Featured image: Stephen Frink
(FLORIDA KEYS, USA) –
The Florida Keys and Ten Thousand Islands contain the iconic natural wonders of the Florida Coral Reef, mangrove, and seagrass habitats, as well as being home to Aquarius Reef Base, the world’s only underwater laboratory. This Hope Spot connects the waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) with the waters of the National Parks of Everglades, Ten Thousand Islands and Biscayne Bay, forming a bridge between the established Florida Gulf Coast and Coastal Southeast Florida Hope Spots. Combined, this trio of Hope Spots signifies the need to highlight and  protect much of Florida’s coast for the future. 
International marine conservation non-profit Mission Blue has named the Florida Keys and Ten Thousand Islands, which includes Biscayne Bay, a Hope Spot in recognition of the area’s tremendous ecological and economic importance.…