Abstract |
In 1992 a statewide survey of propeller scar damage was conducted to assess the amount of damage that existed. This assessment used a combination of aerial photography and aerial surveys to map the scarred seagrasses. This information was incorporated into a GIS for analysis and map production. This survey determined that Hillsborough, Manatee, and Pinellas Counties which surround Tampa Bay, ranked among the top ten counties within the most damage. Pinellas County ranked in the top five of Moderate, Severe, and combined Moderate-Severe, scarred seagrass acreage. Hillsborough had 2,410 acres of combined Moderate and Severe damage; Manatee, 2,990 acres; and Pinellas 5,800. The percentages of total damage of total seagrass are Hillsborough 64.8% of 6,320 total acres of seagrass, Manatee 45% of 12,160 total acres of seagrass, and Pinellas 42.3% of 22,920 total acres of seagrass. This NEP report deals with four tasks that involves the evaluation of existing data, the design of a prop scarring monitoring program, a pilot program to evaluate the adequacy of such monitoring devices, and the recommendation of specific actions in areas of severe prop scarring. |