Looe Key facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Looe Key |
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 Location in Florida
Location in Caribbean
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Map of Looe Key from NOAA Navigational Chart 11445
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| Location | |
| Location | Caribbean |
| Coordinates | 24°32′55″N 81°24′21″W / 24.54861°N 81.40583°W |
| Country | United States |
| Geology | |
| Type | reef |
Looe Key is a beautiful coral reef located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It lies to the south of Big Pine Key. This reef is part of a special protected area called a Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA). Some parts of Looe Key are even set aside just for research. This helps scientists study and protect the smaller reefs closer to shore.
Contents
What is Looe Key?
Looe Key is a vibrant coral reef ecosystem. It is home to many different kinds of marine life. The reef is a popular spot for divers and snorkelers. They come to explore its colorful corals and fish.
Why is it called Looe Key?
The reef is named after a British warship. This ship was called HMS Looe. In 1744, the ship ran aground on the reef. It then sank, giving the reef its name.
Protecting the Reef
Looe Key is a very important part of the ocean. It is protected as a Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA). This means special rules are in place to keep the reef healthy. These rules help protect the delicate corals and the animals that live there.
Reef Damage and Restoration
In August 1994, a research ship caused damage to Looe Key. The ship, named RV Columbus Iselin, ran aground. It damaged about 164 square meters (1,765 square feet) of living coral. A larger area of the reef's structure was also harmed.
To help the reef recover, a big project was started. In 1999, scientists and workers began to fix the damaged areas. They placed limestone boulders and poured concrete. They also brought back tiny ocean creatures called benthic species. This work helped the reef start to heal and grow again.
Images for kids
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Air photo of Looe Key in 1979.
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Endangered staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) alive at Looe Key in July 2010.
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Endangered elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) alive at Looe Key in July 2010.
