DEMA Submits Public Comments on Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) Boundaries, Marine Zones, & Associated Regulations

Association Supports Sanctuary and its Maintenance as a Principal US Conservation Site

The Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) recently submitted comments to the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and it’s advisory council on issues related to the Sanctuary’s boundaries, marine zones and associated regulations. The comments were submitted by Tom Ingram, Executive Director of DEMA, on behalf of the Association and will be used to guide and assess the marine zone and regulations, and shape Florida Keys marine conservation for the future.

Sanctuary officials solicited comments from the public as part of the FKNMS’s periodic review process, with the goal of using the input to determine the best direction within the sanctuary to protect and conserve the living marine resources and submerged cultural resources of the Florida Keys.

“DEMA and the Diving Industry strongly support the FKNMS in its current configuration,” commented Ingram. “The Diving Industry depends on sustainable interaction with the marine environment as well as with certain submerged cultural resources for its very existence, and is aware of the need for long term sustainability within the National Marine Sanctuary System.”

DEMA’s comments emphasized:

• Maintaining sustainable use of the resource while protecting the environment and its historical and cultural importance.
• The interest of snorkeling and scuba diving participants in protecting and respectfully using the marine environment while keeping it clean and healthy.
• That individuals participating in recreational scuba diving and snorkeling contribute to marine-related tourism in Florida.
• The interest of snorkelers and scuba divers in protecting and observing historical and cultural artifacts.
•  DEMA’s continuing interest in providing input to the Advisory Groups on behalf of Recreational diving.

Ingram concluded, “DEMA and the Dive Industry look forward to working with the State of Florida and Federal Authorities to ensure that FKNMS remains one of the nation’s principal conservation sites. As the trade association for the Recreational Diving Industry, DEMA has a strong interest in additional and continuing opportunities to contribute suggestions and ideas with regard to sanctuary designation and boundaries, and to other activities.”

For more information on the marine zoning and regulatory review, read the Goals and Objectives of Marine Zoning Review, the Principles for Marine Zoning Review and the official comments submitted by DEMA.