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Agenda 05/08/2003 WMay 8, 2003 COLLIER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA May 8, 2003 8:30 a.m. JOINT WORKSHOP MEETING Tom Henning, Chairman, District 3 Donna Fiala, Vice-Chair, District 1 Frank Halas, Commissioner, District 2 Fred W. Coyle, Commissioner, District 4 Jim Coletta, Commissioner, District 5 NOTICE: ALL PERSONS WISHING TO SPEAK ON ANY AGENDA ITEM MUST REGISTER PRIOR TO SPEAKING. SPEAKERS MUST REGISTER WITH THE COUNTY MANAGER PRIOR TO THE PRESENTATION OF THE AGENDA ITEM TO BE ADDRESSED. COLLIER COUNTY ORDINANCE NO. 99-22 REQUIRES THAT ALL LOBBYISTS SHALL, BEFORE ENGAGING IN ANY LOBBYING ACTIVITIES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ADDRESSING THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS), REGISTER WITH THE CLERK TO THE BOARD AT THE BOARD MINUTES AND RECORDS DEPARTMENT. REQUESTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD ON SUBJECTS WHICH ARE NOT ON THIS AGENDA MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING WITH EXPLANATION TO THE COUNTY MANAGER AT LEAST 13 DAYS PRIOR TO THE DATE OF THE MEETING AND WILL BE HEARD UNDER "PUBLIC PETITIONS". ANY PERSON WHO DECIDES TO APPEAL A DECISION OF THIS BOARD WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS PERTAINING THERETO, AND THEREFORE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS May 8, 2003 IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. ALL REGISTERED PUBLIC SPEAKERS WILL BE LIMITED TO FIVE (5) MINUTES UNLESS THE TIME IS ADJUSTED BY THE CHAIRMAN. IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE COLLIER COUNTY FACILITIES MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT LOCATED AT 3301 EAST TAMIAMI TRAIL, NAPLES, FLORIDA, 34112, (239) 774-8380; ASSISTED LISTENING DEVICES FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED ARE AVAILABLE IN THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE. State of the Coast Workshop for Elected Officials 8:30am - 12:00 Noon May 8, 2003 Marco Island Marriot 400 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island, Florida 34145 1. Greetings from the Coastal Training Program at Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve: To be in compliance with Florida State Sunshine Laws, all portions of the State of the Coast Workshop, including the luncheon and afternoon boat trip, will be open to the public, please see below for details. 2. Luncheon: Lunch is being supported by a generous contribution from the Friends of Rookery Bay. However, that support is intended to cover the target audience of elected officials and associated staff, plus workshop partners. For other people interested in joining us for lunch, a limited number of lunches will be available for sale in the morning at the workshop registration table at a cost of $18.00, payable by cash or check, to the Friends of Rookery Bay. All elected officials who do no wish to accept a donated 2 May 8, 2003 lunch can also pay for their meals in this fashion. Overflow seating will be available for all who would like to stay through the lunch session without purchasing food. 3. Boat Trip: The boat trip will be departing at 1:45 PM from Cedar Bay Marina, located at 705 E. Elkcam Circle, Marco Island, Florida 34145. Although we live in beautiful Florida, we will be out on the water where the weather can always surprise us. Please be prepared with whatever you need to be comfortable for the duration of the trip (sunscreen, hat, shoes & clothes that can get damp and handle salt spray). We will have bottled water available. 3 State of the Coast Workshop Briefing Book May 8, 2003 Marco Island Conducted by: Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Florida Department of Environmental Protection Coastal Training Program 300 Tower Road Naples, FL 34113 239-417-6310 www.rookeryba¥.org Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Coastal Training Program Presents The 2003 State of the Coast Workshop Thursday, May 8, 2003 8:30 am- 12:00 pm 400 Marco Island Marriott S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island This event was made possible by: Florida Department of Environmental Protection National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration The Friends of Rookery Bay Marco Island Marriott Cedar Bay Marina Florida Gulf Coast University Florida Marine Research Institute University of Florida South Florida Water Management District City of Naples Natural Resources Collier County Environmental Services Big Cypress Basin promoting informed decisions Page 3: Page 4: Page 5: Page 6: Page 9: Table of Contents Workshop Agenda Rookery Bay NERR Mission Coastal Training Program Vision & Goals State of the Coast Workshop Goals & Objectives Coastal Management Terminology Estuarine Ecology Page 12: Science to Management · Science as a Tool · Mosquito Control Example Page 17: Estuarine Science & Research · Water Quality Monitoring · Habitat & Fisheries · Red-tide · Public Use Page 29: Page 3 5: Coastal Management · Naples Bay example · Coastal Management Tools Needs Assessment Survey promoting informed decisions 2 State of the Coast Workshop Date: May 8, 2003 Time: 8:30AM- 12:00PM 8:30 9:00 9:30 9:50 10:10 11:00 11:50 12:00 1:30 4:00 Welcome and Introduction Gary Lytton, Environmental Administrator, Rookery Bay NERR Brian Badgley, Coastal Training Program Coordinator, Rookery Bay NERR Basics of SW Florida Estuarine Ecology Gary Lytton, Environmental Administrator, Rookery Bay NERR Science to Management Dr. Michael Savarese, Professor, Florida Gulf Coast University Dr. Michael Shirley, Research Director, Rookery Bay NERR Break Estuarine Science Panel Dr. Michael Shirley, Research Director, Rookery Bay NERR Dr. Greg Tolley, Professor, Florida Gulf Coast University Beverly Roberts, Research Administrator, Florida Marine Research Institute Taylor Stein, Professor, University of Florida Coastal Management Naples Bay Presentation Dr. Mike Bauer, Project Manager, South Florida Water Management District Coastal Management Tools Gary Lytton, Environmental Administrator, Rookery Bay NERR Panel: Mary Ellen Hawkins, Big Cypress Basin Board Member Mac Hatcher, Collier County Environmental Services Akin Owosina, South Florida Water Management District Dr. Michael Savarese, Florida Gulf Coast University Dr. Jon Staiger, Natural Resource Manager, City of Naples Carol Wehle, West Coast Director, South Florida Water Management District Summary & Closure Gary Lytton, Environmental Administrator, Rookery Bay NERR Brian Badgley, Coastal Training Program Coordinator, Rookery Bay NERR Lunch Keynote speaker: The Honorable Dudley J. Goodlette, State Representative Travel to boat trip Return to Marco Island Marriott and Adjourn promoting informed decisions 3 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Mission: Providing a basis for informed coastal decisions by communities in Southwest Florida, through an integrated program of coastal stewardship, research and education. The Coastal Training Program at Rookery Bay NERR Our Vision: All local professionals are managing coastal resources in Southwest Florida with full understanding of the value of those resources and the environmental, social, and economic consequences of all possible management approaches. Our Role: The Coastal Training Program at Rookery Bay serves as a regional forum to objectively transfer science-based information about sustainably managing coastal resources in Southwest Florida among the relevant professional communities. Our goals through 2005: · Provide relevant coastal decision-makers with the best available science- based information, tools, and techniques required to make responsible decisions about land use changes in Southwest Florida and the resulting effects on coastal resources · Maintain market knowledge and flexibility to develop short-term programs that address newly emerging issues or unexpected changes in priorities when appropriate · Increase regional networking and collaboration across professional sectors involved with similar coastal management issues promoting informed decisions 4 State of the Coast Workshop Goals & Objectives Goal 1. To increase awareness and understanding of science and coastal resources · Illustrate Collier County hydrology, and the watershed connection. · Demonstrate estuarine ecological function. · Usingprinciples of ecology, illustrate the impact of land use change on estuarine systems. · Highlight economic & social value of estuaries. · Identify a variety ofestuarine research efforts. · Illustrate opportunities for conservation/restoration in future permitting through awareness of countywide hydrology. Goal 2. To illustrate the benefits of science-based research as a tool in the decision- making process. · Explain the role of science, what it is and what it isn't. · Through explanation of 'what science is' show why science is essential to the decision maldng process · Illustrate how science can be used as a management tool. · Illustrate the link between environmental management andpolitical decision- making-(making decisions with the best available information at the time). Goal 3. To promote shared stewardship responsibilities between science and decision-maker communities. · Illustrate format for constructive dialogue between the scientific and elected decision maker community. · Establish format for a continuing dialogue between these communities. · Through the watershed connection, illustrate opportunities for collaboration o Between scientific and elected decision maker communities. o Between elected bodies. promoting informed decisions Coastal Management Terminology Bathymetry: Mapping the depth and bottom topography of a body of water Biomass: the weight of living organisms or organic material per area or volume Biota: Living organisms - plants and animals associated with a community or ecosystem CPUE: Catch Per Unit Effort, which is a fisheries term that standardizes fisheries landings to the amount of harvesting effort or technology that was used Detritus: particulate matter that enters into a marine or aquatic system. If derived from decaying organic matter it is organic detritus. Material resulting from the decomposition of dead organic remains Diversity: a parameter describing, in combination, the species richness and evenness of a collection of species. The number of species coexisting within a uniform habitat or a single community (this is the traditional concept of "species diversity") Dredge (dredging): to remove sand, sediments, etc. from the bottom, using a scoop or shovel-like device Estuary: brackish-water areas influenced by the tides, where the mouth of a river meets the ocean or gulf; a semi-enclosed body of water that has a free connection with the open sea and within which seawater is diluted measurable with freshwater that is