Biscayne National Park is known locally as a fantastic place for recreation. The park protects and preserves a nationally significant marine ecosystem with mangrove shorelines, a shallow bay, undeveloped islands, and living coral reefs. It has protected these unique resources since 1968. The shoreline of Biscayne Bay is lined with a deep green forest of mangroves. These trees, with their complex system of prop roots, help stabilize the shoreline and provide shelter for animals, birds and marine life. Their leaves become a vital part of the food chain when they fall into the waters. The lush seagrass beds found throughout Biscayne Bay are another major part of the food chain. The Florida spiny lobster depends on this rich food chain and the bay has been designated a sanctuary where the lobsters are protected year-round. Shrimp, fish, sea turtles, and manatees also utilize these productive underwater pastures. On the eastern edge of Biscayne Bay are the northernmost Florida Keys. These stunning emerald islands, fringed with mangroves, contain tropical hardwood forests in their interiors. The establishment of the park protected these islands from planned development, allowing them to remain a reminder of the area's past. On the Atlantic side of the islands lie the most diverse and beautiful of the underwater communities: the coral reefs. The reefs support a kaleidoscope of life. Fish, plants, and other animals abound in all the colors of the rainbow. Recreational opportunities abound in Biscayne National Park.Locally, it is known as a wonderful place to boat, sail, fish, snorkel, dive, and camp. The resources protected within the park are beautiful, diverse, and very productive; they are also fragile. Fish and animals can be injured and killed by trash in the water. Seagrasses can be torn up by boats that have run aground. Touching coral may open the way for disease. Carelessness can cause great damage to the resources of Biscayne National Park--forethought and care can preserve and protect these unique resources for the future. The park is 180,000 acres, of which 95 per cent is water. Read more about Biscayne Bay and Biscayne National Park.





Biscayne National Park - HomePage of this beautiful national park, with plenty of info about it.

View of Biscayne Bay - Web Cam from Coconut Grove overlooking the bay.

Another Web Cam - Biscayne Bay view from the top of Channel 7 studios in Miami.

Biscayne Bay Digital Library - Search for information on Biscayne Bay.




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