Hogfish Research in Dry Tortugas National Park
FWRI scientists in the Florida Keys have partnered with Dry Tortugas National Park to study hogfish in a no-take marine reserve of the park, known as the Research Natural Area. Protected since 2007, there is no anchoring and no fishing allowed in the 46 square mile reserve. This provides FWC scientists with an opportunity to study an unfished population of hogfish in south Florida which is critically important for establishing a baseline for hogfish movement and food web interactions without the effects of fishing pressure. This baseline will ensure that FWC is able to provide the best management of the hogfish fishery.