Land Development
In the Florida Keys the total area is 137.3 square miles. About 15 prevent of the Florida Keys area is developed. This means that there are many constructed buildings like offices, shops, houses (etc.). Over 60 percent is not developed or is in public ownership. The Middle Keys have less public lands but more development. In total all of the keys 20 percent is undeveloped. Submerged lands in the keys are 5 percent. The submerged lands refer to the seas that are in the area. The highways that have been constructed are about 127 miles long. Since the Keys are a very tropical and popular destination to visit during vacation times many developments have occured. During the past few years many hotels, resorts, and malls have been constructed. This development is a very positive impact for their economy. But even though it is good for the economy it is bad for the environment. Some of these land developments affect the environment because of the outcomes. For example, if trees are being cut down in the keys to build houses it affects the habitat of other plants and animals.
Land Degradation
The main source of degradation in the Florida Keys is in the coral reefs. The Florida Keys is a portions that consists of an ancient coral reef. The coral reefs are important because they contain one hundred fifty species of fish. Because of the coral reefs the Florida Keys is known as one of the top diving destinations in the world. Bur there are many declining rates in the coral reefs population. This affect many plants and animals since a coral reef is their natural habitat. Some threats to the coral reefs are wave disruptions, global warming, and human activity that is occurring along the coast, pollution from factories, boats (etc.), and fishing too much. These activities decline the process of the coral reefs to grow and reproduce. Over the years the coral reef population has changed significantly which causes negative effects on the ecosystems. The slightest touch can crush the coral which exposes it to disease and infection. The biggest threat to the coral reefs is the water quality. Corals require clean, nutrient free water to grow. The growth of corals have been reduced because of the lack of clean water.