Fishery Benefits Marine reserves also can result in significant fishery benefits. By allowing some older, larger fish to remain in the water instead of being caught, reserves can ensure that individuals have the opportunity to reproduce before being killed. In addition, providing an undisturbed spawning site some reserves can actually increase a population's reproductive potential. By providing these benefits to fisheries, marine reserves can allow for greater catch levels from recovered fish populations and therefore, provide economic benefits as well. The aesthetic value of a functioning and intact reserve can foster non-consumptive recreational opportunities, such as snorkeling and diving.
Ecotourism can enhance public awareness of the benefits of marine reserves.
Presently, there are very few marine reserves in U.S. waters, although reserves have proven to be successful in other parts of the world for helping to restore depleted fish populations. One of the most significant reserves to be considered in the near future, the proposed Tortugas reserve could serve as a replenishment area for depleted fish populations in the Florida Keys as well as enhance diving opportunities for the Gulf's ecotourism industry. Located approximately 60 miles west of Key West, Fla., the Dry Tortugas Ecological Reserve, has been recommended by a working group of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary that includes commercial and recreational fishers, divers and conservationists. The reserve would protect a productive coral reef environment, including several recreational diving sites. This area contains very important habitats for a diverse community of reef fish, including mutton snapper, red-tail triggerfish , gray and yellowtail snapper, and huge jewfish.