Water ribbons and shoals near the Marquesas Keys

The Marquesas Keys are situated at the western edge of the Key West National Wildlife Refuge in Florida and are part of the Florida Keys Wilderness. The islands are at a low elevation (about 6-10 feet above sea level), and have beaches tangled with mangroves that allow protection for wildlife resources. 

The Key West National Wildlife Refuge is among the first refuges in the United States, established in 1908. It is a preserve and breeding ground for nesting birds and other wildlife. The refuge is accessible only by boat.

This natural color panchromatic-sharpened Landsat 8 image shows the area on May 15, 2025.  The Marquesas Keys are the prominent land feature. Ribbons of blue waves move through the shoals (shallow or sandy areas – the dark colors) near the islands.