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| Diving the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary |
Also known as the Texas Flower Gardens
The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is a federally
protected marine area. Lying about 110 miles off the Texas coast,
in the Gulf of Mexico,a coral reef system thrives. The healthiest and
northernmost coral reefs in the United States of America system
are a spectacular site to behold, and are a National Treasure.
Due to some 20 years of efforts by researchers and scuba divers,
the FGBNMS received "some" federal protection when designated
a national marine sanctuary but they still need further help to insure
this amazing area can endure for future generations
The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is a federally
protected marine area. Lying about 110 miles off the Texas coast,
in the Gulf of Mexico,a coral reef system thrives. The healthiest and
northernmost coral reefs in the United States of America system
are a spectacular site to behold, and are a National Treasure.
Due to some 20 years of efforts by researchers and scuba divers,
the FGBNMS received "some" federal protection when designated
a national marine sanctuary but they still need further help to insure
this amazing area can endure for future generations
Reefs estimated to be 10-15,000 years old
Nearest reef is 400 miles away in Tampico, Mexico
Designated FGBNMS in 1992
| East Bank Pear shaped dome 3.1 miles in diameter 19.2 square nautical miles 250 acre reef crest Comes within 60' of surface |
| West Bank Oblong shaped dome 6.8 * 5 miles 22.5 square nautical miles 100 acre reef crest Comes within 66' of surface |
| Stetson Bank 1 square nautical mile Siltstone Bedrock Comes within 53' of surface Added to FGBNMS in 1996 One of the most unusual places on Earth to dive |
| Habitat 21 species of coral 200+ fish species 250+ macro invertebrate species 80 species of algae Loggerhead only resident turtle |
| Pictures copyright Mark Walden 2001-2006 |
