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Platform Coral

The Tortugas area has the highest coral reef coverage in the Florida Keys.

Tortugas Ecological Reserve ProfileDescription

The Tortugas Ecological Reserve is split into a northern and southern portion. The 2001 Sustainable Seas Expeditions will focus on the northern portion of the Reserve, which is located approximately 75 nautical miles west of Key West and was implemented as a no-take Ecological Reserve on July 1, 2001. Located at the convergence of the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, the Tortugas is an important measure for the health of these three marine environments.

This area of convergence also makes the Tortugas a critical area for spawning marine organisms. Larvae spawned in the Tortugas are carried by various ocean currents along the Florida Keys and upon meeting the Gulf Stream can be carried as far north as the Carolinas.

The area is characterized by the highest percent living coral cover in the Florida Keys and represents one of the most pristine coral reef areas in the continental United States. The remoteness of the Tortugas has been its saving grace and has contributed to its high water quality, low incidence of coral disease, and overall healthy reef environment. The crystal clear waters in Tortugas north range in depth from forty to 150 ft and encompass the shallow reef areas of the Tortugas Bank, an area known as Sherwood Forest, and the Pinnacles.

Colorful Reef Scene

A common source of bioluminescence in the pelagic zone include fish, squid, shrimp and jellyfish. Click image for larger view.

Research and Education Objectives

Habitats

 

 

Research and Education Objectives

Habitats

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