Key Permits Approved for Man Of War Mooring Field in Key West

Monroe County has received permits from both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary for the Man of War Harbor Mooring Field, marking a major milestone toward construction of the county’s planned mooring field near Key West’s Wisteria Island.

The Man of War Harbor Mooring Field is part of Monroe County’s effort to address long-term unmanaged anchoring and expand safe, managed mooring options in the Florida Keys. Chronic unmanaged anchoring can contribute to environmental damage, navigational hazards, derelict vessels, and reduced public access to waterways.

“This is a significant milestone for Monroe County and a project that we have been working toward for several years,” said County Commissioner Craig Cates. “Receiving both permits brings us much closer to construction to ultimately provide additional safe, managed mooring opportunities for the boating community.”

Once the required moorings are installed, the project will also allow a key provision of Florida Statute 327.4108(3)(a) to take effect. The statute establishes a 90-day limit on the length of time a vessel may anchor in one location within 10 nautical miles of a public mooring field or designated anchoring area in Monroe County. The anchoring limitation is intended to address long-term, unmanaged anchoring and its associated environmental and navigational impacts, and to help prevent vessels from becoming derelict.

The Man of War Harbor Mooring Field is one of two mooring fields Monroe County is developing. Monroe County is developing the other mooring field for the Boca Chica basin.

For more information, visit www.monroecounty-fl.gov/marineresources.

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