NOAA/University of Miami Joint Publication NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS CCMA 161 NOAA LISD Current References 2002-6 University of Miami RSMAS TR 2002-03 Coastal and Estuarine Data Archaeology and Rescue Program AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE JOHN PENNEKAMP CORAL REEF STATE PARK AND THE KEY LARGO CORAL REEF MARINE SANCTUARY (Unpublished 1983 Report) November 2002 US Department of Commerce University of Miami National Oceanic and Atmospheric Rosenstiel School of Marine and Administration Atmospheric Science Silver Spring, MD Miami, FL a NOAA/University of Miami Joint Publication NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS CCMA 161 NOAA LISD Current References 2002-6 University of Miami RSMAS TR 2002-03 AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT OF THE JOHN PENNEKAMP CORAL REEF STATE PARK AND THE KEY LARGO CORAL REEF MARINE SANCTUARY (Unpublished 1983 Report) Gilbert L. Voss Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami Nancy A. Voss Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science University of Miami Adriana Y. Cantillo NOAA National Ocean Service Maria J. Bello NOAA Miami Regional Library (Editors, 2002) November 2002 United States National Oceanic and Department of Commerce Atmospheric Administration National Ocean Service Donald L. Evans Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr. Jamison S. Hawkins Secretary Vice-Admiral (Ret.), Acting Assistant Administrator Administrator For further information please call or write: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy. Miami, FL 33149 NOAA/National Ocean Service/National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science 1305 East West Hwy. Silver Spring, MD 20910 NOAA Miami Regional Library 4301 Rickenbacker Cswy. Miami, FL 33149 Disclaimer This report has been reviewed by the National Ocean Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for their use by the United States Government. TABLE OF CONTENTS ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................................ i LIST OF TABLES....................................................................................................................................... iii LIST OF FIGURES..................................................................................................................................... iv 1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................... 1 2. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS......................................................................................................................... 4 3. METHODOLOGY................................................................................................................................... 5 3.1. Field methodology................................................................................................................. 5 3.2. Description of the Study Area................................................................................................ 9 3.3. Outer Reefs........................................................................................................................... 11 3.4. Patch Reefs .......................................................................................................................... 12 3.5. Turtle Grass and Hardbottom................................................................................................ 12 4. RESULTS............................................................................................................................................... 13 4.1. Site 1. Molasses Reef ........................................................................................................... 13 4.2. Site 2. White Bank Dry Rocks ............................................................................................... 17 4.3. Site 3. French Reef ............................................................................................................... 20 4.4. Site 4. Mosquito Bank ........................................................................................................... 25 4.5. Site 5. Grecian Rocks ........................................................................................................... 28 4.6. Site 6. Key Largo Dry Rocks ................................................................................................. 31 4.7. Site 7. The Elbow.................................................................................................................. 33 4.8. Site 8. Carysfort Reef............................................................................................................ 37 4.9. Site 9. Basin Hill Shoals ........................................................................................................ 42 4.10. Site 10. Turtle Rocks........................................................................................................... 45 4.11. Site 11. Ocean Reef............................................................................................................ 48 4.12. Site 12. Turtle Harbor.......................................................................................................... 51 4.13. Site 13. North Channel........................................................................................................ 54 4.14. Site 14. South Channel ....................................................................................................... 58 4.15. Site 15. Rock Harbor........................................................................................................... 61 4.16. Site 16. Point Elizabeth ....................................................................................................... 64 4.17. Site 17. Angelfish Creek...................................................................................................... 67 5. REEF STRUCTURE AND ZONATION................................................................................................... 70 5.1. Outer Reefs........................................................................................................................... 70 5.2. Patch Reefs .......................................................................................................................... 71 6. DISCUSSION......................................................................................................................................... 72 6.1. Sanctuary and Park Habitats................................................................................................. 72 6.1.1. Coral-Sea Fan Habitat ......................................................................................... 72 6.1.2. Outer Reefs ......................................................................................................... 73 6.1.3. Patch Reef........................................................................................................... 74 6.1.4. Rubble Habitat ..................................................................................................... 76 6.1.5. Hardbottom Habitat.............................................................................................. 80 6.1.5.1. Offshore Hardbottom .......................................................................... 80 6.1.5.2. Inshore Hardbottom............................................................................ 80 6.1.6. Sand Habitat ........................................................................................................ 81 6.1.7. Turtle Grass Habitat............................................................................................. 82 6.2. Cryptic Fauna........................................................................................................................ 87 6.3. Coral Health .......................................................................................................................... 92 6.4. Damage to Corals by Boats and Anchors ............................................................................. 101 6.5. Species Diversity................................................................................................................... 102 7. GENERAL CONCLUSIONS................................................................................................................... 105 8. LITERATURE CITED ............................................................................................................................. 107 9. APPENDIX A. TRANSECT DATA AND QUADRAT COUNTS............................................................... 113 9.1. Site 1. Molasses Reef ........................................................................................................... 113 9.2. Site 2. White Bank Dry Rocks ............................................................................................... 128 9.3. Site 3. French Reef ............................................................................................................... 138 9.4. Site 4. Mosquito Bank ........................................................................................................... 151 9.5. Site 5. Grecian Rocks ........................................................................................................... 159 9.6.