Many popular reefs off Key Largo and at Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary have special anchor buoys for mooring. In these areas, tie up to the buoys, rather than anchoring. Anglers should avoid shallow coral reefs when trolling. 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.