This paper will identify drinking water as a limited resource in a coastal community and recommend a Coastal Zone Management (CZM) protocol. It will include a global perspective and a United States (national) and County (regional) response to drinking water challenges. This perspective will include international comparisons of water as a decreasing global commodity and reflect security issues through a Threat and Risk Analysis, which will focus on biological contamination, accidental and terrorist initiated. The analysis will include a literature review and economic comparisons of municipal “tap” water costs vs. national and regional trends towards commercial bottled waters. This paper has five primary objectives. The first three are to define the sources of Broward County drinking water, provide usage by industry and municipalities and project future costs based on population growth, alternate sourcing and infrastructure costs to include protecting water sources and delivery systems. The fourth objective is to utilize a literature review to present the economic impact of the commercial bottled water industry, its effects on local water usage, projected costs, markets, and regional growth. The fifth objective considers a specific industry, Coca Cola, which is one of the largest receivers of Broward County drinking water. The conclusion includes a review of the impact of alternate water source costs incorporating security and threat assessment costs. Analysis compares Broward County municipal water prices with commercial bottled water consumer pricing via a survey format. The paper presents an economic based model of resource management, which includes recommendations for future strategies with which municipal authorities and professional water managers can maximize freshwater resource within a Coastal Zone Management paradigm.

Eight years of contemporaneous SST and ocean color data were statistically compared and contrasted to quantify their variations over a range of time and space scales. While it is generally accepted that chlorophyll concentrations (a proxy for primary production) on the equator are directly forced by upwelling, it is not clear that a simple correlation between SST and ocean color exists outside the equatorial wave guide or how it may depend on scale. The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Missions microwave imager (TMI) and Sea View Wide Field of View sensor (SeaWiFS) sensors have been in operation simultaneously for a period of nine years. Thus, the resolution of eight full seasonal cycles, including several ENSO cycles, suggest that significant results can be obtained by statistically analyzing the correlations between these satellite observed data sets. The statistical techniques include simple correlations and empirical orthogonal functions. Of particular interest are the possible influences which tropical instability induced circulations have on the marine ecosystem and ocean color. While results presented in this study are consistent with the paradigm that equatorial upwelling causes high productivity in the cold tongue, the overall relationship between SST and CHL (chlorophyll-a) is complex, depending on both time and space scale. The dominant modes of temporal variability in both data set are shown to vary on a seasonal cycle, with an inter-annual component. In addition negative correlation is found in regions where fronts in both SST and ocean color are disturbed by the passing of tropical instabilities and mesoscale eddies. Several zones are identified where eddy forcing clearly indicates a relationship between enhanced primary production and the influx of relatively cold waters. While it is likely that the coastal regions are dominated by upwelling processes, the previously established dynamics of tropical instabilities lead us to propose that horizontal advection within instability vortices is the dominant process leading to enhanced primary production along the equatorial fronts.

Crinoid taxonomy has been plagued with morphological variability as a result of intraspecific phenotypic plasticity. In an effort to test the validity of these overlapping morphological characters, we compared new mtDNA phylogenies and morphological matrices of two separate comatulid species complexes to the current alpha taxonomy. In the genus Comaster Agassiz, 1836 we examined partial mitochondrial (mtDNA) gene sequences (COI and ND2) of Comaster audax (Rowe et al., 1986), Comaster nobilis (Carpenter, 1884), and Comaster schlegelii (Carpenter, 1881), while in the genus Phanogenia Loven, 1866 we examined the two morphotypes of Phanogenia gracilis (Hartlaub, 1893). The morphological data analysis of overlapping characters revealed no trends in both species complexes, thus conflicting with current morphological species designation. Although, Comaster audax can be distinguished by its tuberculate brachitaxes and arm bases, spinous swollen axillaries and proximal brachial ossicles. The mtDNA phylogenies also conflict with current morphological species designation. Comaster nobilis and Comaster schlegelii are conspecific, while Comaster audax is paraphyletic with respect to the C. nobilis/schlegelii clade, which may explain the partitioning of some limited morphological variation to particular ocean basins. The P. gracilis morphotypes are conspecific with no geographic partitioning. However, population genetic analyses reveal genetic breaks between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean in the C. nobilis/schlegelii clade, which may explain the partitioning of morphotypes to particular ocean basins. The conflicting morphological and molecular data sets confirm that the morphological characters need to be reevaluated.

