South Florida is home to the only coral reefs in the continental United States. Each year this unique and diverse ecosystem attracts travelers from around the world and contributes to the local economy and culture. Community members are working to develop a comprehensive management plan to protect and conserve this fragile system throughout southeast Florida.

Our Florida Reefs is a community planning process that was designed to ensure a future for southeast Florida’s coral reefs. Hosted by the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (SEFCRI), this process brings together the community of local residents, reef users, business owners, visitors and the broader public in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties to discuss the future of coral reefs in this region. Our Florida Reefs is designed to increase public involvement in the future management of southeast Florida’s coral reefs by seeking input from community members on the development of a comprehensive management strategy to better balance the use and protection of reef resources.

One tool developed to obtain feedback from the local community is the Coastal/Ocean Use Survey, which collects information on how and where southeast Florida’s coral reefs are being enjoyed by residents and guests. This provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to actively participate in the Our Florida Reefs community planning process by letting us know how they enjoy the reefs in this four county region. Information gained from this survey will allow Community Working Group Members to use the best available science to recommends management strategies.

If you are interested in contributing to the future of southeast Florida’s coral reefs, please visit our webpage (www.ourfloridareefs.org) and tell us how you use Our Florida Reefs. Your voice, our future.