Current Research | Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Current Research

Nesting Pattern Study:

A GPS (Global Positioning System) is used to record the locations of sea turtle nests on Keewaydin Island. This data enables researchers to compare nesting patterns before and after fallen Australian pines were removed from the beach. Results indicate that removing the fallen pines was successful in creating or enhancing nesting beach habitat.

	Sea Turtle Activity on Keewaydin Island, FL 1994 - 2007. A “false crawl” occurs when a turtle comes up on shore but does not lay eggs. Data Credit to the Conservancy.
	Hatchlings Produced on Keewaydin Island 1994-2007 Based on data collected from Conservancy of SW Florida

Visitor Use

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Recommended Activities:
Sunbathing
Wildlife viewing
Nature photography
Camping (in designated areas)
Fishing

Fishing Licenses

Do you need a Saltwater Fishing License?

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Prohibited Activities
As part of the Wilderness Area Practice “Leave No Trace” guidelines, the following activities are prohibited.

Unleashed pets
Unattended fires
Hunting, harassing or possessing wildlife
Use of firearms or weapons
Removal or disturbance of natural or cultural resources
Pollution or destruction of property
Live shelling is prohibited throughout Collier County

Rule 18-23.007
Florida Administrative Code Chapter 253 Florida Statutes

To Report Violations
Call 1-888-404-FWCC
or (239) 938-1800 for DEP Park Patrol

Map of Closed Areas

2010 Beach-Nesting Areas

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Map produced by RNBERR.

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Closed Areas

Closed Areas in Collier County

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Map produced by RNBERR.

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Coastal Changes

Shoreline Change
Reserve staff has been using GIS technology to map the Keewaydin Island shoreline annually since 1998. This effort was initially conducted to examine the effects of Australian pine removal from the island. Results of this monitoring indicate that shoreline change in areas where Australian pines were removed was comparable to other areas where the trees were not present. The most noteworthy changes continue to occur along the south tip of the island, which is actually accreting (expanding).

The island’s shoreline is also mapped directly following major storm events to document their impacts on this dynamic coastal area.

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Keewaydin Habitats

Habitats on Keewaydin Island prior to Australian pine removal (1995)
In the mid-1990’s, Reserve staff mapped the nonnative and native communities on Key Island using satellite positioning technology, and planned a massive habitat restoration. Restoration funds included more than $1 million of federal, state and private funds. In 1998, contractors were employed to cut down and burn 350 acres of Australian pine trees on Key Island and nearby Coconut Island.

As a result, Keewaydin Island has grown to provide more habitat benefiting many species, and sea turtle nesting on Key Island beaches increased significantly.

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Key Island Restoration
Read more information on the Keewaydin Island Restoration project.