The living reef is part of an overall system
which includes the Everglades swamp. The
shallow waters of Florida Bay provide a safe
"nursery" environment for many species of
fish and other reef creatures. Turtle grass
and mangrove trees serve as filters to
"clean" the water before it reaches the
reef. The extensive root systems of
mangroves provide protection for many
juvenile fish which eventually inhabit the reef.

  Anything which adversely affects the "health" of the Everglades also hurts the reef system.