Adaptive Management Working Group

Adaptive management is a flexible, science-based approach to caring for the sanctuary. Instead of setting rules once and never revisiting them, adaptive management recognizes that ocean conditions, visitor use, and new scientific information can change over time. In a marine protected area like Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, this means we regularly monitor the health of corals, seagrasses, fish, and other resources, see what's working, and adjust our strategies when needed.

In practice, adaptive management helps the sanctuary respond to new threats, incorporate the best available science, and improve protection measures over time. It ensures that management decisions aren't static—they evolve as we learn more about what the ecosystem needs to stay healthy and resilient.

Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary's 2025 management plan lists several monitoring measures that may inform revisions to management approaches where current resource protection efforts are not meeting desired goals. One specific activity called for the establishment of a Sanctuary Advisory Council working group tasked with developing recommendations for research and adaptive management activities.

In December 2024, as a way to broaden input on resource protection needs, the Sanctuary Advisory Council established the Adaptive Management Working Group. This working group includes Sanctuary Advisory Council members and members of the public representing user groups, science, and conservation interests. Federal, state, and county representatives serve as advisors to the working group.

• Objectives
• Members
• Schedule
• Notes
• Draft Recommendations