Snapper Ledge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Snapper Ledge |
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 Location in Florida
Location in Caribbean
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| Location | |
| Location | Caribbean |
| Coordinates | 25°00′00″N 80°25′00″W / 25.00000°N 80.41667°W |
| Country | United States |
| Geology | |
| Type | reef |
Snapper Ledge is a small, lively coral reef located in the beautiful Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It lies southeast of Key Largo, a well-known area in Florida. This special reef is home to many amazing sea creatures and corals. It is also found close to Pickles Reef.
What is Snapper Ledge?
Snapper Ledge is an important underwater world. It is a type of coral reef, which is like an underwater city built by tiny animals called polyps. This reef is found in the warm waters of the Caribbean, off the coast of Florida. It is part of the larger Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, a protected area for ocean life.
Protecting Snapper Ledge
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary helps protect places like Snapper Ledge. This sanctuary works to keep the ocean healthy. Unlike some other reefs in the sanctuary, Snapper Ledge is not a "Sanctuary Preservation Area." These special areas have very strict rules to protect the most sensitive parts of the reef. However, Snapper Ledge is still watched over and cared for.
Helping Coral Grow
Since 2009, a group called the Coral Restoration Foundation has been working at Snapper Ledge. They use this reef as a special "nursery" to grow new coral. They focus on growing a type of coral called Elkhorn Coral. This is a very important coral that has faced challenges. By growing it in nurseries, scientists can help more Elkhorn Coral survive and thrive. This helps to restore and strengthen the entire reef ecosystem.
Images for kids
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Diadema antillarum (sea urchin) with unusual grey spines at Snapper Ledge
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Closeup of a very large brain coral, Diploria strigosa, at Snapper Ledge
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Tube sponge, Agelas conifera at Snapper Ledge
