Development and Policy Applications of the 2010 Benthic Habitat Map for Dry Tortugas National Park..

Development and Policy Applications of the 2010 Benthic Habitat Map for Dry Tortugas National Park.. PDF Author: Robert J Waara
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
In 2008 an initial benthic habitat map was completed by the contractor Avineon, Inc. The National Park Service South Florida / Caribbean Network (SFCN) conducted an accuracy assessment of the map and found the overall habitat identification to be acceptable. However, upon further inspection, the soft-bottom habitat classifications displayed a relatively high level of accuracy, while the hard-bottom habitats were below an acceptable level. With the acquisition of new higher resolution side scan sonar data and 2054 field data points from multiple sources, the 2008 map was revised and improved by utilizing these new data sets to produce the 2010 Dry Tortugas benthic habitat map. The 2010 Dry Tortugas benthic habitat map was developed using 13 mapping classes and 1709 polygons totaling an area of 26,229 hectares. All "Unknown" areas (10,444 hectares) in the 2008 map were identified, the line work for the hard-bottom areas was fine-tuned and a mapping layer was developed showing those areas which have a higher potential for fish and benthic biodiversity. In addition, a final bathymetry layer for the park was developed by merging the existing light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and newly acquired side scan sonar/bathymetry data. The current management plan for the Dry Tortugas National Park (DRTO) marine areas focuses much of its effort on the Research Natural Area (RNA). The intensive amount of research effort placed on the RNA has also accomplished the research needed for the rest of DRTO because current research and monitoring efforts are split equally between areas of the DRTO that fall within and outside the RNA to make for a balanced comparative study design. In February of 2007, National Park Service (NPS) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) developed a science plan to assess conservation effectiveness for the RNA in conjunction with the rest of DRTO and the two nearby existing marine reserves. The implementation of the science plan has been accomplished through collaboration and cooperation of federal and state agencies, academic scientists, and NPS. The new benthic habitat map and corresponding products will help in showing what types of marine habitats are located in the Dry Tortugas National Park and provide the ability to track whether management interventions are effectively protecting the environment and associated resources.

Development and Policy Applications of the 2010 Benthic Habitat Map for Dry Tortugas National Park..

Development and Policy Applications of the 2010 Benthic Habitat Map for Dry Tortugas National Park.. PDF Author: Robert J Waara
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

Get Book Here

Book Description
In 2008 an initial benthic habitat map was completed by the contractor Avineon, Inc. The National Park Service South Florida / Caribbean Network (SFCN) conducted an accuracy assessment of the map and found the overall habitat identification to be acceptable. However, upon further inspection, the soft-bottom habitat classifications displayed a relatively high level of accuracy, while the hard-bottom habitats were below an acceptable level. With the acquisition of new higher resolution side scan sonar data and 2054 field data points from multiple sources, the 2008 map was revised and improved by utilizing these new data sets to produce the 2010 Dry Tortugas benthic habitat map. The 2010 Dry Tortugas benthic habitat map was developed using 13 mapping classes and 1709 polygons totaling an area of 26,229 hectares. All "Unknown" areas (10,444 hectares) in the 2008 map were identified, the line work for the hard-bottom areas was fine-tuned and a mapping layer was developed showing those areas which have a higher potential for fish and benthic biodiversity. In addition, a final bathymetry layer for the park was developed by merging the existing light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and newly acquired side scan sonar/bathymetry data. The current management plan for the Dry Tortugas National Park (DRTO) marine areas focuses much of its effort on the Research Natural Area (RNA). The intensive amount of research effort placed on the RNA has also accomplished the research needed for the rest of DRTO because current research and monitoring efforts are split equally between areas of the DRTO that fall within and outside the RNA to make for a balanced comparative study design. In February of 2007, National Park Service (NPS) and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) developed a science plan to assess conservation effectiveness for the RNA in conjunction with the rest of DRTO and the two nearby existing marine reserves. The implementation of the science plan has been accomplished through collaboration and cooperation of federal and state agencies, academic scientists, and NPS. The new benthic habitat map and corresponding products will help in showing what types of marine habitats are located in the Dry Tortugas National Park and provide the ability to track whether management interventions are effectively protecting the environment and associated resources.