derived from land drainage Ecology: the study of the interrelationships among plants, animals and other organisms and their interaction with all aspects of their natural environment Eutrophication: nutrient enrichment of a body of water; called cultural eutrophication when accelerated by introduction of massive amounts of nutrients by human activity Exotic species: any species that was considered not native to the state, prior to European colonization Food chain: an abstraction describing the network of feeding relationships in a community as a series of links of trophic levels, such as primary producers, herbivores, and primary carnivores; the passage of energy (food) from producers (plants) up to herbivores and carnivores Food web: a network describing the feeding interactions of the species in an area. Many interlocking and interdependent food chains Flow ways: shallow depressions that capture and direct surface water to the coast promoting informed decisions 6 GIS: Geographic Information Systems, which ties information to detailed maps in order to determine how different pieces of data are spatially related Habitat: the natural characteristics of the area where an organism lives; the particular location where an organism normally lives Hydrology: the study of the properties, distribution, and movement of water on land and in the atmosphere. Hypothesis: Proposed explanation for a phenomenon; it should be testable for acceptance or rejection by experimentation Impervious surface Intertidal: the zone along the shore between high and low tide marks Invasive species: a species that, after colonizing a new area, can become dominant and even displace other species Mangroves: a general term applied to several species of tropical and subtropical salt tolerant trees. In Florida, there are three species of mangroves and one mangrove associate; the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), the black mangrove (Avicennia germinans), the white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), and the buttonwood (Conocarpus erecta) Mortality: proportion of individuals that die during a particular event, study, or other time period Nutrients: those constituents required by organisms for maintenance and growth; substances which provide energy for growth and maintaining metabolism pH: measure of the acidity or alkalinity of water (1 =acidic; 7--neutral; 14=basic) Primary Production: the production of living matter from inorganic nutrients by photosynthesizing or chemosynthesizing organisms; Productivity: the rate at which a given quantity of organic material is produced by organisms Riprap: An assemblage of broken stones erected in water or on soft ground as a foundation or the broken stones used for such a foundation. Seagrass: flowering plants, usually have strap-like leaves, live entirely underwater Secondary Production: production by consumer organisms Salinity: a measure of the dissolved salts in the water (ocean water is about 35 parts per thousand - ppt- or 3.5% salty) 7 promoting informed decisions Stratification: division of an aquatic or terrestrial community into distinguishable layers on the basis of temperature, moisture, light, vegetative structure, and other such factors creating zones for different plant and animal types SAV: submerged aquatic vegetation (ex. seagrasses) Turbid: cloudy water due to high levels of suspended particles Turbidity: the weight of particulate matter per unit volume of seawater; the murkiness of water Water column: The three dimensional volume of water in a bay that is not directly associated with the bottom. Watershed: the land area that is drained by a river or estuary and its tributaries Weir: A dam placed across a river or canal to raise or divert the water, or to regulate or measure the flow. * Many of these definitions were obtained from the Florida Master Naturalist Program Student Workbook, Dr. Martin Main, Ginger Allen, and Annisa Karim, eds. University of Florida IFAS, Department of Wildlife & Ecology Conservation, 2002. promoting informed decisions 9:00 AM Esmarine Ecology promoting informed decisions 9 - Overview of Southwest Florida Estuaries Presented by Gary Lytton Environmental Administrator, Rookery Bay Reserve An estuary is a coastal basin in which fresh water from rivers and streams mixes with ocean salt water. Estuaries are highly productive and diverse ecosystems, providing essential habitat for wildlife, and supporting important economic benefits to coastal communities. Collier County's estuaries include Clam Pass, Naples Bay, Rookery Bay, and the Ten Thousand Islands. These estuaries range from urbanized coastal bays (e.g. Naples Bay) to relatively pristine environments (e.g. Rookery Bay). Key emergent and submerged plant communities in Southwest Florida estuaries include mangroves and seagrasses. Mangroves, with three species in Florida, are trees capable of living in salt water. The region's mangrove forested wetlands provide important functions for coastal environments: refugia for wildlife, nursery for recreationally and commercially important fish and shellfish, and an important source of food that fuels biological productivity along the coast. Detritus, or decomposed plant matter in the form of mangrove leaves, seagrasses and other wetland plants, provide an important energy source that serves as the foundation of the estuarine food web. Seagrass beds provide similar functions as refuge, habitat and food source for fish and shellfish. Coastal plant communities support a rich biological diversity in Collier County: 227 species of fish, 150 species of birds and 460 species of plants. Economic benefits from estuaries are linked to the high productivity associated with healthy coastal environments. For example, commercial landings in Collier County for 2002 (fin fish and shellfish combined) totaled over 4 million pounds and generated $11.7 million dollars. In 2001, there were over 22,000 registered boaters in Collier County. Recreational boating generates millions of dollars in revenue through sales of boats, boat rentals, fuel, fishing tackle and related items. Ecotourism is an increasingly important business that is linked to conservation of coastal resources. High biodiversity and productivity of estuaries in Collier County are linked to fresh water inflows that drain fi.om connecting watersheds, or drainage basins. Historically, seasonal rainfall flowing downstream to estuaries filtering slowly through wetlands concentrated within a series of flow ways, or shallow depressions that capture and direct surface water to the coast. Research has linked healthy estuaries to the timing, volume, and quality of flesh water flowing downstream from watersheds. Key estuarine species, such as shrimp, redfish and blue crabs have adapted their spawning cycles to the natural seasonal changes in salinity of the estuary. Key issues or threats to Collier County's coastal estuaries include: Loss of coastal habitat: Coastal development in Southwest Florida has resulted in direct impacts to estuarine environments from dredging, resulting in significant losses of wetlands such as mangroves and seagrasses. In Tampa Bay, 44% of the emergent 10 promoting informed decisions wetlands and 80% of seagrasses were lost, resulting in the collapse of important local fisheries. Watershed alterations: Changing land use within watersheds has resulted in significant impacts to natural fresh water fiow regimes to the region's estuaries. Timing, volume, and quality of fresh water have been changed as roads, canals, and other land uses alter the natural landscape. These changes interrupt spawning cycles offish and shellfish, and result in loss of plant communities (e.g. seagrass beds). Stormwater runoff/Water quality: Urban development along the coast can result in significant increase of impervious surfaces (e.g. roads, parking lots, etc.) that eliminate the natural filtering action of wetlands. Runoff from storms and seasonal rains carries pollutants (e.g. oils, pesticides, fertilizers) directly to estuaries. Runoffto coastal waters can alter natural water quality conditions, causing algal blooms and fish kills as eutrophication occurs. Thirty (30) beach closings in Collier County occurred due to high fecal coliform between August 2002 and April 2003. Non-native invasive plants/animals: The native biodiversity of the County's coastal environment is threatened by the introduction of non-native species of plants and animals. Non-native invasives, such as Australian pine and Brazilian pepper, out- compete native plant communities and eliminate habitat for native wildlife. Following the removal of 300 acres of Australian pines from Key Island, there was a notable increase in loggerhead turtle nesting. Public use: Collier County residents and tourists access coastal environments ranging from barrier beached to inland bays. Public use and enjoyment of the County's coastline contributes to both a higher quality of life for both residents and non-residents, and to a stronger local economy. Monitoring has indicated, however, that significant impacts are occurring from over-use and lack of public awareness. Seagrass beds are scarred from outboard engine props, barrier island beaches are littered with trash, manatees are injured or killed by unaware boaters, and seasonal shorebird nesting areas are lost to unwary beach goers. Catastrophic storm events: Hurricanes and tropical storms have occurred over thousands of years along Southwest Florida's coast. Catastrophic storms act as change events for coastal ecosystems, altering the configuration of barrier islands and tidal inlets and causing changes on short-term (e.g. wetlands loss) and long-term (e.g. tidal flushing) scales. promoting informed decisions 11 9:30 AM Science to Management promoting informed decisions 12 Connecting Science to Management Presented by Dr. Michael Savarese, Florida Gulf Coast University Presentation Outline 1. Purpose of this presentation. This short presentation has two purposes. First, the scientific method will be reviewed and its role in coastal resource management will be explained. Second, the method's strengths and limitations will be reviewed and the implications for management decisions explored. 2. Tools of the decision maker. Management decisions are affected by numerous factors, only one of which is scientific data. First and foremost, however, management decisions should be supported by the best science available. Beyond this other factors can constrain or influence management decisions. For example, legal issues may prevent certain decisions from being implemented or economic constraints may prohibit certain solutions. Finally, management decisions are influenced by the wishes of the decision-maker's constituency. 