National Parks in the History of Science: America's First Tropical Marine Laboratory (Video)

This video, "Islands of Discovery," highlights a long-ago laboratory in a beautiful national park.

Field research often requires field laboratories. Not surprisingly, those labs are in some of the most interesting ecosystems on the planet. With clear water, diverse habitats, and abundant life, the Dry Tortugas – 70 miles beyond Key West, Florida – hosted America’s first tropical marine laboratory from 1904-1939. Researchers there learned about everything from marine ecosystems to the chemistry of fertilization. And even how to make underwater color photographs. The legacy of science continues today as Dry Tortugas National Park and its partners work to understand and protect this special place.

Duration:

22 minutes, 55 seconds

With clear water, diverse habitats, and abundant life, the Dry Tortugas – 70 miles beyond Key West, Florida – hosted America’s first tropical marine laboratory from 1904-1939.