- National Park Service Involvement: The NPS recognized the area’s unique combination of marine, island, and mainland ecosystems, along with its historical shipwrecks.
- Boundaries and Jurisdiction: The park encompasses approximately 172,000 acres, with 95% of this area underwater. It protects islands, reefs, mangroves, and parts of the mainland.
- Conservation Goals: The park’s mission includes preserving marine habitats, protecting endangered species, conserving historic shipwrecks, and providing opportunities for public enjoyment and education.
- Community Support: Local and national advocacy groups played an essential role in securing congressional approval and federal funding.
Biscayne National Park represents one of the few U.S. national parks primarily dedicated to marine and coastal preservation, marking a significant milestone in environmental conservation.
Ecological Significance
Biscayne National Park is renowned for its ecological richness:
- Coral Reef Systems: The park protects extensive coral reefs, which serve as breeding and feeding grounds for fish, invertebrates, and endangered species such as the Nassau grouper.
- Seagrass Meadows: These meadows stabilize sediments, provide habitat for manatees, sea turtles, and invertebrates, and support the food chain of the park’s marine ecosystems.
- Mangrove Forests: Mangroves protect shorelines from erosion, filter water, and serve as nurseries for fish and birds.
- Wildlife Diversity: The park is home to dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, pelicans, herons, and numerous fish species, demonstrating a complex web of ecological interdependence.
- Climate Regulation and Carbon Sequestration: Coastal and marine ecosystems in Biscayne play an essential role in mitigating climate change effects.
This ecological complexity underscores the importance of careful stewardship and ongoing research shutdown123