Dry Tortugas

Florida Book Awards, Gold Medal for Visual Arts



Rare photographs

that capture the beauty of a unique ecological treasure



An

immersive journey into the stunning beauty, rich biodiversity, and fragile

ecosystems of Dry Tortugas National Park, this book combines captivating photographs

with insightful narratives to highlight a remote archipelago that has profound

ecological significance.



Accessible only by seaplane or boat, located

70 miles west of Key West and part of UNESCO's World Network

of Biosphere Reserves, the park includes seven enchanting islands and--with 99

percent of the park being underwater--a treasure trove of marine life. Through

the lens of conservation photographer Ian Wilson-Navarro, readers will discover

lush seagrass beds, vibrant coral reefs, and mesmerizing turquoise waters that

are difficult for the public to visit.



The book's nearly 200 color images are

accompanied by essays by Sarah Fangman, Cori Convertito, Curtis Hall, and Nancy

Klingener, individuals with intimate knowledge of the park who explore its history,

culture, and environment. They elucidate the complex relationships between

nature and humanity that have long existed in the Dry Tortugas and emphasize

the importance of preserving both historic structures such as Fort Jefferson on

Garden Key and the undisturbed habitats that allow countless wildlife species

to flourish.



From

graceful green sea turtles and magnificent frigatebirds to intricate coral

formations and spectacular starry skies, the photographs in Dry Tortugas

inspire awe and appreciation for an environmental sanctuary that serves as a

baseline for Florida Keys ecology during a time of accelerating climate change for

the planet. Educational and emotionally resonant, this book is a powerful

testament to the park's allure and its incredibly special natural wonders.



Funding for this publication was

provided through a grant from Florida Humanities with funds from the National

Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions, or

recommendations expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent

those of Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.