An owner of a sailboat grounded out and injured the coral reef had a $6,000 civil penalty. Three other recreational boats were fined $5,000 each for grounding in the seagrass.  

Injuring the seagrass is prohibited in various sanctuary areas. Sean Morton, the santuary Superintendent said, "Destruction of slow-growing coral and seagrass resources through boat grounding degrades important habitats and has the potential to disrupt the larger Florida Keys ecosystem. Many vessel groundings are entirely preventable through experience, patience and planning." 

Another charter that anchored and fished in a reserve was fined $12,000 in May 2009.   

Be very careful around the Key's waterways.  These accidents can be avoided with understanding the charts and local waterways.