Tennessee Reef
Encyclopedia
Tennessee Reef is a coral reef
located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
. It lies to the southeast of Long Key
. It consists of drowned (deep) spur-and-groove reef. Much of the reef is within a designated "Research Only" zone.
An unmanned reef light
is located near the reef.
Approximate coordinates: 24°46′N 80°45′W
Coral reef
Coral reefs are underwater structures made from calcium carbonate secreted by corals. Coral reefs are colonies of tiny living animals found in marine waters that contain few nutrients. Most coral reefs are built from stony corals, which in turn consist of polyps that cluster in groups. The polyps...
located within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is a U.S. National Marine Sanctuary in the Florida Keys. It includes the Florida Reef, the only barrier coral reef in North America and the third-largest coral barrier reef in the world. It also has extensive mangrove forest and seagrass fields...
. It lies to the southeast of Long Key
Long Key
Long Key is an island in the middle Florida Keys.U.S. 1 crosses the key at approximately mile markers 65.5--71, between Fiesta Key and Conch Key....
. It consists of drowned (deep) spur-and-groove reef. Much of the reef is within a designated "Research Only" zone.
An unmanned reef light
Unmanned reef lights of the Florida Keys
The unmanned reef lights of the Florida Keys were erected between 1921 and 1935. As they were marking local hazards, they did not need to be visible for as far as the reef lights that were erected during the 19th century. By the time these lights were erected, older lighthouses were being...
is located near the reef.
Approximate coordinates: 24°46′N 80°45′W