The archipelago known as the Florida Keys is a geological formation which extends southwest from Florida's east coast for over 190 miles penetrating the open waters of the Straits of Florida and the Gulf of Mexico. It is this proximity to Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida which allows the Keys to be the direct beneficiary of the dynamic effects of the tides and currents associated with these immense bodies of water. One of the most dominating features of the Gulf of Mexico and the Straits of Florida is the Gulf Stream, which is considered to be one of the strongest ocean currents on the planet. The Gulf Stream is also one of the key factors contributing to the unprecedented biodiversity of the Florida Keys. Another key factor is Florida Bay.
Heres are fun facts on Floriday Keys. Florida provided 46.3 million days of recreational fishing in 2006 versus 41.1 million days in Texas, the second highest state. Of fishing days spent in Florida, 4.8 million days were by tourists (nonresidents), while Wisconsin, the second highest state for tourist days, provided 3.8 million days. In terms of nonresident anglers, Florida is also number one with 885,000, versus No. 2 North Carolina with less than half that at 395,000.