Comment from Melissa Morris, n/a

As an active scuba diver for more than 22 years and instructor for 14 years, I agree with this proposal which will provide more protection to the Florida Keys natural resources of coral and live rock as well as to the increased safety of scuba divers with the increase in space between the divers down flag and vessels. Corals and live rock are natural resources that are necessary to the environment and tourism in the Florida Keys. These natural resources are not fast growing and should be preserved for all divers and by specifically prohibiting touching will provide more backup documentation for diver operators to enforce this to their customers. By increasing the distance between the divers down flag and vessel, an increase in safety for the divers will be achieved and provide support for law enforcement to enforce this rule with boaters. All items in this proposal will provide a support structure to increase public awareness and improve the environment and safety for scuba divers that visit the Florida Keys.