Subscribe | What is RSS

Superintendent Mark Lewis announced that Biscayne National Park has extended the public comment period for the possible inclusion of marine reserve zone(s) (no-fishing area) in the upcoming General Management Plan. The comment period will continue through August 17, 2009 in response to public requests for additional time to review and comment on the zone. The purpose of the marine reserve zone would be to provide an opportunity for the public to experience and enjoy a coral reef with a natural abundance and diversity of reef inhabitants, including hard corals, soft corals, fish, crustaceans, and other reef life. A copy of the presentation shown at recent public meetings is available at the National Park Service (NPS) planning website (see below). The NPS is seeking public comments on the proposed zone(s).

Comments may be submitted electronically at the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website http://www.parkplanning.nps.gov. Once on the website, select “Biscayne National Park” from the drop-down box and click “Go,” then “General Management Plan, and then “Open for Public Comment.”

Once the General Management Plan is completed, it will be made available for public review for a 30 day period.

For more information or questions about the proposed marine reserve zone, contact Elsa Alvear, Chief of Resource Management at 305-230-1144 ext. 002 or e-mail us.