Martyrs reef. First I've ever heard of it, and many folks have claims inside the "locked down" areas, including Tim Taylor on the Tiburon, and Odyssey Marine Exploration. If you are talking about Riley's Hump, it is locked down to rebuild fish stocks. It's working, we're seeing a many thousand fold increase in populations of black grouper and mutton snapper around Rileys. I know of 3 or 4 treasure hunting companies that are actively working claims inside the marine sanctuary, including Mel Fishers company. Would you care to elaborate on your statement?
in re: Martyr's Reef/ there are several references to it in these captain's log reports compiled from Lloyd's List, and numerous other resources:
Shipwrecks of Florida waters historical information with references by Dr. E. Lee Spence
This barrier reef actually extends in a horseshoe pattern around the tip of FL and not confined to the Dry Tortugas. The article I read on the Fed lockdown was outdated, apparently. Thanks for responding!