Situated 80 to 125 miles off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, the beauty and biological diversity of the Flower Garden Banks prompted researchers and recreational divers to seek protection for this area. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary protects thriving shallow water coral reefs, algal-sponge communities, and deeper mesophotic reefs full of black coral, octocoral, and algal nodule habitats. While this sanctuary may be a challenge to visit, visitors can enjoy it by diving and fishing in these waters.

Situated 80 to 125 miles off the coasts of Texas and Louisiana, the  beauty and biological diversity of the Flower Garden Banks prompted researchers and recreational divers to seek protection for this area. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary protects thriving shallow water coral reefs, algal-sponge communities, and deeper mesophotic reefs full of black coral, octocoral, and algal nodule habitats. While this sanctuary may be a challenge to visit, visitors can enjoy it by diving and fishing in these waters.

Diver explores Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Spotted moray eel in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Spotted moray eel

Diver exploring pinnacles of Stetson Bank in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Pinnacles of Stetson Bank

Yellow mouth grouper hovering over coral reef in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Yellow mouth grouper

Coral reef cap in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Coral reef cap

Diver encircled by school of fish in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Diver encircled by school of fish

School of creole fish in Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary

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