Marine Sanctuaries Conservation Series Reports

Science Diver.

Conservation Series reports highlight a variety of topics, including educational programs, resource management issues, and results of scientific research and monitoring projects. Reports are produced for each of the national marine sanctuaries, but the following publications address topics related specifically to Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary.

 





Major restoration and monitoring reports
Over the years, there have been a number of groundings in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary that involved large vessels, such as private luxury craft, commercial fishing boats, or commercial freighters. More…

Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function of Shallow Bank Systems within Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Research shows that habitats referred to as “bank systems” support a similar amount and diversity of fishes as do coral reefs, and like coral reefs are sensitive to human and environmental impacts. More…

Preliminary Comparison of Natural Versus Model-Predicted Recovery of Vessel-Generated Seagrass Injuries in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Scientists compared the natural recovery rate of seagrass after a vessel grounding with the recovery rate forecasted by a computer model, and found the natural recovery rate to be slower. More…

Knowledge, Attitudes and Perceptions of Management Strategies and Regulations of FKNMS by Commercial Fishers, Dive Operators, and Environmental Group Members: A Baseline Characterization and 10-year Comparison  
Socioeconomic researchers compared how knowledge and opinions about the sanctuary changed over a ten year period among commercial fishers, dive operators and environmental groups. More…

Connectivity: Science, People and Policy in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary  
This report reviews the outcomes of a special meeting devoted to understanding both scientific and human connectivity in the Florida Keys, and how it can apply to resource management. More…

2002 - 03 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Science Report: An Ecosystem Report Card After Five Years of Marine Zoning
This report examines the health of the entire sanctuary five years after its marine zoning system was created, using results from the sanctuary’s Marine Zone Monitoring Program, Water Quality Protection Program and other research. More…

A Pilot Study of Hogfish Movement in the Conch Reef Research Only Area
In this report, researchers studied the movements of eight tagged hogfish inside the no-take area of Conch Reef using an array of acoustic receivers. More…

Movement of yellowtail snapper and black grouper in the northern Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary as determined by acoustic telemetry
Scientists used an array of acoustic receivers to study the movements of yellowtail snapper and black grouper between the no-take area of Conch Reef and nearby reefs. More…

Biogeographic Analysis of the Tortugas Ecological Reserve
Using a variety of techniques, including sonar, remotely operated vehicles, drifters, divers and satellite imagery, scientists surveyed the Tortugas Ecological Reserve to better understand its habitat complexity and connectivity to the greater Florida Keys ecosystem. More…

Pre-Construction Coral Survey of the M/V Wellwood Grounding Site
Before major coral restoration began on the boat grounding site of the M/V Wellwood, scientists documented the types and amount of coral, as well as the structure and composition of the seafloor community. More…

Distribution and Sighting Frequency of Reef Fishes in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Volunteer fish monitoring surveys compared the diversity and distribution of reef fish between the upper, middle and lower Florida Keys. More…