3. The scientific process. Science is often misconstrued as a collection or catechism of facts when in reality science is a process through which the natural world is studied. The process follows a rigorous and formal protocol. First, a hypothesis, a suspected statement of fact, is posed that is ultimately subjected to scientific testing. A hypothesis may be negated or falsified through the making of inconsistent observations. Alternatively the hypothesis may be corroborated by amassing supportive evidence. After the hypothesis is generated, an experiment is designed, predictions concerning the outcome are made, and the experiment is conducted. Data are collected and analyzed, and the results are interpreted. If the interpretation is consistent with the hypothesis, then the hypothesis remains viable. If the interpretation is not consistent, then the hypothesis is falsified and discarded. Finally, to ensure quality and objectivity, all scientific studies are subject to peer review before results are made public. 4. Difficulties studying environmental science. Environmental science is complicated by a number of factors, resulting in a lessened confidence in the outcome. First, ecosystems are dynamic and change over short time scales. This makes the characterization of an ecosystem's state problematic. Second, ecosystems are governed by numerous, interdependent factors, making it difficult to isolate specific causes and effects. Third, the state of an ecosystem is a consequence of history. Numerous, pre-occurring historic phenomena have affected the composition and state of an ecosystem. Accurately predicting an ecosystem response in the future requires an understanding of that history, something rarely known by the investigator. Fourth, the study of environmental science often requires immense amounts of time, time not available for the purpose of management. And lastly, ecosystems are difficult to study experimentally because they are hard to control and manipulate. All of promoting informed decisions 13 these factors contribute to a greater level of uncertainty in the results than what is experienced in other scientific disciplines. 5. As a consequence... Even the best environmental science can result in high levels of uncertainty. Often hypotheses are supported but they require additional testing. At times best efforts establish a correlation between two phenomena without necessarily establishing a cause and effect relationship. Ultimately then science is not necessarily a panacea. Yet within these limitations, and with foresight, science can "get the job done" and sound management decisions can result. 6. Implications for management. Best science should be employed whenever available before management decisions are made. If the level of uncertainty is low and the science community has great confidence in the results of the hypothesis test, then the management alternatives of choice should be clear (assuming no other compromising factors; see point 2 above). When uncertainty is high and the hypothesis test results are weak, then management decisions should be conservative and err on the side of greatest societal benefit. promoting informed decisions 14 Mosquito Control Example of Adaptive Management Presented by Dr. Michael Shirley, Research Director, Rookery Bay NERR Scientific research plays a key role in adaptive management, which is an emerging goal of many of today's management programs for coastal natural resources. Research gives quantitative, objective information on the success or other impacts of a management strategy, supplying feedback on the need for any alterations or new considerations. As stated in the previous presentation, scientific research may be one of many sources of information that need to be considered before adapting management strategies. To illustrate a real life example of the role scientific research plays in adaptive management, we will discuss a recent project conducted at the Reserve in partnership with Collier County Mosquito Control. Mosquito Control regularly treats a residential area east of C.R. 951 and adjacent to the core area of the Reserve along Henderson Creek. When researchers began finding large numbers of dead fiddler crabs in the Reserve, anecdotal evidence suggested that the mosquito pesticide might be the cause. Researchers contacted Mosquito Control to inform them of their concerns. Working together, the two agencies coordinated a research program to monitor the effects of pesticide application on fiddler crab populations. RBNERR scientists set up research stations to monitor both fiddler crab mortality rates and pesticide deposition on the ground. Data from the monitoring stations indicated that the mosquito control pesticide was the cause of high fiddler crab mortality rates and that pesticide problems within the Reserve were occurring when the wind patterns caused significant drift across Reserve boundaries. In addition, data showed that a large portion of the pesticide was being lost to rapid ground deposition, indicating ineffective mosquito control efforts. As a result of the research, the decision was made to adapt the treatments by flying an offset pattern to adjust for wind drift in order to target the proper area with pesticide. Continued monitoring showed that crab mortality was decreased, but continued environmental problems were still occurring. Large amounts of pesticide were still quickly depositing on the ground, causing non-target impacts and inefficient mosquito control. To gather additional information, a second round of studies were conducted using different chemicals and application techniques to investigate the possibility of more successful application methods. promoting informed decisions 15 As a result of the study, researchers recommended using a different pesticide and a modified spray nozzle. This new combination created a finer aerosol that stayed airborne and killed more mosquitoes with less pesticide. After implementation, there was no fiddler crab mortality, and Mosquito Control was killing more mosquitoes with less pesticide, thereby reducing their operational costs. This successful example illustrates the benefit that science can have when appropriately applied in coastal management. By formally incorporating and supporting research in management programs from the outset, science can provide valuable feedback on the natural resources that are being managed. This feedback is then one part of a step-by-step process that incrementally improves management practices through consideration of all parts of the puzzle. promoting informed decisions 16 10:10 AM Esmarine Science & Research promoting informed decisions 17 Water Quality Monitoring: Managing for Optimal Diversity Presented by Dr. Michael Shirley, Research Director, Rookery Bay NERR The physical and chemical properties of water naturally vary to a large degree, especially in coastal and estuarine areas that are influenced by watershed drainage, tidal mixing and weather patterns. Poor water quality usually means that one or more of these properties are far enough outside the normal range to negatively effect the local community. These may be direct effects such as toxins or pollutants that affect human health or decreased aesthetic appeal to residents and visitors. But, they may also be indirect effects, such as the degradation of other desirable natural resources (such as fisheries) that depend on certain water conditions. Managing water quality is challenging due to the variety of potential causes for any impact. Identifying the cause of water quality impacts is often difficult because coastal waters are receiving areas from large watershed drainage basins, but are also significantly affected by offshore conditions. Likewise, managing these impacts, particularly when they span large distances, is also challenging and highlights the need for coordination and communication among local communities. When water quality issues are relatively direct, such as pollutant-related health hazards, the management goals are also relatively direct - clean out the problem pollutant. However, it is important to also consider long-term goals for managing coastal water quality and its effects on the biology of the coastal area. In some areas, such as those dominated by an important fishery, water quality management aims to optimize a particular species or resource. However, it is also possible to manage water quality for the coastal ecosystem as a whole, by maintaining water quality that sustains maximal natural biodiversity within the ecosystem. By maximizing natural biodiversity, communities are likely to support fisheries and other desirable natural resources that were historically abundant. In addition, the waters will more likely support other species that, although little may be known about them, may play an important ecological role. Finally, a healthy, diverse ecosystem is generally considered more robust and able to recover from large disturbances such as storms or disease outbreaks. These biological goals are indirectly achieved by managing physical and chemical water properties in a way that approximates the natural state prior to being impacted. This is best accomplished by managing properties such as salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity (the amount of suspended particles in the water,), which most directly affect the biology of the system. The success of a monitoring program is largely dependent on having been correctly designed to give the necessary information. Because water properties in 18 promoting informed decisions coastal areas vary over very short time periods (minutes to hours,) biologically important changes in water quality can happen very quickly. Automated data recorders can be used to sample the water periodically (every few minutes) and store the readings for regular download. These systems can efficiently gather far more detailed data than traditional manpower-based sampling programs. As a result, they can often catch very important short-term changes or events that are missed when data are acquired less frequently. Results of these monitoring systems have shown important differences in various coastal bays in Collier County. Although we know that the hydrology of different bays has been altered to a different extent, monitoring programs have shown the different effects of these alterations on water quality. By comparing these data to differences in biodiversity in these bays, managers can determine what impacts are affecting diversity and set water quality targets to help improve the biological conditions. Research programs also sometimes monitor biological components of an ecosystem. All species have evolved to thrive in a specific suite of water quality conditions, and some of these can tolerate a much wider range of conditions than others. Improved understanding