Hooks can scar and injure the coral, leaving it vulnerable to infection by microscopic organisms that can kill the animals. When fishing for lobster, avoid placing traps on reefs. Heavy traps break corals and damage the bottom when the traps are pulled. Do not grasp, stand or sit on living coral. You may damage the coral and hurt yourself in the process.
All coral is protected.
It is against the law to collect, harvest or sell Florida corals in state and adjacent federal waters. Florida coral reefs, with whom we share the seas, are significant, unique natural resources. Be a responsible visitor - insure the continued vitality of Florida's coral reefs. Original production funds provided by DER office of Coastal Management through a grant from the U.S. Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, NOAA, under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended.