Visiting Investigators
Shark Nurseries Rookery Bay Reserve Visiting Investigator Program

Located at the western edge of the Everglades on the Gulf coast of Florida, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve encompasses 110,000 acres of native habitats including pristine mangrove forest, uplands and protected waters. The Reserve represents one of the few relatively undisturbed mangrove estuaries remaining in North America, and serves as an outdoor classroom and laboratory for students and scientists from around the world.

Researchers from around the world have conducted studies at the Reserve. This research greatly enhances the ability of the Reserve to manage its natural resource by drawing on the expertise of these individuals. Past visiting investigator research topics have included improved methods to detect red tide organisms, the effects of sea level rise on mangrove habitats, and the influence of mangrove trimming on local fish populations. The National Estuarine Research Shark NurseriesReserve program annually funds two graduate fellowships at each Reserve.

Dormitories, vessels and other logistics can be provided upon request to registered investigators. Dorm space is available on a first-reserve, first-serve basis. All interested parties must fill out and fax in the Visiting Investigator registration form to request a reservation and review the Dormitory Use Policy. Reservations are not complete without payment.
 
Registration
  • Reservations must be made in advance and must be approved by the Reserve Manager or Program Coordinator by using the form below.
    This form will serve as a confirmation of your reservation. Please fax a signed copy of this document to Pat O’Donnell, RBNERR, 239-417-6315. User(s) must complete (if not already on file) a RBNERR/FDEP volunteer or visiting investigator application form prior to or at the time of check-in.
  • Maximum length of stay is limited to two weeks, unless approved by the Reserve Manager.
  • Please provide at least two days notice if you must cancel your reservation.
 


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GIS Shapefiles

GIS Shape Files

GIS Software required

95doqbase

A basemap of Southwest Collier County created from the 1995 United States Geological Survey (USGS) Digital Ortho Quarter Quads (DOQQ). The shapefile covers the coastal area from South Naples to Everglades City.

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Statute

The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve managed boundary. Additional funding for the installation of the second culvert is being pursued with construction anticipated to begin within one year.

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Shapefiles are not for legal use. For illustrative purposes only.

Research Papers

Visiting Investigators Research Papers

A selection of Research Papers:

Beach Conditions

Southwest Florida Beach Conditions

Southwest Florida Beach Conditions:

For the latest beach conditions in Southwest Florida and Collier County, check out the new beach reporting system. Updates include wind direction, surf conditions, the presence of Red Tide and more.
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