Rarely in this day and age does one get the opportunity to protect a relatively undisturbed and unique coral reef ecosystem. In the case of the Tortugas we have this opportunity. The purpose of this section of the FKNMS web site is to explain what is special about the Tortugas region, how the ecological reserve will be established, and how you can get involved in the process if you so desire. Please be aware that this material is evolving so some parts may be under development. Please send questions regarding the Tortugas 2000 process to Brian Keller, Science Coordinator (brian.keller@noaa.gov).

Thank you for visiting.

Additional Documents on the Tortugas Ecological Reserve:

• The Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Supplemental Management Plan (FSEIS/SMP)(4.5 MB .pdf file)
• The Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement/Draft Supplemental Management Plan for the Tortugas Ecological Reserve, released in May 2000, may be downloaded here(3.3 MB .pdf file)
• The May 2000 Federal Register Notice of the Proposed Rule for the Tortugas Ecological Reserve may be accessed here(634.3 KB .pdf file)