Deepwater Horizon Event Response Efforts

Florida's coastline is of paramount importance to the environment and economy. Due to the significance of the habitats found along the coastline, Florida is actively working to minimize the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. These efforts go well beyond the containment of the oil in the Gulf, and beyond the clean-up efforts on-shore. Responders are working to determine the effects of the oil spill on the environment in order to develop long-term strategies to restore these precious coastal habitats.

About the Deepwater Horizon Response ...

Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP) Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas oversees the management of Florida's 41 aquatic preserves, three National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR), one National Marine Sanctuary and the Coral Reef Conservation Program. These protected areas comprise more than 4 million acres of the most valuable submerged lands and select coastal uplands in Florida.

"Through Florida’s aquatic preserves, research reserves and national marine sanctuary, the state protects more than four million acres of submerged lands. These coastal and aquatic areas preserve wildlife habitats and protect waterways, while inviting residents and visitors to explore Florida’s natural environment."

Secretary Michael W. Sole