Environmental Resources Management

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 (Buoys 1 and 2), North Emerald Reef (Buoys 3-5) 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 reefs@miamidade.gov.

Depth: 15 feet to 26 feet

Number of Buoys: Seven

Sponsors: We need sponsors for the ongoing maintenance required for this site. Learn about adopting a buoy if you would like to help!

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