A Center for All

The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary contains one of the most diverse underwater communities of plants and animals in North America. Its dazzling coral reefs support rich marine populations that depend on the reefs for shelter and food.

The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center is being created to inspire students, local residents and visitors to become good stewards of the unique Florida Keys ecosystem.

Nearly 200,000 people from around the world are expected to visit the Center annually. The Center’s goal is to help all visitors develop an appreciation and personal responsibility for protecting the Florida Keys and South Florida ecosystem.

Bringing the Wonders of the Florida Keys to the American Public

Enter the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center and take a journey into the native plants and animals of the Keys, both those that live on land and underwater.

The Eco-Discovery Center opens to the public in the summer of 2006 and will feature 6,000 square feet of interactive and dynamic exhibits depicting the terrestrial and underwater habitats of the Florida Keys.

Support the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center

While funds have been secured for construction of the complex, another $1.5 million is being sought from private sources through a fundraising campaign organized by the non-profit National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.

This money will be used to outfit the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center with state-of-the-art technology and exhibits. To assist in reaching this goal, the Foundation has launched the 'Sea Star' campaign. Join Us in Supporting the Eco-Discovery Center.

The Center will feature all aspects of the biodiversity of the Florida Keys, and will also focus on human interaction with the environment, the management of marine protected areas, and the maritime culture and history of the area.

Seagrass is one of the most productive & important ecosystems in the Keys and it's being destroyed at an alarming rate!	The Yellowtail snapper is the center of a large fishing industry in the Keys. Found in the water column above the reef, this is usually one of the first species a diver or snorkeler will see upon entering the water.
The endangered Hawksbill turtle can occasionally be seen on the reefs of the Keys, resting or feeding on sponges & jellyfish.