Remember that Panamanian freighter that ran aground in Tortugas Ecological Preserve back in October 2002? The ship severely damaged or destroyed approximately 1,175 square meters of coral and sealife.

Tortugas Preserve is a no anchor zone. Yet, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) investigators determined while illegally on the hook, the ship’s anchor and chain overturned more than 1,000 coral colonies and completely crushed others.

The agency recently announced a settlement with the Panamanian registered vessel for just over $500,000. That works out to an assessed value of a little more than $425 for each square meter of reef damaged.

FS