Alligator Reef facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Alligator Reef |
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 Location in Florida
Location in Caribbean
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| Location | |
| Location | Caribbean |
| Coordinates | 24°50′50″N 080°37′11″W / 24.84722°N 80.61972°W |
| Country | United States |
| Geology | |
| Type | reef |
Alligator Reef is a beautiful coral reef found in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It is located southeast of Upper Matecumbe Key. This special reef is part of a protected area called a Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA).
Why is it called Alligator Reef?
Alligator Reef gets its name from a ship called the USS Alligator. This ship was part of the United States Navy in the 1820s. Its job was to patrol the seas and stop illegal shipping activities.
In November 1822, the USS Alligator was guiding other ships when it hit the shallow reef. The ship was badly damaged. To prevent pirates from taking parts of the ship, the United States decided to sink it.
Today, the Alligator Reef Light stands on Alligator Reef. You can find the sunken USS Alligator about 200 feet southwest of the lighthouse. Divers and snorkelers can still see the remains of the ship all year round.
Protecting Alligator Reef
Alligator Reef is a protected area. It is located about four nautical miles offshore. You can easily spot it because of the black and white lighthouse that stands there.
To mark the reef's edges, there are four yellow buoys. Boats are not allowed to drop anchor directly on the reef. This is because anchors can damage and kill the delicate coral. Instead, there are special mooring buoys where boats can tie up. If an anchor must be used, it should only be placed on the sandy bottom, not on the coral itself.
Many people visit Alligator Reef every day. They come to enjoy the calm waters and see the amazing sea life. The reef is perfect for new snorkelers and divers. Some parts of the reef are only about eight feet deep. Many local boat tours offer guided trips for beginners to explore this underwater world.
Rules for the Protected Reef
Because Alligator Reef is protected, there are strict rules to keep it safe.
- You are not allowed to remove any aquatic life from the reef.
- Fishing of any kind is forbidden within the reef area.
- Taking any coral, sand, shells, or any other form of life is against the rules.