of these tolerances can help researchers try to predict the success of different species and changes in biological communities that may occur as a result of different water quality conditions. In addition, when much is known about the physical requirements of a particular species, its abundance (or its absence) can offer additional insights into physical water quality characteristics or changes that may be occurring. Thus, biological monitoring becomes another tool to help illuminate the complex interactions that affect successful management of coastal ecosystems. promoting informed decisions 19 Estuarine Health: Habitat and Fisheries Presented by Dr. S. Gregory Tolley, Florida Gulf Coast University Estuaries are created where fresh and salt water meet and then mix to varying degrees. Due to their unusual characteristics-freshwater inflow, relatively high nutrient input, and mixing due to tides and winds-estuaries are some of the most productive ecosystems in the world. Nevertheless, there is a cost to living in such a productive environment. These systems are subject to constant change: tides and freshwater input working together challenge species normally adapted to living in waters with stable salinities, an environment that allows for easier maintenance of internal water and salt balance. Yet, there is a growing consensus among scientists and resource managers that a significant proportion of commercially and recreationally important fishery species in the eastern United States depend upon estuaries to provide nursery habitat for developing young. These species can be said to be estuarine dependent to varying degrees: a small number of species have actually developed the survival skills necessary to live in the continuously changing estuarine environment year in and year out (e.g., spotted seatrout); however, many species that spawn at sea or along the coast have young that move into estuaries to take advantage of nursery habitats there (e.g., snook, red drum). It seems that for many of the latter, the young are better able to tolerate changing estuarine conditions than are the adults. In extreme cases, the young of some species actually travel far upstream in the estuary to be the first in line to take advantage of the abundant food available there. Those species able to successfully invade the estuary are well rewarded. Young fishes find a variety of habitats there-seagrass beds, mangroves, marshes, tidal creeks, oyster reefs-that provide food and shelter from predation. The importance of these habitats to coastal fisheries cannot be underscored enough: for example, the size of the commercial harvest for estuarine-dependent species has been linked to the amount of marsh habitat available within an estuary. As the young of these estuaxine dependent species grow and move into higher salinity waters, they provide a vital food and energy promoting informed decisions 20 link between estuaries and coastal marine environments. This transfer of food and energy offshore has recently been referred to as the coastal conveyor belt. Freshwater Inflow · Quantity · Timing · Quality Estuarine Conditions · Salinity · Sediment · Dissolved material · Particulate material Estuarine Resources · Species composition, abundance, distribution · Primary and secondary production x.. x.. j Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the effects of freshwater inflow on estuaries (Alber 2002~ As we begin to understand more fully how esmarine ecosystems function, we are beginning to realize the significant role that freshwater inflow (i.e., the amount, timing, and quality of freshwater) plays (Figure 1). For many coastal fisheries, productivity is related to freshwater inflow. Catches of shrimp, blue crabs, seatrout, and red dram appear to be greater in years preceded by higher levels of freshwater input into estuaries. In contrast, sustained high freshwater inflows into Apalachicola Bay in the Florida Panhandle result in reduced oyster harvests. At a time when major ecosystem replnmbing efforts are underway in South Florida as part of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, the consideration of the availability of freshwater for estuarine ecosystems and ultimately for coastal fisheries has never been more important. References Wilbur 1992 "Positive correlations between freshwater inflows and fishery harvests have been found for shrimp (Boesch & Turner 1984; Browder 1985), blue crab (Meeter et al., 1979), American lobsters (Sutcliffe 1973), and seas trout and red dram (Funicelli 1984)." 21 promoting informed decisions Freshwater inflow affects oyster production: "more frequent low flows, which may be caused by increases to consumptive upstream water uses, may have a detrimental effect on oyster production." Decreased CPUE of oysters negatively related to incidence of low (minimum) flows as well as to sustained periods of high flow (>30,000 cfs). Flannery et al. 2002 "The productivity of coastal fisheries is positively related to freshwater inflow (Browder 1985; Drinkwater 1986; Day et al. 1989)." "Significant relationships have been found between fishery yields of estuarine-dependent species and preceding freshwater inflow terms calculated over 2-mo or 3-m0 intervals, indicating that the seasonality of inflow can have a significant effect on fish abundance (Browder 1985; Longley 1994)." Mattson 2002 "... the minimum flow for a given water course shall be the limit at which further withdrawals would be significantly harmful to the water resources or ecology of the area ..." (Chapter 373.042, Florida Statutes) "The setting of instream flow standards in river ecosystems is often based on identification of the resources to be protected." Habitats: Tidal freshwater swamps Tidal marshes Low-salinity submerged aquatic vegetation Oyster reefs and bars Tidal creeks McIvor et al. 1994 "Reduced freshwater inflow along with overfishing are responsible for the decline in abundance of sturgeon, sardines, flatfish, crabs, and shrimp." Alber 2002 Able and Fahay 1998 Number of permanent resident species is low (high environmental variability), but productivity is high: result - low number of species comprises a large percentage of fishes both in numbers and biomass. Small number of permanent residents is augmented by transients: freshwater species that occasionally occur in estuaries; marine species that spawn at sea but whose young use estuaries as nurseries (juvenile stages are often more tolerant of environmental variability than adults). Diversity of life promoting informed decisions 22 "only a small number of species per family has successfully adapted to estuarine conditions, at least compared to the adjacent ocean. Those that have successfully invaded estuaries, however, appear to occupy a small number of broad niches." "estuaries provide essential nursery habitat for approximately two-thirds of the economically important fish species along the East Coast of the United States both for recreational and commercial fisheries." Hoss and Thayer (1993) Along the S.E and Gulf coasts of the U.S., over 90% of the most important commercial and recreational species of fishes spawn in coastal waters Nixon (1980) Commercial landings of estuarine dependent species are related to the ration of marsh area to open water area along major areas of the coast Rogers et al. (1984) Low salinity and freshwater areas were primary zones of recruitment for many species; peak recruitment and use appeared to coincide with periods of maximum river flow and influence on an estuary (larger area of optimal habitat) promoting informed decisions 23 ..... Florido Red Tides Presented by Beverly Roberts, Research Administrator, Florida Marine Research Institute What are they and what effects do they produce? Red tide is actually a bloom of a type single-celled planktonic plant called a dinoflagellate, with the scientific name of Karenia brevis. This dinoflagellate is most likely always in Florida waters, but does not cause a noticeable impact until environmental conditions are right to foster its growth to relatively high levels. There are many different types of microscopic algal organisms and blooms, and they play a very important part in the food web of coastal waters. However, the dinoflagellate that causes red tide also produces a toxin, which, at high levels, causes many of the undesirable effects that these events have come to be famous for, including: water discoloration · respiratory irritation · contact dermatitis · infections fi.om punctures · mortality of fish and other marine animals · accumulated toxins in animals such as bivalve mollusks (including commercial shellfish) and tunicates · human illness How can we manage them? Historical records indicate that red tides have occurred for hundreds of years. There is also considerable scientific evidence to indicate that red tides are a natural offshore phenomenon, only affecting the coast when wind patterns drive the bloom into inshore waters. However, scientists are currently investigating whether land-based nutrient pollution may increase the duration or intensity of red tide events once they move inshore. Therefore, it does not appear to be something that can be largely managed by land use decisions along the coast. There are however, opportunities for communities to manage local effects of red-tide, including: · information dissemination · response protocols · monitoring · fish removal · Further research initiatives that investigate: ° public health · prediction · mitigation & Control Please see the following handout for more detailed information. promoting informed decisions 24 Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission The Florida red tide is a naturally occurring phenomenon that con- tinues to challenge researchers seeking clues to its origin and cause. It has been documented along Florida's Gulf Coast since the 1840s RED TIDt FI0rida Unwelcome Visil0r and probably occurred much earlier. Fish kills around Tampa Bay were mentioned in the logs of Spanish ex- plorers. The source of these red tides--a group of tiny, plant-like organisms called dinoflagellates--was not discovered until the massive red tide of 1946-47 In southwest Florida. Description Red tides with various characteristics have been docu- mented worldwide for thousands of years in cold tem- perate to tropical waters. Dinoflagellates, the organisms that cause most red tides, are microscopic, single-celled organisms characterized by two whiplike structures, each called a flagellum. One flagellum spins the cell around and the other propels it through the water at about three feet per hour. Dinoflagellates and other types of microscopic algae, collectively called "phyto- plankton," are commonly referred to as the "grass of the sea" because they are so plentiful and have plant-like nutritional