In a move striking a critical blow to the Florida Keys’ marine ecosystem, Gov. Ron DeSantis has vetoed all components of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s (FKNMS’) newly-finalized Restoration Blueprint in state waters.
In a March 3 letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, DeSantis wrote that the final proposed plan “repeals longstanding references to the State of Florida’s sovereign right to manage marine life and sovereign submerged lands within the state’s jurisdictional waters. Further, NOAA”s regulations will prevent the expedited restoration of coral reefs using artificial habitats.”
Restoration Blueprint is a comprehensive proposal to restore the sanctuary, ignited by a 2011 condition report. After 14 years of drafting and input by the public and stakeholder organizations, the final rule for Restoration Blueprint was signed on Jan. 16, kicking off a 45-day review period on DeSantis’ desk.
Both items specifically cited by DeSantis in Monday’s letter, signed on the final day of his review period, were points of contention between officials with NOAA and FWC during the final stages of Restoration Blueprint’s revisions.
In November, a letter sent from FWC chairman Rodney Barreto to then-Sanctuary Superintendent Matt Stout reignited a debate over regulatory language in the blueprint and criticized a change that would only allow DeSantis to veto fisheries regulations in state waters. It ultimately listed 10 remaining “essential” items of disagreement between FWC and sanctuary officials slated for inclusion in the final rule.
“While FKNMS has consistently stated that it does not intend to circumvent FWC’s authority over fisheries regulations in state waters … (this change) is contrary to how fisheries regulatory authority is set up in the State of Florida,” Barreto wrote. DeSantis’ letter on Monday echoed Barreto’s statement.
Although DeSantis’ pen nixed updated regulations in state waters, the provisions of Restoration Blueprint remain in effect in federal waters – covering roughly 51% of the sanctuary. In the Keys, state waters extend from shore to three nautical miles in the Atlantic Ocean and to nine nautical miles in the Gulf.
“The new science-based management plan reflects a balanced approach and responds to challenges that are putting the environment and economy of the Florida Keys at risk, including marine heat waves, coral diseases, intensified hurricanes and increased human uses,” said FKNMS communications and outreach manager Scott Atwell.
“We believe the actions we are taking in federal waters will support improvement of the sanctuary’s delicate ecosystem and marine resources. We will continue to work with state agencies to protect this critical area for years to come.”
The Keys Weekly will update this developing story as more information becomes available.
