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Article: Clouds Over the Coral.(impact of human habitat and tourism on the coral reefs of the Florida Keys)
- Article from:
- E Magazine
- Article date:
- March 1, 1999
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1999 Earth Action Network, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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A Murky Tale of The Florida Reefs. Is Salvation Possible?
It was 20 years ago that I first dove the dear and fertile waters of the Florida Keys. Just five protected miles off Key West, the reef was close enough to get to in a small boat, shallow enough for any snorkeler to enjoy, and teeming with colorful sea fans, coral canyons and a kaleidoscope of parrot fish, queen angels and sergeant-majors in crystal clear waters. I remember wading off the beach and plucking lobster, conch and stone crab from waist-deep waters for a dinner beneath the palms. Key West was a sleepy, half boarded-up fishing village, a tropical getaway at the end of the world.
Not for ...