Dive Operator Use Patterns in the Designated No-Take Zones of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS)

/ The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), created by Congress in 1990, addressed the issue of resource protection partly by proposing 26 "no-take" zones. These areas, discussed in the 1995 Draft Management Plan, disallowed all extractive activities, and four of the zones also prohibited diving and snorkeling. Furthermore, the Draft Management Plan considered recreational carrying capacity, proposing that use densities be studied and eventually limited in high-use and sensitive areas. Conducted with 62 commercial dive operators from the Florida Keys in 1995-96, this study uses geographic information systems (GIS) to determine the extent of FKNMS zone use by dive operators, assess the regional importance of FKNMS zones to operators, and compare management strategies by which to allow use while minimizing impacts to the coral reef resource. Dive operators took almost 70% of their total trips and 77% of their total divers to FKNMS zones in 1995. Although zone use is generally related to the proximity of dive locations, dive operators do rely disproportionately on single sites in certain regions. The resulting profiles demonstrate that management strategies need to consider disproportionate use, as well as the average number of users per trip, to effectively protect the region's environmental resources. In addition to implementing a carrying capacity plan, the FKNMS should consider a limited-entry system for dive operators.     

The environment and Britain's aid programme

Summary Some of the environmental and developmental activities assisted by Britain's Programme of Overseas Aid are outlined. In particular, the article draws attention to a new booklet published by the Overseas Development Administration to mark the European Year of the Environment which, in the Minister's words, shows how through British aid, programme improvements are possible by a combination of sound scientific research and a sensitivity to people's needs.Mr Christopher Patten, Member of Parliament for Bath, is the UK's current Minister for Overseas Development. He also serves as Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. The Minister may be contacted through the offices of the Overseas Development Administration, Eland House, Stag Place, London SW1E 5DH, UK.