Pulley Ridge is a coral reef located in the Gulf of Mexico, off the southern coast of Florida, United States. It is the only known deep coral reef system in the continental United States, and it is known for its high coral diversity and abundance of fish. Pulley Ridge is located at a depth of about 100 to 250 feet, and it is composed of a series of ridges and valleys that create a complex and diverse habitat for marine life.
The coral reefs of Pulley Ridge are characterized by their high levels of coral diversity and a high abundance of fish. The reefs are home to a wide variety of coral species, including stony corals and soft corals, as well as a diverse array of fish, including snapper, grouper, and amberjacks. Pulley Ridge is an important habitat for many species, and it is home to several threatened and endangered species, including the goliath grouper and the hawksbill turtle.
Pulley Ridge is protected as part of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which is managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The sanctuary is home to a number of conservation efforts aimed at protecting the reefs and the marine life that depend on them, including research and monitoring programs and education and outreach efforts.