Dry Tortugas National Park Geologic Resource Management Issues Scoping Summary

Thornberry-Ehrlich, Trista

Following a field trip on January 23, 2005, a Geologic Resources Evaluation scoping meeting took place in Homestead, Florida on January 24, 2005. The scoping meeting participants identified the following geologic resource management issues. 1. Coral reef framework rehabilitation and restoration is needed in response to anthropogenic degradation and disease. Vessel groundings are of particular concern. 2. Sea level rise is a concern for all of South Florida. Further research and monitoring is needed to determine how the environments at Dry Tortugas will respond to rising seas. 3. Benthic ecosystems need to be mapped at a large scale in the park using a multidisciplinary approach for resource management. 4. Island geomorphic processes and stability of Fort Jefferson are closely linked. Resource management must understand the nature of the underlying sediments to attempt to stabilize the crumbling fort. Modeling of sediment transport patterns and rates will help to predict shoreline evolution. 5. Groundwater flow dynamics, dictated by the hydrogeologic system, need to be modeled to predict nutrient/contaminant flow paths and to monitor water quality at the park. 6. Recreation and other use (including commercial fishing boats) threaten the reefs and sea grass beds at the Dry Tortugas. Remediation of the anchorage at the park is being considered.