Dry Tortugas National Park Vegetation Map, 2009

Dry Tortugas National Park Vegetation Map, 2009 PDF Author: Jose M. Luciani
Publisher: CreateSpace
ISBN: 9781491257333
Category : Dry Tortugas National Park (Fla.)
Languages : en
Pages : 124

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Book Description
The National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Inventory Program (NPS-VMP) funded the NPS South Florida / Caribbean Network (SFCN) to map the seven islands of Dry Tortugas National Park in 2009. The vegetation map of Dry Tortugas National Park was created by in-field polygon delineation instead of the more common photointerpretation of aerial imagery. Using the Trimble GeoXT GPS device in the field allowed the production of a finely detailed vegetation map (vegetation census) for Loggerhead Key, Garden Key, Bush Key, East Key, Long Key, Middle Key, and Hospital Key. The Dry Tortugas vegetation maps were made using the Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) zone 17 North coordinate system and the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) with a minimum mapping unit of 25 m2. The SFCN developed a vegetation classification in congruence with the vegetation map of Dry Tortugas National Park. The Dry Tortugas vegetation classification conforms to the Rutchey et al. (2006) South Florida Vegetation Classification System coupled with the vegetation communities unique to the Dry Tortugas.

Dry Tortugas

Dry Tortugas PDF Author: Ruth A. Musgrave
Publisher: Natural Laboratories: Scientis
ISBN: 9781643691145
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
While reading this book, students will explore the Dry Tortugas National Park and learn about the research underway there. From monitoring sea turtles to studying coral reefs, scientists in this national park are making new discoveries and doing their part to protect its ecosystem. The Natural Laboratory: Scientists in National Parks series takes a look at the research and responsibilities of scientists working in U.S. national parks. Each 7.5" x 10" photo-filled book explores the topography of the park, its natural resources, the specific projects that have been undertaken there and why these projects are significant. Each 48-page book in the series also features quotes from scientists working in the featured park, to better explain to readers how and why things are done

Research and Management Techniques for the Conservation of Sea Turtles

Research and Management Techniques for the Conservation of Sea Turtles PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Marine biology
Languages : en
Pages : 252

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Book Description


Coral Reef Remote Sensing

Coral Reef Remote Sensing PDF Author: James A. Goodman
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9048192927
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 446

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Book Description
Remote sensing stands as the defining technology in our ability to monitor coral reefs, as well as their biophysical properties and associated processes, at regional to global scales. With overwhelming evidence that much of Earth’s reefs are in decline, our need for large-scale, repeatable assessments of reefs has never been so great. Fortunately, the last two decades have seen a rapid expansion in the ability for remote sensing to map and monitor the coral reef ecosystem, its overlying water column, and surrounding environment. Remote sensing is now a fundamental tool for the mapping, monitoring and management of coral reef ecosystems. Remote sensing offers repeatable, quantitative assessments of habitat and environmental characteristics over spatially extensive areas. As the multi-disciplinary field of coral reef remote sensing continues to mature, results demonstrate that the techniques and capabilities continue to improve. New developments allow reef assessments and mapping to be performed with higher accuracy, across greater spatial areas, and with greater temporal frequency. The increased level of information that remote sensing now makes available also allows more complex scientific questions to be addressed. As defined for this book, remote sensing includes the vast array of geospatial data collected from land, water, ship, airborne and satellite platforms. The book is organized by technology, including: visible and infrared sensing using photographic, multispectral and hyperspectral instruments; active sensing using light detection and ranging (LiDAR); acoustic sensing using ship, autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and in-water platforms; and thermal and radar instruments. Emphasis and Audience This book serves multiple roles. It offers an overview of the current state-of-the-art technologies for reef mapping, provides detailed technical information for coral reef remote sensing specialists, imparts insight on the scientific questions that can be tackled using this technology, and also includes a foundation for those new to reef remote sensing. The individual sections of the book include introductory overviews of four main types of remotely sensed data used to study coral reefs, followed by specific examples demonstrating practical applications of the different technologies being discussed. Guidelines for selecting the most appropriate sensor for particular applications are provided, including an overview of how to utilize remote sensing data as an effective tool in science and management. The text is richly illustrated with examples of each sensing technology applied to a range of scientific, monitoring and management questions in reefs around the world. As such, the book is broadly accessible to a general audience, as well as students, managers, remote sensing specialists and anyone else working with coral reef ecosystems.

