The health of this beautiful reef depends on adjacent seagrass flats and mangroves and our wise use of the land. Seagrasses are the most common vegetation in shallow waters. Seagrass meadows or flats are among the most productive marine habitats in the world. Hardbottom habitats are those characterized by exposed or thinly covered bedrock or cemented sediment and rubble. They are abundant in shallow waters, and fish, lobster and turtles feed in hardbottom areas.
Mangroves are the dominant tree along the shorelines and winding channels of the keys.
Mangrove branches are rookeries, or nesting areas, for coastal birds. Sand beach habitats serve as nesting sites for several species of sea turtles and dozens of shore birds. Avoid docking or beaching in turtle and bird nesting areas. Many endangered and threatened species live in the Sanctuary. Sea turtles and manatees inhabit shallow coastal waters and coastal birds nest in mangroves.