Conch Reef

Conch Reef is a coral reef located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. It lies to the southeast of Plantation Key. This reef is within a Sanctuary Preservation Area (SPA). Adjacent to the SPA is a "Research Only" zone and the Aquarius underwater laboratory is at the center of the zone. Outside of these zones is Conch Wall, a deep wall reef.

Approximate coordinates: 24°57′11″N 080°27′30″W

External links

• Contour map of Conch Reef, with Aquarius lab in center
• Benthic Habitat Map
• Video of Pillar coral at Conch Wall
• Barbara H. Lidz, Christopher D. Reich, and Eugene A. Shinn. Systematic Mapping of Bedrock and Habitats along the Florida Reef Tract—Central Key Largo to Halfmoon Shoal (Gulf of Mexico). USGS Professional Paper 1751 Tile 2, Conch Reef

References

• NOAA National Marine Sanctuary Maps, Florida Keys East
• NOAA website on Conch Reef
• NOAA Navigational Chart 11464