As you change your latitude, you'll definitely shift your attitude. To the Rescue, Environmentally Sensitive Keys Require Respect Litter endangers thousands of creatures - from turtles who ingest plastic bags to birds whose beaks become caught in plastic lids or holders from six packs. Discarded monofilament fishing line often entraps birds, making it impossible for them to fly. They can starve or be killed by predators. Because reefs are intricately connected limestone skeletons produced by the tiny coral animals, they are highly susceptible to damage or death from even the slightest human contact.
Pollution continues to threaten the environment, as well.
The seagrass beds found in shallow Keys waters are equally at risk. Their function is critical, as they slow erosion and clear the water to encourage the development of algae - an important first level of the marine food chain. Thoughtless boaters threaten this environment when they ignore protected zones. Concerned groups throughout the Keys work hard to prevent injuries from occurring, and to nurse animals back to health if they do get hurt. All these worthwhile organizations rely on donations, which in some cases account for nearly 100 percent of their budgets.