What We Do

The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge.

The 394-acre (1.59 km2) refuge was established in 1951, to act as a breeding ground for colonial bird species. Islands within the refuge include Indian, Tarpon, Mule, and Jackass Keys, and all are within the St. Petersburg city limits. 

Comprehensive Conservation Plan:

Refuge conservation plans are called “comprehensive conservation plansâ€� (CCPs). The purpose of a CCP is to specify a management direction for the Refuge for the next 15 years. The goals, objectives, and strategies for improving Refuge conditions—including the types of habitat we will provide, partnership opportunities, and management actions needed to achieve desired conditions â€� are described in the CCP. The Service’s preferred alternative for managing the Refuge and its effects on the human environment, are described in the CCP as well. 

National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) Improvement Act of 1997:â€�

The NWRS Improvement Act defines a unifying mission for all refuges, including a process for determining compatible uses on refuges, and requiring that each refuge be managed according to a CCP. The NWRS Improvementâ€� Act expressly states that wildlife conservation is the priority of System lands and that the Secretary shall ensure that the biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of refuge lands are maintained. Each refuge must be managed to fulfill the specific purposes for which the refuge was established and the System mission. The first priority of each refuge is to conserve, manage, and if needed, restore fish and wildlife populations and habitats according to its purpose. 

Management and Conservation

Special Use Permits - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service issues permits under various wildlife law and treaties at a number of offices throughout the country.  Permits enable the public to engage in legitimate wildlife-related activities that would otherwise be prohibited by law.  Service permit programs ensure that such activities are carried out in a manner that safeguards wildlife.  Additionally, some permits promote conservation efforts by authorizing scientific research, generating data, or allowing wildlife management and rehabilitation activities to go forward. 

The National Wildlife Refuge System has different Special Use Permit (SUP) Application forms to enable the public to engage in activities on a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service� for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

Learn more about national wildlife refuge . 

It is possible for prospective permit holders to fill out the pertinent application, print it, sign it, and return it to the refuge for processing. The permit is not valid until approved and signed by a refuge official. 

National Wildlife Refuge System Commercial Activities Special Use Application 

  • Commercial activities such as guiding hunters, anglers or other outdoor users
  • Commercial filming (audio, video, and photographic products of a monetary value)
  • Trapping 

National Wildlife Refuge System Research and Monitoring Special Use Application

  • Research and monitoring activities by students, universities, or other non-FWS organizations 

National Wildlife Refuge System General Activity Special Use Application

  • Miscellaneous events (fishing tournaments, one-time events, other special events)
  • Education activity
  • Other (any activity not mentioned above) 

Our Services

The islands are currently closed year-round to all public use because of their small size and critical importance to coastal species. 

Our Projects and Research

Staff monitors bird populations and collects and records observational data.