No description available.

Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) are known to winter in the warm coastal waters of South Florida and are especially attracted to the heated effluent from power plants. A portion of the Intracoastal Waterway within John U. Lloyd Beach State Park attracts manatees to its shallow mangrove-lined canals and warm outpourings from the Port Everglades power plant. Heavy boat traffic and the danger of manatee-boat collisions has resulted in no-entry zone sanctuaries and seasonal and year-round slow and idle speed zones, which have been created in coastal areas throughout Florida where manatees are frequently sighted. Unfortunately, even with these zones in place, boat strikes are still a problem in counties along Florida's coast. This study was conducted to obtain a characterization of speed zone compliance in speed zones around the Port Everglades power plant, Broward County, Florida. Objectives of the study were as follows: 1) Determine boater compliance with manatee speed zones based on miles per hour values; 2) Examine boat size, boat type, day of week, and time of day for effects on compliance and behavior; 3) Examine the effects of the presence of law enforcement vessels on compliance and behavior; and 4) Relate these results to the Florida Manatee Management Plan. The criterion by which boat speed is most often measured relates to wake size rather than a numerical value, and most regulatory signs in current manatee speed zones reflect this, using phrases such as ‘Slow Speed, Minimum Wake’ or ‘Idle Speed, No Wake’. To survey the speed of boats around Port Everglades, these speed definitions were converted to equivalent ranges of miles per hour values, providing a comparison for the speed of passing boats measured in miles per hour by a laser speed gun. To obtain a survey of boater behavior and test the effectiveness of the posted signs regulating boat speed in the area around the Port Everglades power plant, the speed of passing vessels was measured and recorded in miles per hour using Falcon Marine and Bushnell Speedster radar speed guns. Vessel speed was recorded from aboard a research vessel and from a position on land, situated so that the target vessel was within the range of the laser speed gun with an angle of incidence is 10° or less. Under these conditions the laser speed gun could accurately measure the speed of passing boats. Measures of boat speed in miles per hour obtained in the field were then compared to the ranges of speed in miles per hour that represent Slow and Idle speeds for this study. Of all boats surveyed, 23% were traveling at technically noncompliant speeds and 46% were traveling at blatantly noncompliant speeds. Data were grouped by boat type, boat size, day of week, time of day, and presence of law enforcement, and statistically analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations. Boat type, day of the week, and time of day did not significantly affect boat speed. However, speed was significantly influenced by boat size, and it was also correlated with the presence of law enforcement. Boats tended to go faster as size decreased. Speed decreased at an average of 0.36 miles per hour with each increasing boat size category, with a standard variance of 0.13 miles per hour. Vessels observed during this study which fell into the smallest size category, less than 12 feet long, traveled at a mean speed of 13.69 miles per hour with a standard variance of 5.46 miles per hour. Within the miles per hour standards this study used for estimation of Slow Speed, this is a blatant violation of vessel speed regulations in the area. Presence of law enforcement was found to be significantly correlated with boat speed. Surprisingly, observations during this study showed an increase in vessel speed when law enforcement was present in the area. Speed increased at an average of 1.75 miles per hour with the presence of law enforcement, with a standard variance of 0.36 miles per hour. This could possibly be due to the fact that law enforcement vessels were more often visibly present on weekend days, and on these days boats also tended to go faster. The primary findings of this study included boater noncompliance rates of 23% committing technical violations and 46% committing blatant violations when compared to a miles per hour estimation of current regulation speed categories, and identification of day of week and presence of law enforcement as the factors correlated with boat speed.