characteristics. They use the sun's energy to produce their own food and, In turn, are eaten by many other kinds of marine life. In this way, they serve as a Florida Marine Research Institute foundation for the marine food web. Dinoflagellates can produce some of the most powerful poisons in nature. When certain dinoflagel- lates are present in higher-than- normal concentrations, a "bloom" is created that releases poison, or toxin, into the water. This toxin can cause various effects; for example, it may paralyze fish, causing them to stop breathing. Some- times, a bloom discolors the surrounding water. The color may be red, but a bloom may also be yellow, orange, brown, or reddish-brown.That's why scientists prefer the term Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB). Scientists prefer to call red tides Harmful Algal Blooms, or HABs. In Florida, the most common cause of red tides is a toxic marine dinoflagellate named Knrenln brevls (fre- quently abbreviated to K. brevis), which is a yellow-green dinoflagellate measuring only about ~/iooo of an inch long. A stingray-shaped single cell, it contains one flagellum encircling a groove around the middle of the cell and a second flagellum trailing behind like a ship's rudder. The cell's forward morton resembles a gently falling leaf, turning over and over in the water as it swims, but/4. Scientific name Size Range Effects Karenla brevls (pronounced Kah-REN-ee-uh BREV-Is, often abbreviated to K. brevts). Formerly known as Gyranodlntum breve and Ptychodiscus brevls. About I/io0o of an inch long Documented throughout the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coastline to North Carolina Red tides can kill fish and other marine animals and contaminate shellfish such as clams and oysters. People can become ill by eating shellfish tainted with red tide toxins; additionally, toxic particles in sea spray at the shore can cause respi- ratory discomfort. brevis Is a weak swimmer and progresses mostly by drifting along with currents. Like other dinoflagellates, K. brevls reproduces by cell division, with a single cell splitting into two about every 48 to 120 hours. In addition to a dividing cycle, K. brevis has a sexual cycle that may include "resting" stages whereby it could remain inactive during non-bloom periods. Karenia brevis, magnl/~ed Karenia brevis is probably I, 160 times. always present in Florida marine waters at very low levels of less than or equal to 1,000 cells per liter (ap- proximately equal to one quart) of water. Periodically, due to a combination of environmental or biological conditions, K. brevis can accumulate in concentrations of up to millions of cells per liter. Water samples col- lected during a red tide that plagued southwest Florida in 1995 and 1996 contained over 20 million cells per liter. Counts exceeding I00 million cells per liter have been recorded. Scientific research shows that the growth of g. bre- vis is influenced by a variety of factors, including sunlight, temperature, salinity, and the amount and types of nutrients available in the water. Winds and cur- rents also play a role in determining when and where blooms will occur. Studies indicate that K. brevls prob- ably blooms annually in offshore waters as part of its The li[e cycle o[ Karenia brevis. The dominant cell can reproduce in two ways: by dividing tnto two cells (asexual division) and by merging with another cell (sexual cycle). Stages I through 9 are known, but stages lO through 12 are still tn question. normal growth cycle. It becomes a problem for people only when winds and currents drive the blooms close to shore, where they can be concentrated. Because Florida red tides caused by K. brevis start offshore, one theory is that pulses of warm water from the Caribbean moving Into the deeper waters of the Gulf of Mexico may "awaken" K. brevls and spark a red tide bloom. Another theory is that another phytoplankton organism precedes g. brevis and conditions the water for red tide growth. People frequently ask whether red tides are a re- sult of increasing pollution of coastal waters. Although excess nutrients associated with human activities have been linked to red tides caused by other species in en- closed areas in Japan, Europe, and elsewhere, there is no evidence to suggest a similar connection between pollution and Florida's offshore K. brevis blooms. K. bre- vis red tides begin offshore and have occurred in the Gulf of Mexico for hundreds of years, long before man- made pollution became prevalent. However, pollution can cause other types of algal blooms in Florida's coastal waters and estuaries, and researchers are vestigating the possibility that pollution or nutrient enrichment may influence K. brevis blooms after the blooms are transported and concentrated inshore. Didribufion Karenia brevls red tides have been observed at least once along almost the entire coastline of Florida. They have also occurred at least once in the coastal waters of the other Gulf states (most frequently in Texas) and in Mexico. On the Atlantic coast, K. brevis has been transported as far north as the Carolinas. Blooms occur most frequently from August through February but. have been documented in every month of the year. Offshore surveys have shown that Florida red tides generally begin 10 to 40 miles from the coast in the Gulf of Mexico on the mid-continental shelf. Winds and currents may push the patches of red tide onshore or along the shore to other areas. If conditions are right, a bloom may remain in an area for several weeks or may move up and down along the coast for months at a time. One red fide that first appeared near Naples in November 1946 spread as far north as Sanibel Island and Englewood by January 1947. Red tide surfaced again in the spring of 1947 in outer Florida Bay and a few months later as far north as Tarpon Springs. It was during this event, charac- terized as one of the worst red tide episodes on record, that scientists first identified K. brcvls as the toxic organism responsible for Florida red tides. flow Red Tides Affecf/ arine Life Karenla brevis toxins, called "brevetoxins," primarily affect the nervous system of fishes, causing death by paralyzing the nerves and effectively suffocating the fish. Karenia brevis can become lethal to fish at concentra- tions greater than 100,000 cells per liter. This organ- ism has been implicated in the mortality of marine mammals, birds, and invertebrates during red tides such as the one that occurred in 1996. Although K. brevls red tides can kill thousands or even millions of fish, there is no evidence that they cause permanent damage to marine fish and invertebrate populations. The impact of a red tide often appears to be short-lived, and fishermen have reported better catches of some species, such as crabs, in the months following an outbreak. This may occur because the red tide organism has killed specific predators, allowing certain prey species to survive in greater numbers, or because red tides introduce more food into the system. Thus, although large numbers of fish may be killed by a bloom, other species may benefit. Indeed, the ecosys- tem currently in the Gulf of Mexico is composed of populations that are the product of an environment that has included red tides, storms, and other disturbances for probably thousands of years. The red tide bloom of 1946-47 is estimated to have killed 500 million fish. slow-moving fish, unable to flee from the path of red tides, are usually the first to die, along with terri- torial or bottom-dwelling fish. Nearly all fish are sus- ceptible, especially if the bloom is dense or prolonged. Invertebrates are usually not killed by red tide toxins, although a greater variety of animals, including snails and crabs, may be killed if the bloom Is severe enough. Bivalve shellfish such as clams and oysters, which feed by filtering plant matter from the water, may ingest K. brevis and, consequently, become toxic to consumers. Even when ~'. brevis concentrations are only slightly above normal, these filter-feeders may become toxic If they are exposed to Iow levels of toxin long enough. In southwest Florida in 1996, an unprecedented event of 149 manatee deaths was finally linked to a red tide bloom that had extended into winter. As a result, both the bloom and the manatees were present at the same time in one of the manatee wintering areas. Red tide toxin was found in the organs and stomach con- tents of manatee carcasses. Given the results of detailed examination of the carcasses, scientists hypothesized that these animals died quickly after being exposed to large quantities of toxin. Additional manatees died in the winter of 1982 and in recent years during red tide events; these animals also showed signs of exposure to red tide toxin. Flow Red Tides Affecf People The greatest threat to humans posed by K. brevis red tides is through consumption of bivalve shellfish that have been contaminated with the red tide toxin. At present, no humans have died from eating tainted clams, mussels, oysters, or coquinas, but some people have become seriously ill with an ailment called Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP). Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, tingling of fingers and toes, and sometimes a reversal of sensations--hot seems cold and cold seems hot. Illness occurs within a few minutes to several hours after consumption of the shellfish. NSP is often confused with a more dangerous and commonly known shellfish poisoning called Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP). PSP Is caused by other dinoflagel- lates that produce an entirely different set of symptoms in humans. As part of a routlne shellfish management plan, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Ser- vices closes harvesting areas when shellfish beds are threatened by a bloom. The harvesting ban is lifted only after meat from shellfish passes a laboratory test for the toxin. Generally, most bivalves can purge the toxin from their systems wlthin two to six weeks after the red tide dissipates. The shellfish harvesting bans do not apply to shrimp, crabs, or lobsters because the edible parts of these and other crustacean shellfish do not become toxic when the animals are exposed to Florida red tides. Fish caught during K. brevls red tides show no ev- idence of the toxin In their flesh and are safe to eat if they are filleted. However, at any time, experts advise against eating a fish that appears sick or lethargic. People can also be affected by airborne toxins. Wave action breaks apart the red tide cells, and the tox- ins, associated with particles in the sea spray, cause sneezing, coughing, and general respiratory irritation. In addition, red tide can cause aesthetic problems in coastal areas; it often dumps smelly, dead