar with that.

Thanks,

Here are the regulations:
Sanctuary Preservation Areas

Sanctuary Preservation Areas



Sanctuary Preservation Areas (SPAs) within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protect shallow reefs along the reef tract. SPAs encompass discrete, biologically important areas that help sustain critical marine species and habitats.
SPAs have mooring buoys for boaters to use in order to prevent anchor damage to corals. There are 18 SPAs within the sanctuary, which together cover a total of about 4.97 square nautical miles.

Regulations for this zone type are designed to limit consumptive activities and to separate users engaged in different kinds of activities. Diving, snorkeling and boating are allowed inside these zones.

With certain exceptions, the following activities are prohibited in Sanctuary Preservation Areas:

• Discharging any matter except cooling water or engine exhaust.
• Fishing by any means; removing, harvesting, or possessing any marine life. Catch and release fishing by trolling is allowed in Conch Reef, Alligator Reef, Sombrero Reef, and Sand Key SPAs only.
• Touching or standing on living or dead coral.
• Anchoring on living or dead coral or any attached organism.
• Anchoring when a mooring buoy is available.
• Bait fishing is allowed in SPAs by Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary permit.

[ReMetau]

Looe Key has mooring balls. We have stayed overnight on a ball with no problems. Gets a little choppy at night even in calm weather. There is no protection at all since this is out at the reef. Great diving and snorkeling.