In 2007, the National Park Service (NPS) and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) developed a science plan, "Assessing the Conservation Efficacy of the Dry Tortugas National Park Research Natural Area," specifically to assess the effectiveness of a 46-square-mile Research Natural Area (RNA). The RNA is a no-take, no-anchoring marine reserve that was implemented to protect shallow water habitats and reef fish species in conjunction with two nearby existing marine reserves, the Tortugas Ecological Reserves, North and South.
This three-year interim report summarizes the progress of the science plan activities to date. Work has begun on all 6 major topic areas described in the science plan. A total of 18 projects are currently underway. A summary of progress on each of these projects is provided here.