fish--some- times hundreds or thousands of them--on area beaches. Most local communities dispose of the rotting fish quick]y, but these cleanups can be costly. K. brevis is one of only a relatively few red tide organisms known or suspected to produce noxious, airborne toxic particles that can irritate human respiratory systems. Should flumans Seek lo Eliminate Red/ides? Although it has long been debated whether research should strive to find ways of eliminating or otherwise controlling red tide, many scientists believe that there is no practical way to totally eradicate Florida red tides. Getting rid of red tide would be extremely diffi- cult and costly because red tide blooms often occur over hundreds to thousands of square miles of water, are distributed throughout the water column, can be moved great distances along the coast, and fluctuate daily with the tides. The use of chemical or biological control agents to disperse the red tide blooms or neutralize the toxins may adversely affect other forms of marine life. Yet, the possibility of controlling the bloom at a local level, by mitigating either its effects or its distribution, has recently gained popularity. Researchers are pursuing the possibility of applying techniques that have been used for limiting localized blooms of other species elsewhere. Overall, scientists and managers agree that we must be careful about introducing control agents into our coastal system. Indeed, there is speculation that the red tide phenomenon may serve an important, although currently unverified, role in making the marine ecosys- tem off Florida's coast more productive. If red tides and their paths could be predicted, alerted coastal communities might have time to mobi- lize cleanup crews and establish warning systems before the bloom arrives. With prediction as one of their goals, numerous scientists are participating in a fed- erally funded program called ECOHAB:Florida, a joint effort involving the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conserva- tion Commission (FWC), the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, Mote Marine Laboratory, and ten other university and federal laboratories. This group has been studying how these blooms develop, grow, and move. The use of satellites in detecting ocean currents and blooms also holds promise for tracking the move- ment of red tide and possibly predicting its occurrence. The FWC and a number of other agencies and research entities are acquiring scientific knowledge about the Florida red tide organism in order to manage its effects on humans and natural resources. Because of FWC's long-term experience with this organism and others, FWC scientists have made valuable contribu- tions to investigations of harmful algal blooms. This satellite Image, showing a bloom (light gray) in the Gulf of Mexico off the southwest coast of Florida, is an example of how satellites are used to detect and track red tides. The original image uses colors to show different concentrations of red tide. These blue arrows point to areas of greatest concentration. September 2002 OFlorida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Florida Marine Research Institute 100 8th Avenue SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701-5020 · (727) 896-8626 · www. floridamarine, org Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Visitor Study Executive Summary Kristina E. Stephan Taylor V. Stein Graduate Research Assistant Assistant Professor Kristianna J. Lindgren Research Technician School of Forest Resources and Conservation University of Florida Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (RBNERR), located in an extremely populated urban area in Southwest Florida, is a popular site for many types of recreational activities. The seemingly unlimited opportunities, and lack of visitor management, can both hinder a recreationist's experience and increase environmental impacts. The object of this report was to identify visitor perceptions of impacts and preferred management strategies, and create a helpful guide for managing for recreation. The Rookery Bay Reserve composes over 12,500 acres [note announcement, included in this notebook, of the recent boundary expansion that occurred after this study was published], the boundaries of the Reserve have now expanded to include approximately of diverse habitat, ranging from estuarine seagrass beds and mangroves to coastal marshes and upland stands of pine, cabbage palm (Sabalpalmetto), and hardwoods. However, Rookery Bay lies at the northern end of the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge (TTINWR) and is surrounded by other publicly managed areas. Therefore, this study took a regional approach to examining the Rookery Bay region - recognizing that recreation visitors and environmental processes do not recognize the political boundaries dividing the areas (Figure 1). Also, RBNERR and TTINWR managers have recognized their inherent connections and have formed a strong partnership in the management of the area. Figure 1 Study Area Naples ROOKERY BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE Taf~ Thotmand Isllnde '~ .! ~ National W'ddlife Ra{uge ;: promoting informed decisions 25 Visitors to Rookery Bay were interviewed at many popular access points to target as many types of users as possible. From September 2000 to March 2002, a total of 312 visitors were interviewed. Researchers contacted the first 157 study participants at public boat ramps, throughout Naples and Marco Island, which provided access to RBNERR. Researchers conducted the entire interview on-site for these respondents. To ensure researchers interviewed tourists to the RBNERR area, researchers targeted boat rental companies and surveyed 155 RBNERR visitors. To save time on-site, these interviews were divided into a short on-site interview and a longer mail-back questionnaire (46.5% response rate). The study area was divided into ten recreation zones in order to assess where visitors traveled, where they spent the most time, and what they considered to be their most favorite areas (Figure 2). Also, understanding where visitors traveled throughout the study area, but other information (e.g., perception of impacts, desires for management, and participation in activities) into a practical context. Key Findings Socio-demographic Characteristics Survey participants were mostly white males, between the ages of 26 to 55. Most were married with children, and many were well educated. · The household income of respondents was well distributed, however many averaged above $96,000 per year. · Over half were local to the Naples/Marco Island area, and more than three- quarters were repeat visitors. Trip Characteristics · Visitors spent the most time in and around zones 4, 6, and 7 (Keewaydin/Marco Island area). · The most common primary activities included fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing or sightseeing. · Visitors were motivated to come to Rookery Bay to reduce tension, enjoy nature, for achievement or stimulation, and to spend time with their family. Managing for Recreation Most Common Barriers to a Successful Recreational Experience · Environmental · Littering/Trash · Over-fishing/Taking more than the legal limit of fish · Damage to sea grass beds · Red Tide · Social · Traffic 26 promoting informed decisions · Crowding · Inconsiderate/Uneducated boaters Most Supported Management Approaches · Provide users with informational sources · Website · Maps · Brochures · Signs · Work with local residents when designing management activities for the estuary · Estuary clean up days · Citizens Advisory Committee · Focus groups · Create partnerships between local groups/constituents · Environmental organizations · Marinas, boat rental agencies · Monitoring and Enforcement · Improve monitoring of recreational impacts · Occasionally close areas to manage for ecological health · Create a more visible management presence · Maintain more enforcement of existing regulations Additional research is needed to assess the acceptability of the proposed management strategies and to evaluate the success of suggested communication campaigns. As the population in Collier County grows, steps will need to be taken to minimize the social and ecological impacts associated with high recreational use, consequently conflicts between residents and non-residents will be an issue of furore concern. Getting input from community stakeholders and organizing those citizens concerned with the conservation of local natural resources will continue to be a vital component of any future initiative. Ultimately all ecological impacts can affect the recreational experience of visitors to Rookery Bay. Solving problems, which harm the delicate balance of the southwest Florida ecosystem, will take a comprehensive, countywide effort, an effort, which includes citizen involvement, communication strategies, and continued monitoring of ecological impacts. promoting informed decisions 27 Figure 2. Recreation Zones Co#ier County, Florida Gulf of Mexico 4 Miles Roads Interstate State Roed U.S. Highway '[~ Zones /~/Stream11.shp promoting informed decisions 28 11:00 AM Coastal Management promoting informed decisions 29 Coastal Management: Naples Bay Example Like many urbanized bays, Naples Bay represents a highly altered system. Naples Bay and its watershed are drastically different from their historical state as a result of the land use changes that have occurred during the development of Collier County. Many of these changes that have occurred in estuarine areas have been intentionally implemented in order to achieve or maintain an important outcome (e.g., flood control, water supply, transportation needs). These characteristics can be found in many developed coastal areas of Florida: · Alteration of historic flow ways: To maintain flood control in the wet season and water supplies during the dry season, sheet flow is now blocked and channeled through managed canal systems. Often, these systems connect or divert historic drainage basins, effectively altering the size of the watershed (Naples Bay, for example, now drains approximately ten times more land area than it historically did) · Loss of wetland function: Canals are intentionally designed to rapidly convey floodwaters to the estuaries. As a result, they do not filter storm water or buffer large freshwater pulses as effectively as the wetlands that historically transported slow moving and widely dispersed sheetflow. · Increased impervious surface: Roads, parking lots, and buildings allow much less stormwater to infiltrate into the ground. Instead, this water is diverted directly into storm drains and then quickly to canals or coastal waters, and can carry large amounts of sediment, pollutants and nutrients directly to the bay. Furthermore, this