Below is an excerpt from Ian Wilson-Navarro’s new book, Dry Tortugas: Stronghold of Nature, published by Gainesville: University Press of Florida.
Ian will be one of over 500 authors reading and speaking at the 41st annual Miami Book Fair from November 17-24. Ian’s reading will be at 1 pm Sunday, November 24 in Room 8102. For more info visit MiamiBookFair.com.
Florida Keys—where land and sea interlace to create a mosaic of ecosystems. This unique group of islands is my home and has shaped me into the person I am today. Born to a Nicaraguan mother and an American father, I was fortunate to grow up in a place where the beauty of nature seamlessly blended with diverse cultures and traditions.
Some of my earliest memories take me back to fishing off a dock in Key Largo, at the old bayside home my family used to rent. It became a hub of adventure and exploration for my brother and me. As kids, we spent endless hours casting our lines into the waters of Blackwater Sound, hoping to reel in a prized catch. Mangrove snapper, spotted sea trout, and the occasional tarpon were the rewards we sought. It was during those moments of anticipation and excitement that our deep and lasting connection with the ocean and its bountiful treasures was forged.
Over time, I began to notice changes occurring in the Keys, changes similar to those marring other precious places. . . . The disheartening truth is that I found myself falling more in love with a place each year while simultaneously becoming increasingly aware of its decline. The more I observed, the more I yearned for an opportunity to experience what the Keys might have looked like before my time, to understand what they were like before human influence left its mark.
In a world where nature is increasingly threatened, it is vital to raise awareness about the fragility of our ecosystems. The Florida Keys, despite their allure and natural abundance, are not immune to the challenges posed by human impacts and environmental degradation. It is my mission to document the changing landscape, the struggles faced by our reefs and fisheries, and the urgent need for conservation. Through my photographs, I hope to contribute to the collective efforts of preserving this extraordinary ecosystem.
