Assessing Reef Fish Changes and Marine Reserve Dynamics in the Dry Tortugas, Florida

The efficacy of no-take marine reserves in Florida’s Dry Tortugas to enhance regional coral reef fisheries was assessed through a series of synoptic research cruises spanning 2 years before and 10 years after implementation.  Principles of statistical sampling design were used to guide fishery- independent diver visual surveys involving more than 10,000 research dives over a broad range of reef habitats to provide precise estimates of population abundance and size structure of more than 250 exploited and non-target fishes.  We report on changes in size-structured abundance, habitat occupancy rates and community metrics such as diversity inside and outside reserves over time.  Our findings suggest that no-take marine reserves, in conjunction with traditional management, can help build sustainable fisheries while protecting the Florida Keys coral-reef ecosystem.