Reef Relief - State of The Reef Address 2000

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State Of The Reef, 2000

During the early 1970s it was unusual not to have 100 foot visibility on the reefs near Key West. The first signs that the water passing over the was deteriorating was the presence of particulate matter in the water column. As Florida's population and farming activities increased more and more pollution was entering the canals that were plumbed to drain the Everglades and empty into Florida Bay. Unfortunately the coral reef was at the end of this pipe.

In the l970s Key West had not been discovered by the tourist industry . The residents living in the Keys were by far the largest block of people who were placing a demand on infrastructure requirements for water, sewage and electric.

			After the Mariel boat lift ( in 1981) the tourist industry began revving up, promoting the laid back atmosphere and life styles of the Keys. Jimmy Buffet was about to become a superstar and South Florida was turning into the hub for Latin America. Populations on the mainland sky rocketed, farming dramatically increased and to no surprise the corals on the reef began to exhibit signs of stress. The water column passing over the reef was experiencing dramatic fluctuations in visibility, most obvious after a rain events. Slowly the transparent gin clear water was turning green, although it was still transparent.
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When Reef Relief was founded in 1986 physical damage to the coral from anchors , divers and snorkelers appeared to be the biggest threat to the living coral. At this time the water quality was slowly deteriorating, but we had no idea what the next decade would bring.

Early in the l980s coral reef science was isolated in universities and research laboratories. There was very little information about corals that made its way down to recreational divers and snorkelers from the scientific community. Scientists were just beginning to understand the complex nature of the tiny coral polyp and it's habitat.

As coral diseases increased and water quality decreased, the public became inquisitive and began to ask questions, expecting scientists to have the answers. Scientists reacted by debating the reasons for the decline in the health of the coral reefs.

Key West sewer outfall.

Key West sewer outfall in full swing. That's about 10 million gallons per day.

Scientists who were supported by industry and developers claimed that the deterioration of the coral reef was a natural thing while independent scientists claimed poor water management and nutrient loading was to blame.

Key West sewer outfall

The break in the Key West sewer outfall, only 1400 feet from shore.

Western Dry Rocks / Key West

Western Dry Rocks
Key West.
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Black Band disease.

Geiger Key/ Key West. (1993)
This is Black Band disease.
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Western Dry Rocks / Key West

Sediment in the water is a severe threat to soft and hard corals.

Continued in next section. (Click graphic button below.)
Photos Provided by Craig Quirolo
Reef Relief ©2001

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