This Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) systematically evaluates the short and long-term environmental and socioeconomic effects related to the implementation of seagrass restoration and seagrass injury prevention projects in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS). The goal of this PEIS is to describe a range of seagrass restoration techniques, used for both primary and compensatory restoration projects and seagrass injury prevention actions that potentially may be implemented in the FKNMS. The types of seagrass restoration and injury prevention projects proposed in this plan will be implemented with funds collected through natural resource damage assessment (NRDA) settlements for injuries to seagrasses within the FKNMS. The anticipated beneficial and adverse environmental and socioeconomic impacts of each restoration technique are discussed in detail.

The National Ocean Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, working in cooperation with the State of Florida, the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, and the National Marine Fisheries Service, proposes to establish a 151 square nautical mile “no-take” ecological reserve to protect the critical coral reef ecosystem of the Tortugas, a remote area in the western part of, and to the west of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS or Sanctuary). The reserve would consist of two sections, Tortugas North and Tortugas South, and would require an expansion of the Sanctuary boundary to protect important coral reef resources in the areas of Sherwood Forest and Riley's Hump.

This final Programmatic EIS is prepared pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to assess the environmental impacts of NOAA's proposed action to fund or otherwise implement coastal habitat restoration activities through its existing programmatic framework and related procedures. Projects implemented by NOAA vary in terms of their size, complexity, geographic location, and NOAA involvement, and they often benefit a wide range of habitat types and affect a number of different species. Fish passage, hydrologic/tidal reconnection, shellfish restoration, coral recovery, salt marsh and barrier island restoration, erosion prevention, debris removal, and invasive species removal, are among the project types implemented by NOAA through its various programs. Impacts from two alternatives are described. The preferred alternative is a current management, or "no action," alternative. The second alternative consists of providing technical assistance only.

" this book is the first to describe, in detail, the art and science of coral reef restoration. It is to be hoped that the information that can be gleaned within the pages of this book will set a path towards continued preservation of this valuable underwater treasure to be used, appreciated, and experienced for future generations." -- Senator