Sizable foreign objects such as sunken boats and planes provide rich micro-sanctuaries for a plethora of sea life that otherwise would not exist.

Divers and snorkelers may harm the corals by touching the polyps, and boats may damage it by running aground and dragging anchors.

Global warming coupled with an intense El Niño has led to higher sea water temperatures throughout the area, which can cause coral bleaching.

First discovered as an introduced species in 2009,[5] the lionfish population affects the original flora and fauna of the Florida Keys in three major ways.

The regular spawning of the lionfish further impacts the environment of the Florida Keys;[6] which therefore always maintains a stable reproductive population.

The Australian pine is a nonnative species that poses risks to the original flora and fauna of the Florida Keys.

The Brazilian pepper tree is native to Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil, but was brought to Florida in the mid-1800s as an ornamental plant.

The tree produces a dense canopy that shades out all other plants and provides a very poor habitat for growth to native species.