Dove and Rodriguez Keys Wildlife Management Area

Dove Key, is located between Key Largo and Rodriguez Key, and favored by flats guides and birders who explore along the very shallow flats. There is a no motor zone on the tidal flats surrounding both Dove and Rodriguez Keys. The predominant mangrove species is red mangrove (Rhiozophora mangle). Egrets, herons, gulls, terns, cormorants, and pelicans frequent the two larger islets. The tidal flats are composed of several species of seagrass, predominantly turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum). The fishes known to the waters nourishing the mangrove roots include gray snapper, several species of grunts, silversides and mojarra. Small barracuda are the most ubiquitous species over the grass beds. In the deeper waters surrounding the flats, bonefish and small tarpon appear seasonally. The combined wildlife management area is 577 acres in size.

Special regulations apply here. Learn more about what activities are allowed in this type of zone.

A summary of all sanctuary regulations is available online. For the full text of sanctuary regulations, see 15 CFR 922 Subpart P.