diversion decreases groundwater and aquifer recharge. · Increasing turbidity: Increased sediment from erosion and stormwater runoff clouds the water and decreases light available for seagrass growth. High sediment loads can also impact bottom plants and animals as it settles out of the water. In addition, vessel traffic continually resuspends these sediments from the shallow bottom. · Shoreline alteration: To provide waterfront access and stabilize erosion on property lines, the shoreline has been physically altered and hardened in many locations. This alteration often results in a loss of mangroves and other fringing habitats, along with the functions they perform. As stated above, these changes were made to accomplish certain goals. However, with increased understanding of the relationship between ecological systems and community needs, and with new technology, it is often possible to achieve these goals with less impact, or even improved benefit, to the natural systems. This increased understanding can be applied to new developments, redevelopments, or to guide dedicated restoration efforts that aim to mitigate as much loss of ecosystem function as possible, while still maintaining the infrastructure needs of the community. As a result, Naples Bay, and other urbanized bays like it, are wonderful opportunities for collaboration and shared stewardship across disciplines and district lines in order to achieve constructive outcomes. promoting informed decisions 30 Findings of the Naples Bay Group Presented by Dr. Mike Bauer, South Florida Water Management District Naples Bay is a relatively narrow and shallow estuary ranging in width from 100 to 1500 feet; and in depth from 1 to 23 feet. As stated in the previous section, it has been altered in many ways as a result of recent urbanization. Specifically: · The historic watershed area was predominately comprised of swamps, marshes and sloughs that recharged the aquifer and supported native plants and animals. This gradually changed from those natural conditions, to agriculture, and then to urban land uses. · The Bay once drained about 10 square miles, but it's now the receiving body from approximately 120 square miles due to the construction of the Golden Gate Canal system. · The natural water inlets like the Gordon River, Rock Creek, and Haldeman Creek have been altered by urban infrastructure that has virtually eliminated the historic flowways to the Bay and impacted both water and biology. In late 2002, an unofficial group of people got together to discuss the Bay's problems. This group included staff from city, state, and local government, environmental groups, and the private sector. We found that, over the past 25 years, there have been several studies of Naples Bay that have produced recommendations for improved management. In 1979, The Conservancy of Southwest Florida issued a report entitled the "Naples Bay Study," which made the following recommendations ,, Slow the flood of fresh water in the summer by: o Improving the weir system, o Putting earth plugs in the Golden Gate canals, and o Re-flooding all of Golden Gate. · Prevent bacteria from accumulating in the water column by building a better sewage treatment system. · Control the speed of watercraft · Enforce shore-based pollution problems · Improve stormwater runoff by: o Plugging all storm sewers and directing water to a sewage plant, o Allowing only licensed operators to carry out lawn treatments, and o Removing debris from residential canals and correcting their depth. In 1988, The Naples Area Chamber of Commerce established a Naples Bay Task Force, which among its recommendations recommended the formation of a Bay Management Organization. This organization was roughly parallel to the Metropolitan Planning Organization, and made up of County Commissioners, City Council members, with a citizen advisory committee and a technical advisory committee. The Bay Management Organization recommended: · Carrying out a hydrographic study of Naples Bay (how much water goes where), 31 promoting informed decisions Establishing a stormwater utility, a funding mechanism for building facilities to control stormwater · Expanding the dredging and maintenance of residential canals, · Replacing vertical seawalls with rip rap, · Developing a Golden Gate Basin Management Plan In 1997, the Naples City Council established a Naples Bay Project Committee, which recommended: · Marine vessels be better controlled · Water quality be improved by o removing debris, o aerating canals, o preparing a bathymetric chart of the Bay, o restoring mangroves, o creating artificial habitats in the Bay, o connecting dead end canals, o implementing a stormwater master plan, and o educating citizens As a result of these studies, several of these recommendations have actually been carried out, including: The Golden Gate discharge rate has been slowed by improvements in the canal system · The wastewater treatment plant has been upgraded to tertiary treatment capabilities o Former package and septic systems have been hooked up to the central sewer system o All septic tanks in Naples have been eliminated. · Stormwater management is ongoing · Depth changes in some canals have been corrected · Vessel speed controls are in place. However, there are still continuing problems that are negatively impacting the health of Naples Bay. The recent informal Naples Bay group, after reviewing these studies, identified three major remaining problems in Naples Bay: · Stratification of the water column in the Bay and in canals is affecting oxygen levels, salinity, and the movement of food for aquatic organisms. · Stormwater runoffis still negatively impacting the Bay, and · Loss of estuarine habitats, such as mangroves, seagrasses and oyster reefs, has occurred due to changes in the shoreline. A short time after this group began meeting, we learned that the South Florida Water Management District had identified a number of projects designed to address these problems. The District has approached the Florida Legislature for the funding necessary promoting informed decisions 32 to carry them out. The WMD came to our group and explained their projects to us, which included: Developing stormwater management plans for the Gordon River Basin and the Gateway Triangle, · Stormwater improvements to the existing Lely area drainage system, · Modifications of Golden Gate Canal Weir #2 and 1-75 Canal Weir #1, · Mapping and hydrodynamic modeling of Naples Bay, and · Restoring submerged aquatic vegetation They then asked our group to rank the projects in order of importance to the Bay. The group ranked them the following order: 1. Developing a bathymetric map and hydrologic model for Naples Bay (what water goes where) to be used as a management tool. This can also help identify areas most impacted by fresh/salt water stratification. 2. Developing the Gordon River Basin Stormwater Management Master Plan 3. Modification of Golden Gate Canal Weir # 2. 4. Modification of 1-75 Canal Weir #1. 5. Document the historic distribution of habitats (SAV, oyster reefs, mangroves) prior to restoration efforts. 6. Gateway Triangle Stormwater Management Plan. To accomplish these goals, the group recommends the establishment of a formal implementation team. This group should be comprised of individuals capable of moving forward and acting on the restoration initiatives. The Naples Bay Group recommends that this formal implementation team should be comprised of core group of individuals that represent: · Collier County Commission · City Council of Naples · Collier County and City of Naples Natural Resources Departments · SFWMD Big Cypress Basin · Rookery Bay NERR · Non-profit · Private industry · Citizens promoting informed decisions 33 Coastal Management Tools Presented by Gary Lytton Environmental Administrator, Rookery Bay Reserve There is a suite of management strategies or tools available to local governments to help address the challenges of coastal management in Collier County: Research and Monitoring: Establishing and sustaining long-term monitoring of changing coastal conditions, combined with data analysis, can yield important information to managers and decision-makers. Monitoring can provide an "early warning system" that allows managers to address water quality problems before they become a crisis. Monitoring results are also used to direct restoration and stormwater management efforts. Basic and applied research is essential for increasing knowledge and understanding of coastal processes and the changing relationship of humans to the coastal environment. Applied research directed to specific issues can result in solutions to coastal problems, such as minimizing the effects of mosquito aerial spraying on non- target species, and reestablishing natural fresh water flow regimes to estuaries. Land Use Planning and Mapping: Strategic planning for sustainable use of coastal resources is an important tool that enhances protection of critical habitats and helps to ensure a sustainable economy. As the county population increases, Naples, Marco Island, and Everglades City are transitioning to the redevelopment of coastal communities. Planning for restoration and sustaining fresh water flow ways, enhancing stormwater treatment and management, and allocating sufficient fresh water to estuaries are examples of coastal management strategies designed to sustain a healthy coast. Access to recent technological advances in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can greatly enhance planning efforts through the use of high resolution satellite and aerial imagery combined with analysis of spatial data. Restoring Altered Hydrology and Wetlands: Restoration projects designed to restore impacted coastal wetland habitats (e.g. mangroves) have bccn successfully completed at a number of coastal sites in Collier County. More recently, restoration projects designed to restore altered fresh water or tidal flows (e.g. bridges, culverts, "geoweb," and removal of roads) have been conducted. The planned restoration of thc Southern Golden Gate Estates is an example of a large-scale watershed restoration designed to restore altered flows to the Ten Thousand Islands estuary. Education and Training: Increased community awareness of coastal resources and issues is a powerful management strategy that promotes coastal stewardship in the private and public sector. Residents are key decisions-makers on issues ranging from land use to resource protection. Professionals, including elected officials, land use planners, developers, agricultural interests, environmental regulatory officials, and coastal managers are decision-makers with profound influence on the coast. Education and training designed to provide accurate, science-based information can help promote more informed decisions effecting coastal resources. 