Atlas of Ocean Wealth

Atlas of Ocean Wealth PDF Author: Mark Spalding
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780997706901
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description
The Atlas of Ocean Wealth is the largest collection to date of information about the economic, social and cultural values of coastal and marine habitats from all over the world. It is a synthesis of innovative science, led by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), with many partners around the world. Through these efforts, we've gathered vast new datasets from both traditional and less likely sources.

Management Policies

Management Policies PDF Author: United States. National Park Service
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : National parks and reserves
Languages : en
Pages : 162

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Book Description


Coral Reefs of the USA

Coral Reefs of the USA PDF Author: Bernhard M. Riegl
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1402068476
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 811

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Book Description
Coral Reefs of the USA provides a complete overview of the present status of knowledge regarding all coral reef areas within the USA and its territories. It is written by the most experienced authorities in their fields and geographic areas. Stretching from the Caribbean to the western Pacific, the coral reefs of the USA span extensive geographic and biotic diversity, occur in a wide variety of geomorphological settings, and provide a representative cross-section of Holocene reef-building. This book will therefore be of broad general interest. For the first time, complete scholarly reviews are given for the geology, geomorphology and the biology of reefs encompassing a vast area stretching from the Mariana Islands in the west, Samoa in the south, Hawaii in the north and the Virgin Islands in the east. This book is not a status report, but will provide up-to-date information about stressors and the biotic responses of the reefs, as well as the geological explanations why these reefs exist in the first place. It will be an invaluable baseline-reference for all those who are engaged in research or management of these coral reefs or to those who simply enjoy being well-informed about one of the most iconic ecosystems of the USA.

Navigating Troubled Waters

Navigating Troubled Waters PDF Author: James R. Mackovjak
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Fisheries
Languages : en
Pages : 278

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Book Description


Habitats and Biota of the Gulf of Mexico: Before the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill

Habitats and Biota of the Gulf of Mexico: Before the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill PDF Author: C. Herb Ward
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 1493934562
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 948

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Book Description
This book is open access under a CC BY-NC 2.5 license. The Gulf of Mexico is an open and dynamic marine ecosystem rich in natural resources but heavily impacted by human activities, including agricultural, industrial, commercial and coastal development. The Gulf of Mexico has been continuously exposed to petroleum hydrocarbons for millions of years from natural oil and gas seeps on the sea floor, and more recently from oil drilling and production activities located in the water near and far from shore. Major accidental oil spills in the Gulf are infrequent; two of the most significant include the Ixtoc I blowout in the Bay of Campeche in 1979 and the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010. Unfortunately, baseline assessments of the status of habitats and biota in the Gulf of Mexico before these spills either were not available, or the data had not been systematically compiled in a way that would help scientists assess the potential short-term and long-term effects of such events. This 2-volume series compiles and summarizes thousands of data sets showing the status of habitats and biota in the Gulf of Mexico before the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. Volume 2 covers historical data on commercial and recreational fisheries, with an analysis of marketing trends and drivers; ecology, populations and risks to birds, sea turtles and marine mammals in the Gulf; and diseases and mortalities of fish and other animals that inhabit the Gulf of Mexico.