The pelagic longline is a common gear type used worldwide primarily for the commercial harvest of swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and various species of tuna (Thunnus spp.). Different species are targeted by deploying the longline gear at different depths. This technique is effective because the probability that a fish will consume a bait is proportional to the amount of time that particular bait spends in the fish’s feeding habitat. The depth of the gear can be altered by changing the number of hooks per basket, with the gear being shallower with fewer hooks. Shallow longline sets are typically used when targeting swordfish and yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), and may utilize four to six hooks per basket. The average maximum shallow-set gear depth is about 120 meters, but there is often variation in the depth range of the set because there are other forces acting on the longline gear than just gravity and buoyancy. Wind speed and direction, vertical current shear, fish captured by the gear along the line, and occasional interactions with other ships are all factors that can have a major impact on the depth of hooks during a set. To determine which factors have the largest impact on the depth range of pelagic longline gear, small temperature-depth recorders (TDRs) were deployed over two fishing seasons for a total of 70 longline sets. These sets were deployed in several different geographical areas within the Western North Atlantic. Depth profiles for several hooks per set were obtained and compared with the predicted depths. Observed hook depths were significantly shallower than the predicted depths in over 90% of cases. On average, the observed hook depth reached only 41% of its predicted value. These differences are compared between different regions and oceanographic conditions to assess if location or sea-surface state has a significant impact on the depth of longline gear. Wind speed was found to have a significant impact on the depth of longline gear, as well as wave height. The speed at which the gear moves through the water, how the gear was set with respect to current, and the geographical location of the gear also had significant effects on the mean settled depth of hooks within a set. The differences in gear depths between geographic locations were most likely caused by a combination of local environmental variations and setting technique.

This study analyzed data collected during the Broward County beach renourishment project yearly monitoring site visits. Twenty four sample sites throughout the county were established to monitor the coral reef community during beach renourishment efforts sponsored by Broward County and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Data collected during each site visit included stony coral cover, density, and colony size. Octocoral and sponge density were also collected. A sediment bottle trap was deployed at each site in order to record the sedimentation rates and grain sizes. These traps were collected and analyzed approximately every 60 days. This project used data collected from the year 2000 until 2004. During this time there were no beach renourishment construction activities therefore sedimentation can be assumed to be natural. The sample sites occur on unique habitat categories. These are: colonized pavement-shallow, ridge-shallow, linear inner, middle, and outer reef. It was previously unclear what was driving the composition of the coral reef communities at these sites. Using available information, this project’s objective is to examine whether or not the southeast Florida coral reef community varies temporally (2000-2004) and spatially (by habitat category). Additionally, this project seeks to examine whether sedimentation rate, grain size and/or depth, have any influence on the coral reef community data obtained at these sites. Changes in the southeast Florida reef system over time (2000-2004) were examined using univariate statistics. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to determine differences by habitat category. The reef communities on the ridge-shallow were statistically different than the reef communities on the linear middle and outer reefs. Sedimentation also varied in this study. The ridge-shallow had the highest sedimentation rates and grain sizes. Some stony coral species exhibited correlations with sedimentation rate, grain size, and depth. Stephanocoenia intersepta in particular showed more cover and higher densities in area where sedimentation rates were low, sediment grain sizes were smaller and depths were deeper. The following paper examines southeast Florida community patterns and how these factors may influence them.

Highly migratory species (HMS) are targeted in numerous recreational fishing tournaments in the Florida Straits and very important to the total directed fisheries for these species. Sailfish Istiophorus platypterus and wahoo Acanthocybium solandri are primary coastal pelagic fish species, found in similar shelf-edge habitats, targeted in these recreational tournaments. The economic importance of these tournaments is unknown, as is the probable overlap between tournament fisheries by anglers targeting this species. A voluntary mail survey was administered to two sailfish tournaments and one wahoo tournament within the Florida Straits during the 2009/2010 season. Questions were organized into four sections: general fishing activity and experience, tournament experience, fishing techniques, and personal angler characteristics. Response rates for the participating tournament were as follows: Stuart Sailfish Club Light Tackle Sailfish Tournament (SSCLT), 23.3%, Silver Sailfish Derby (SSD) 44.2%, and Bahamas Wahoo Championship (BWC) 33.0%. All participating tournaments represented an overwhelmingly male population (SSCLT 92.9%; SSD 94.7%, BWC 100%), the majority of which were residents of Florida. Sailfish was listed as the preferred target species for the participating sailfish tournament anglers with wahoo being listed as the preferred target species for wahoo tournament participants. All anglers in both sailfish tournaments responded yes to participation in the upcoming year’s tournament with only 50% of wahoo participants answering yes to this question for next year’s participation. Average tournament expenditures and economic contributions were part of the results from this study. All tournaments showed highest expenditures under gas and oil for boats. The SSCLT tournaments average for oil and gas totaled $2,785.00 for the tournament, the highest of the three tournaments surveyed. Lodging was shown to be the least important of all categories with averages ranging between $325-$700 per tournament. The direct economic contribution from each tournament as whole to the local economy were as follows: SSD- $425,109; SSCLT- $866,189; Wahoo-$71,550. These numbers correspond to the total tournament participation numbers with the highest contribution and participation being the SSCLT tournament. Understanding angler preferences and expenditure patterns will help tournament directors and local fisheries management agencies better understand the economic importance and management implications in South Florida.