34 promoting informed decisions Needs Assessment Survey promoting informed decisions 35 Rookery Bay NERR Coastal Training Program Survey for Elected Officials Your participation in this survey will greatly help us design training programs pertinent to your needs and interests. This survey can be returned by mail in the self-addressed stamped envelope included in this briefing package or by fax to 239-417-6315, Attention: CTP. 1. What elected body do you represent? In your role as an elected official, what three issues occupy the most of your time? a) b) c) 3. What are your current sources for information about environmental topics/issues? 4. Have you attended other information based environmental trainings as part of your role as an elected official? (If so, please list and describe) promoting informed decisions 36 .... 5. What environmental topics do you currently feel most informed about? 6. What topics for environmental training would you find most useful in your role as an elected official? 7. Are you interested in participating in information-based training about environmental topics/issues? 8. If so, please rank the following training formats in order of your preference. Rank from 1-9 with 1= most preferred option, 9= least preferred option workshop (brought to your workplace) ~ workshop (held at a central location) ~ short lectures/presentations (brought to your workplace) ~ short lectures/presentations (held at a central location) __ publications (brochures, pamphlets, etc.) __ displays at conferences, festivals, etc. web resources ~ self-guided tutorials (e.g. video, CD ROM) ~ other (please describe). 9. How best could the CTP serve your needs as an elected official? promoting informed decisions 37 ..... 10. Additional comments Thank you in advance for taking the time from your busy schedule to complete this survey thoughtfully. We sincerely appreciate it! promoting, informed decisions 38 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research'Reserve Promoting informed decisions in Southwest Florida through science-based training for the professional c~mmunitF Since the tare 1980's', Southwest Florida has been one of the nation's fastest devetoping regions. Such unprecedented growth has. chattenged communities to seek ways to improve decisions about [and use, environmentat regutations, water resources and coastar management. The professionats that make these decisions include government, academic, nonprofit, agriculture, devetopment and real estate, marine trades, and many others. This targe audience of coastar poticy- and decis!on- makers needs accurate science-based information about coastar systems on which to base. their decisions. Through the Coastar Training Program (CTP) RBNERR can buitd on considerabte expert- ence and offer more focused training opportunities to these targeted audiences. The Coastar Training Program has three key objectives: · Provide the best avaitable science-based information, toots, and techniques required by individuals and groups that are making important decisions regaFding coastar resources · Increase regionat networking and cot[aboration across commUnity sectors invotved with coastar management issues · Increase understanding of the environmentat, social - and economic consequences of human activity with the coastar tandscape RBNERR began a series of bimonthty Coastar Zone Management workshops in 1989 to hetp improve decisions about coastal resources in Southwest Ftorida. The workshops target coastal management professionats, and include topics, ranging from water-' shed restoration and invasive plant control to marine mamma[ recovery and oit spit[ response. The workshops proved to bca successful forum for training and networking coastar professionats, and were eventually adapted for use as a mode[ for five other sites in Florida as wet[ as the 25 Nationat Estuarine Research Reserves in the U.S. The Coastal Training Program represents the next step in enhancing training opportunities across the country. The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in cooperation with the National Oceanic and AtmosPheric Administration. The Reserve's mission is to provide a basis for informed coast~! decisions ........ through research, education, and stewardship. For more information, contact (239) 417-6310 or find us on the web at www.rookerybay.org FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICE OF COASTAL AND AQUATIC MANAGED AREAS 2003 represents a very exciting year for Rookery Bay's Coastal Training Program, as many of t, he._ program ideas generated in the planning ph'ases are ready to be imPlemented. Upcoming programs include: A targeted training program for local tour operators that serve public Visitors to the reserve and other waters within the Big Cypress Basin. The program would provide information about local natural history, the need for resource management, and low-impact tactics to businesses that offer guided tours, backwater charter fishing, or boat and PWC rentals. A "State of the Coast" Workshop that wit(provide local elected officials with a concise summary of the health of the coastal ecosystems in Southwest Florida. The conference wilt focus on how ecosystem health affects quality of life, and how land use decisions in the watershed affect ecosystem health and quality of life. An intensive program is being planned for 2003 that wilt teach leadership skirts to senior managers in state and local agencies within Southwest Florida. Skirts wilt include interage'ncy coordina.tion, communication, strategic planning, and wilt be offered within the unique context of environmental resource management by drawing on field experience and local case studies as appropriate. Hosting meetings or workshOps to facit'itate networking, collaboration and coordination among professionals working on critical issues in Southwest Florida. Topics include regional research and monitoring of cOastal ecosystems, shorebird management, and watershed management and restoration. Rookery ,Bay UPDATE Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Learning Center Nearing Completion '" The new 16,500 s.f. facility includes a visitor center, classrooms,and three research labs The Environmental Learning Center is nearing completion at the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Re- search Reserve, with completion scheduled for mid-2003. After five years of careful planning to ensure minimal impact to the environment, the learning center has been constructed with many resource-friendly features. The Old Flodda style building has a coated metal roof designed to maximize energy efficiency. Xeriscape and native landscaping grace the grounds, attracting birds and butterflies. The courtyard offers quiet seating, and a paver brick walkway was designed to reduce runoff and help protect water quality. . The visitor center will emphasize the value' of estuaries and the Reserve's role in coastal research, resto- ration and stewardship. Atwo-Story interpretive area features state-of-the-art interactive displays and live exhibits. Computerized learning stations, film loops with video monitors and aquariums will illustrate the importance of using science as a tool in managing the coast. The visitor's center will open in 2004. Within the center, training' efforts will take on a new dimension as the Coastal Training Program (CTP) takes wing.. The CTP will utilize two classrooms and a 140-seat auditorium to provide specialized train- ing for environmental professionals and a host of other coastal decision-makers. Using cutting-edge technology, the research wing provides three research labs and a live-specimen holding area. A map room and a library will assist and support staff researchers, faculty and students from Florida Gulf Coast University and other universities, and visiting scientists from around the World. The new facility will encourage visitorsto explore important coastal habitats including oak hammock, pine · flatwoods, mangrove forest and salt marsh via a 1.5 mile trail system With boardwalk. A pedestrian bridge connected to the center,will lead visitors across Henderson Creek tOthe boardwalk, providing public access to scenic natural features and historical and cultural resources within the Reserve.- Rookery Bay, located in,southwest Flodda, is recognized as one of the few remaining pristine, ~ mangrove.forested estuaries in the U.S. As part of the National Estua#ne Research Reserve System, it serves as an outdoor classroom'and laboratory for students and scientists. For more information please call (239) 417-6310 or wdte to RBNERR at 300 Tower Rd., Naples, FL 34113. FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION · OFFICE OF COASTAL AND AQUATIC MANAGED AREAS Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve 300 Tower Road Naples, Florida 34113-8059 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 27, 2003 CONTACT: Renee Wilson 239/417-6310 ROOKERY BAY RESERVE BOUNDARY APPROVED BY NOAA NAPLES -Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve has received notification from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management that the five-year management plan and boundary expansion has been approved. The federal approval of the 110,000-acre boundary for the Reserve comes following an extensive review and public planning process that began in 2000. All lands included in the federally approved Reserve boundary are state-owned or under lease to the state. The designation provides federal resources and support for research, restoration, education and training. The boundary approval also identifies the expanded area including the Ten Thousand Islands as an estuary of national significance. Approval by NOAA does not bring additional federal rules or regulations, as the National Estuarine Research Reserve System depends on existing state authority to manage and protect reserves. Public review and participation involved three workshops and review by a multi-agency council. The Governor and Cabinet approved the boundary proposal in October 2001. The mission of the Rookery Bay Reserve is to provide a basis for informed coastal stewardship through research and education. The management plan identifies management goals that address priority resource management issues, as well as specific strategies to accomplish these goals. The plan outlines an adaptive management strategy using a science-based approach to stewardship. One of 25 nationally designated National Estuarine Research Reserves, the Rookery Bay Reserve is managed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in cooperation with the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration and protects one of the few remaining relatively undisturbed mangrove estuaries in the nation. z / ? .?. I t Collier Blvd. u~ (D