Sanctuary awards Blue Star for reef protection to dive resort

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BY THE KEYSNET.COM STAFF

Posted - Friday, November 06, 2009 11:00 AM EST

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary has awarded a new designation for ecosystem protection to Amy Slate’s Amory Dive Resort.

Sanctuary spokesperson Karrie Carnes wrote in an announcement that Amoray in Key Largo is the first scuba dive operator to receive the Blue Star designation, which recognizes “businesses that practice responsible diving and snorkeling.”

Blue Star was established to recognize companies that work to protect the coral reef ecosystem of the Florida Keys by promoting proper dive etiquette and educating the public about the impact human actions can have on the marine environment, Carnes wrote.

“Unlike some of the major causes of reef decline such as climate change, damage to reefs from diving and snorkeling is considered preventable,” Carnes said.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees the marine sanctuary program, says the protected waters of the Florida Keys attract millions of visitors each year and contribute an estimated $1.2 billion in annual tourist revenue.

“Through voluntary education programs like Blue Star, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Keys’ charter businesses are working to protect these fragile coral reefs for future generations,” said Sean Morton, acting superintendent of the sanctuary.

Blue Star operators are required to attend training annually on issues affecting coral reefs, sanctuary regulations and coral reef etiquette - and, in turn, educate their customers. They also must offer conservation-related dive courses and participate in activities such as fish counts and reef clean-ups, Carnes said.

“We are excited to welcome Amoray Dive Resort as the first recognized operator and applaud its conservation-minded business practices and commitment to coral reef education,” Morton said.

The Blue Star program gets funding from Mote Marine Laboratory’s Protect Our Reef Grants Program and the Sanctuary Friends Foundation of the Florida Keys.

Recognized Blue Star operators will be listed on www.sanctuarybluestar.org, which also provides information on the program.

The Keys sanctuary was established in 1990. It encompasses 2,900 square nautical miles on the oceanside of the Keys, protecting maritime heritage resources as well as coral reefs, hard bottom, seagrass meadows, mangrove communities and sand flats. NOAA and the state of Florida manage the sanctuary.