The present study identifies 12 biotic and abiotic factors that affect the frequency and success rate of predatory attacks by white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) on Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) at Seal Island in False Bay, South Africa. These factors (with particulars of greatest frequency and success identified in parentheses) are: time of daily seal movement about Seal Island (early morning), seal entry and exit points (southern terminus of Island), time of day in which attacks occur (early morning), total length of attacking shark (3.1 – 3.5 m), seal age class (juvenile), direction of seal locomotion relative to the Island (inbound), seal group size (single), location of predatory strikes (≤400 m from shore), water depth (26 – 30 m), abovesurface light intensity (low, - ≤200 μE) and wind direction (NN to NE). These factors support a white shark’s need for encountering its prey, remaining cryptic during approach and launching a vertical, undetected attack, resulting in a fatal initial strike. Specific factors affecting the frequency of white shark predation at Seal Island (prey age class, distance from island, and depths at which attacks range) are similar to those identified at the Farallon Islands, off California; however, most (time of year, time of day, prey group size, prey mass, location relative to the Island, distance from Island, depth, wind direction, prey movement, shark size and light intensity) are different or have not been identified. Seven factors affecting predatory success rate were identified at Seal Island (time of day, depth, prey group size, light intensity, location of attacks relative to island, wind direction, and distance from island); factors affecting white shark predatory success has not been assessed at the Farallons. Therefore, it is inappropriate to draw generalizations about white shark predatory behavior based on a single site.

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) exhibit variable distribution patterns, depending upon their geographic location. Habitat utilization patterns in Biscayne Bay, Florida, were examined using the Biscayne Bay Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID database obtained from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Miami Laboratory. Habitat coverages in Biscayne Bay were obtained from the Atlas of Marine Resources Version 1.3B CD and the Biscayne Bay National Park CD. Dolphin sightings were overlaid on the habitat coverages using GIS Arcview software. The effects of habitat, season, behavior, zone (sectioned area of Biscayne Bay), and depth on patterns of bottlenose dolphin distribution were examined by analysis of variance to determine the significance of the factors. The total number of dolphins observed during the sightings analyzed was 1,538. The number of dolphins per sighting varied from 1 to 28 dolphins, with a mean of 5.14. The average number of dolphins per survey effort was 10.32. Several significant changes in habitat have occurred between 1991-1992 to 1997. The changes in habitat had some influence on the dolphins’ behavior distribution. The highest proportion of all behavior types was found in moderately dense seagrass beds and dredge bottom areas. Habitat quality (habitat types) of Biscayne Bay influenced dolphin sightings, while habitat quantity (habitat area) influenced dolphin numbers. Analysis of variance statistics supported the strong significant effect of habitat on the variation of sightings and dolphin numbers (P < 0.001). No significant difference in sightings was found between seasons or zones throughout the study period. The fall season had the lowest number of dolphins and sightings. The low number of surveys during the fall season does not account for all the influence on the dolphin numbers. Strong significant differences were observed between behaviors (P < 0.001). The majority of initial behaviors included traveling, feeding, and socializing. Changes in behaviors were apparent as observations continued. It was determined that the proximity of the research vessel and the duration of observation influenced dolphin behavior. Tail slap and chuffing behavior and boat interaction doubled and quadrupled, respectively during sightings. A strong variation in the number of sightings and number of dolphins occurred between different depths (P < 0.001). The majority of dolphins were observed in depths of 2.1 - 3 meters. This coincides with the fact that the majority of Biscayne Bay depths are within that range. A time series analysis was performed to determine if there was a cycle present in the pattern of dolphin distribution, and no significant cycle was found. Future analysis of dolphin composition (resident, migratory, nomadic) may yield cyclic patterns.