Abstract

Globally, coral reefs are under intense pressure from human activities and environmental stressors. The coral reefs in Florida represent the only barrier reef system in the continental United States and this exceptional natural resource draws high numbers of boaters. The pressure is particularly acute in southeast Florida owing to the exceptionally large human population and the close proximity of the reefs to shore. To ensure effective, place-based management a management plan must be based on an understanding of vessel use patterns and associated activities. To fulfill this need we conducted comprehensive helicopter surveys of vessels offshore of southeast Florida during 2008 – 2009. The surveys determined vessel location and activity, including anchoring. These patterns were then used to establish high- and low-use research sites on the reefs. The corals and sponges were mapped and surveyed for cumulative damage. Although differences between use levels were not detected, between county differences were. Miami-Dade County had nearly 3x the hard coral and sponge damage and a third more gorgonian damage than neighboring Broward County. Moreover, the previous aerial surveys revealed 2x the anchoring on reefs in Miami-Dade compared to Broward. This may be explained by the extensive mooring buoy program (122 buoys) in Broward compared to Miami-Dade, which had none at the time. This study demonstrates the insight to be gained from understanding use patterns prior to establishing a management plan, and although only correlative, shows the possible effect of mooring buoys on anchor management.