Salt dome/ReefMarine Protected Area

Flower Garden Banks

Depth: 21–40 mLevel: Advanced Open WaterMay-October (coral spawning)

It holds the northernmost coral reefs in the United States. Underlying salt domes pushed the seabed upwards and formed oceanic banks and mounds; conditions in the Gulf allowed the reef to begin building between ten and fifteen thousand years ago. It comprises East Flower Garden Bank, West Flower Garden Bank and, since 1996, Stetson Bank, which are not contiguous.

Depth

21–40 m

Recommended level

Advanced Open Water

Average visibility

30 m

The northernmost and best preserved coral reef in the Gulf of Mexico, with more than 50% coral cover.

Protection status

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary (established on 17 January 1992; expanded in 1996 and in 2021)

Did you know?

Despite the widespread decline of coral in recent decades, the two main banks have long been recognised as some of the healthiest coral communities in the world: they have suffered very little from hurricanes, bleaching and disease.

Sources consulted: Wikipedia (FGBNMS); NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries

Location

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