Supporters of the Tortugas Ecological Reserves predicted that creating 151 square miles of no-take waters would lead to larger fish, and more of them. A dozen years later, a new federal study says they were right.<BR><BR>Catches for both recreational anglers and commercial fishing boats have remained steady, says the 164-page report finished in 2012.</p><p>"Overfished species such as black and red grouper, yellowtail and mutton snapper increased in presence, abundance and size inside the reserve and throughout the region," says a summary from the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which oversees the Tortugas Reserves.</p><p>Mutton snapper spawning groups, which previously were heavily fished, "began to reform inside the reserve."</p><p>The report spearheaded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Centers for Coastal Ocean Science says Key West fishing docks reported $56 million in landings in 2011, up from $40 million in 2001 when the reserves were enacted.</p><p>"This research shows that marine reserves and economically viable fishing industries can co-exist," Keys sanctuary Superintendent Sean Morton said. "The health of our economy is tied to the health of our oceans. They are not mutually exclusive."</p><p>Holly Bamford, assistant NOAA administrator for the National Ocean Service, said, "The findings in this report are good news for NOAA management efforts to enhance fisheries and other natural resources in the Florida Keys."</p><p>Information from the report can be applied elsewhere, Bamford said.</p><p>The Tortugas Ecological Reserves were established in the relatively pristine waters of the Dry Tortugas to protect complete marine ecosystems rather than specifically trying to safeguard corals or fish. Boaters and divers can visit most of the reserves outside of a research-only zone.</p><p>Marine scientist Sylvia Earle said creating what was then the largest no-take ocean area in the United States was "like being present at the dedication of Yellowstone National Park."</p><p>The study -- "An Integrated Biogeographic Assessment of Reef Fish Populations and Fisheries in Dry Tortugas: Effects of No-take Reserves" -- also involved research from the University of Miami, the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Southeast Fisheries Science Center. The full report is available online.