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 All State waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary are a NO DISCHARGE ZONE for boat sewage effective June 19, 2002. All private and commercial vessels are prohibited from discharging sewage (black water) even if treated by Type 1 or Type 2 Marine
Sanitation Devices (MSD’s). This does not apply to gray water from showers or sinks. Y valves must be secured to prevent discharge of raw sewage overboard and boaters must utilize the pump-out stations while in the State waters of the National Marine Sanctuary.
By declaring the State waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary a No Discharge Zone, one source of direct nutrient introduction into the waters of the Florida Keys will be greatly reduced. Nutrients play a significant role in the degradation of the coral reefs, sea grasses, and the underwater wildlife that are vital to the economy of the Keys. As a boater using the pump-out stations at marinas in the Keys, you are helping to keep the waters pollutant-free for all who live in and visit the Florida Keys while helping to preserve our spectacular natural environment.
Please help us keep our water clean and nutrient free by utilizing the pump-out stations located throughout the Keys. Grant money from the Clean Vessel Act has been made available to local marinas for the installation and upkeep of pump-out facilities in order to keep pump-out costs very low for boaters. With your cooperation we can help preserve the Keys’ waters for all residents and visitors above and below water.
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