Comparative analysis of the functioning of disturbed and undisturbed coral reef and seagrass ecosystems in the Tortugas: Phase I- Establishing a baselineComparative analysis of the functioning of disturbed and undisturbed coral reef and seagrass ecosystems in the Tortugas Phase I, Establishing a baseline : progress report #4 and cruise report for leg 4 of NOAA ship OREGON II, cruise OT-01-01, 04 January 2001-13 February 2001

In July 2001, the Tortugas Ecological Reserve (TER) was established. It included two components: Tortugas North and Tortugas South. Tortugas North is approximately 91nm 2 and covers the northern half of Tortugas Bank, Sherwood Forest, the pinnacle reefs north of the bank, and extensive low relief areas in the 15-40 m depth range. The latter low relief areas have received little assessment yet the comprise 70% of the reserve area. Tortugas South is approximately 60 nm 2 and encompass Riley's Hump as well as deep water habitats to the south which are reported to provide critical habitat for several snapper species, snowy grouper, tilefish, and golden crab. The implementation of this reserve has provided an excellent opportunity for NOAA to investigate the effects of human disturbance (e. g., elimination of consumptive sampling and physical impacts) on the functioning of coral reef and deepwater algal and seagrass ecosystems... In support of this research, the NOAA Ship Oregon II arrived in Jacksonville, FL on 03 January 2001 to support research objectives of the CCFHR and collaborators (CCMA, CSC, FMRI, NURC, USF) on the southwest Florida continental shelf and the Dry Tortugas Ecological Reserve. A total of eight scientists representing three federal and state institutions participated in the final leg.