Diving

Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest 10-6-18 in Key Largo

by

Divers can compete to wow judges with jolly jack-o-lanterns during the lighthearted 2018 Underwater Pumpkin Carving Contest scheduled Saturday, Oct. 6, in waters off Key Largo. Strapped with dive knives as tools and creative ideas in their heads, crafty carvers are to descend 30 feet beneath the surface in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, … Read more

Predicted Dates For Annual Florida Coral Reef Spawning Announced

by

Spectacular night dives are nothing new to the Florida Keys, however, dives on or around August 26th or September 24th, 2018 will have something extra special. Those dates are full moons, and it is the time of the year to witness Coral Reef Spawning in the region. Although the exact reasons that trigger corals to spawn are not exactly understood, there … Read more

Best Natural Sunscreen for Scuba – Snorkeling – Swimming in Florida Keys

by

Sunscreen is a necessity for most scuba divers, but not all sunblock is created equal. Some contain an ingredient that’s destroying coral reefs around the world. The evidence is so strong, Hawaii may pass a law banning certain sunscreens. The primary chemical culprit is oxybenzone, an ingredient used in popular sunscreens made by Banana Boat, Coppertone, … Read more

Scuba Diving Key Largo – Video

by

My 1st day diving with my friend and now newly-minted, Open Water S.C.U.B.A. buddy Matt! He got certified on the gulf coast in October but the diving was terrible and we had to wait until now to get him his 1st non-student dive! We went to Key Largo for 2 days of Scuba Diving with … Read more

Diving Shipwrecks in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

by

One of the goals of the national marine sanctuary system is to provide opportunities for people to learn about our nation’s maritime heritage. Diving Shipwrecks. Therefore, many historical sites within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are open to diving and snorkeling. The exceptions are those sites located within the sanctuary’s Special-use Research Only Areas. These “no-entry” zones … Read more

Snorkeling the Brick Barge Islamorada – Video

by

One of the best snorkeling spots we found in the keys is the Brick Barge. it is located in Islamorada Florida. Lots of fish and other sea life. Brick Barge is a small iron ship that lies on the north side of Hen and Chickens Reef. This barge was torpedoed during World War II and … Read more

FKNMS Enlists Public’s Help in Post Hurricane Irma Survey 

by

As the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary strives to assess impacts from Hurricane Irma, the public is asked to help by reporting conditions on and in the water. The observations will assist sanctuary staff in responding to immediate concerns and developing short- and long-term management actions. First and foremost, be careful of on-water and underwater … Read more

Spiny Lobster Season – Florida Keys Rules

by

Spiny Lobster Sport Season Season dates Bag limit Possession limit – on the water Possession limit – off the water Minimum size limit     Last consecutive Wednesday and Thursday of July each year) 6 per person per day for Monroe County and Biscayne National Park   12 per person per day for the rest … Read more

Underwater Music Festival Makes Waves For Reef Protection

by

An underwater concert is set to promote reef protection and entertain divers and snorkelers Saturday, July 8, during the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival. The annual event takes place at Looe Key Reef, an area of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary approximately 6 miles south of Big Pine Key. The sanctuary protects the waters … Read more

Coralpalooza Coming Key Largo June 2 2017

by

In celebration of World Oceans Day, Coral Restoration Foundation is hosting its third-annual Coralpalooza event during the weekend of June 2. The event “aims to bring recreational divers and ocean conservation-minded individuals together to promote coral reef restoration and ocean preservation,” according to the foundation’s press release. Coralpalooza helps raise awareness for World Oceans Day, … Read more

Diving Rebreathers What to Know Before You Dive

by

A major benefit of rebreathers is longer dives because a portion of the gas supply is reused, than when using open circuit scuba tanks. Rebreathers are great for photography because they don’t frighten fish with exhaust sounds. And, they deliver warm, moist breathing gas and a more optimum gas mixture for divers on extended and … Read more

Acoustic Telemetry Monitor Goliath Grouper Fishing Impacts

by

Acoustic telemetry is used to measure impacts of catch-and-release fishing on goliath grouper and to determine behavior patterns of this federally protected species. Background Goliath grouper (Serranidae: Epinephelus itajara) occur in tropical and subtropical waters from the west coast of Africa to the east coast of Florida, south to Brazil, and throughout the Gulf of … Read more