Ecology The Experimental Oculina Research Reserve preserves the Oculina Banks, a reef of ivory bush coral (Oculina varicosa) off the coast of Fort Pierce, Florida. In 1984, a 92 square-nautical-mile (316 km2) portion of these reefs was designated the "Oculina Habitat Area of Particular Concern". In 1994, the area was closed to all manner of bottom fishing and was redesignated as a research reserve. In 2000, the marine protected area was expanded to 300 square nautical miles (1,030 km2) and prohibited all gears that caused mechanical disruption to the habitat. The city is also known for its large manatee population.
Ecology The Experimental Oculina Research Reserve preserves the Oculina Banks, a reef of ivory bush. coral (Oculina varicosa) off the coast of Fort Pierce, Florida In 1984, a 92 square-nautical-mile (316 km2) portion of these reefs was designated the "Oculina Habitat Area of Particular Concern". In 1994, the area was closed to all manner of bottom fishing and was redesignated as a research rese.rve. In 2000, th:e marine protected area was expanded to 300 squ.are nautical miles (1,030 km2) and prohibited all gears that caused mecha:nical disruption to the habitat. The city is also kno.wn for its large manatee population.