Emerald Reef

Description: Three patch reefs with extensive relief off of Key Biscayne. The buoys at this site cover local dive spots known as Cuban Freighter Reef or West Emerald (buoys 1, 2 and 4), North Emerald (buoys 3 and 5) and Emerald Reef (Buoys 6 and 7). The benthic cover at this site is dense and diverse with numerous hard corals, gorgonians and sponges. Fish are also extremely abundant here and include many grunts and barracudas.

Special Note: A research site for a project conducted under the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative is in this general area. You may observe numbered tags marked "RESEARCH" and rebar stakes similar to those in the images below. These tags and rebar stakes are essential for future monitoring activities. Please do not remove or tamper with any tags or rebar markers you may see at this reef or others in Southeast Florida. For more information on this research project, please contact [email protected].

Depth: 15 feet to 26 feet

Number of Buoys: Seven

Sponsors: These buoys need continual maintenance to ensure they are in good condition for you to use. Please consider supporting the Mooring Buoy Program by adopting a buoy!

2009 Partners:

• Miami-Dade County Department of Regulatory and Economic Resources
• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Florida Boater Improvement Program
• Florida Department of Environmental Protection Coral Reef Conservation Program