NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has released a proposed rule to amend the regulations implementing the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) to eliminate the exemption that allows discharges of biodegradable effluent incidental to vessel use and generated by marine sanitation devices, and to require marine sanitation devices be locked to prevent discharges. This action builds upon the Environmental Protection Agency’s creation of a no discharge zone for the state waters of the FKNMS. A draft environmental assessment (DEA) has also been prepared and is available for review.  NOAA is soliciting public comment on these documents.  Comments on the proposed rule and draft environmental assessment will be considered if received on or before February 17, 2010.  Click here for a copy of the Federal Register proposed rule on the regulation of vessel discharges.  A copy of the DEA can be downloaded on the sanctuary’s web site.

Advisory Councils
A Sanctuary Advisory Council is a community-based advisory group consisting of representatives from various user groups, government agencies and the public at large.