Dry Tortugas National Park (DTNP)

The Dry Tortugas National Park (DTNP) protects a 265 sq. km. area of coral reefs, sandy shoals, seagrass beds and seven small islands or keys. The marine area includes reefs with high densities of live coral cover and massive coral heads that are unique to the Tortugas region and rare in the Florida Keys. Rare migratory seabirds utilize the keys for rookeries and sea turtles nest on the sand beaches. DTNP was established by the U.S. Congress: “to preserve and protect for the education, inspiration, and enjoyment of present and future generations nationally significant natural, historic, scenic, marine, and scientific values in South Florida.” U.S. law also directs that DTNP be managed “to protect and interpret a pristine subtropical marine ecosystem, including an intact coral reef community,” and among other purposes, “to protect populations of fish and wildlife, including (but not limited to) loggerhead and green sea turtles, sooty terns, frigate birds, and numerous migratory bird species.” The Park has four management zones to achieve desired resource conditions and provide a range of compatible visitor uses, including a Research Natural Area where fishing and anchoring are prohibited to protect and restore coral and fish species and to scientifically evaluate their condition.