This report and data set provides baseline data of the types of boats, the location of boats, the abundance of boats, and the activities of the people on the boats. The report is largely descriptive, including boat count and boat densities. Basic patterns of the distribution of boats by time, location, or types are described, and statistical analysis of the differences in boating patterns are provided when appropriate. Aerial surveys were conducted at altitudes between 500 and 1000 feet, at a speed of approximately 100 knots to characterize boating patterns throughout the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS).

This fish and benthic composition database is the result of a multifaceted effort described below. The intent of this work is five fold: 1) To spatially characterize and monitor the distribution, abundance, and size of both reef fishes and macro-invertebrates (conch, lobster, Diadema); 2) To relate this information to in-situ data collected on associated benthic composition parameters; 3) To use this information to establish the knowledge base necessary for enacting management decisions in a spatial setting; 4) To establish the efficacy of those management decisions; and 5) To work with the National Coral Reef Monitoring Program to develop data collection standards and easily implemented methodologies for transference to other agencies and to work toward standardizing data collection throughout the US states and territories. Toward this end, the Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment's Biogeography Branch (BB) has been conducting research in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands since 2000 and 2001, respectively. It is critical, with recent changes in management at both locations (e.g. implementation of MPAs) as well as proposed changes (e.g. zoning to manage multiple human uses) that action is taken now to accurately describe and characterize the fish/macro-invertebrate populations in these areas. It is also important that BB work closely with the individuals responsible for recommending and implementing these management strategies. Recognizing this, BB has been collaborating with partners at the University of Puerto Rico, National Park Service, US Geological Survey and the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources. To quantify patterns of spatial distribution and make meaningful interpretations, we must first have knowledge of the underlying variables determining species distribution. The basis for this work therefore, is the nearshore benthic habitats maps (less than 100 ft depth) created by NOAA's Biogeography Program in 2001 and NOS' bathymetry models. Using ArcView GIS software, the digitized habitat maps are stratified to select sampling stations. Sites are randomly selected within these strata to ensure coverage of the entire study region and not just a particular reef or seagrass area. At each site, fish, macro-invertebrates, and benthic composition information is then quantified following standardized protocols. By relating the data collected in the field back to the habitat maps and bathymetric models, BB is able to model and map species level and community level information. These protocols are standardized throughout the US Caribbean to enable quantification and comparison of reef fish abundance and distribution trends between locations. Armed with the knowledge of where "hot spots" of species richness and diversity are likely to occur in the seascape, the BB is in a unique position to answer questions about the efficacy of marine zoning strategies (e.g. placement of no fishing, anchoring, or snorkeling locations), and what locations are most suitable for establishing MPAs. Knowledge of the current status of fish/macro-invertebrate communities coupled with longer term monitoring will enable evaluation of management efficacy, thus it is essential to future management actions.

This data set contains sensitive biological resource data for manatees, whales and cetaceans in the Florida Panhandle. Vector polygons in this data set represent marine mammal distributions. Species specific abundance, seasonality, status, life history, and source information are stored in relational data tables (described below) designed to be used in conjunction with this spatial data layer. This data set comprises a portion of the ESI data for Florida. ESI data characterize the marine and coastal environments and wildlife by their sensitivity to spilled oil. The ESI data include information for three main components: shoreline habitats, sensitive biological resources, and human-use resources.

Aerial surveys were conducted during the spring-summer of 2010 and seasonally during 2011-2012 to assess the abundance and spatial distribution of marine mammals and sea turtles within the region impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Surveys were conducted in high-winged twin engine aircraft flying at altitudes of 600-750 feet. Visual observations of marine mammals, sea turtles, birds, and other species are recorded including species identifications, counts of animals. Surveys are conducted along line transects oriented perpendicular to the shoreline and follow protocols consistent with analysis using Distance approaches to estimate detection probability and abundance. These data have been used to evaluate the potential impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on protected species.

This product represents the marine mammal observation count data for the 2018-2020 Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species surveys and the subsequent 2022-2023 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service aerial surveys in the northern Gulf of Mexico. File gommapps_air_marine_mammal_observations_forDistribution.csv and both an html and xml metadata file are included. For more information, consult the associated metadata.

This product represents the marine mammal observation count data for the 2018-2020 Gulf of America Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species surveys and the subsequent 2022-2023 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service aerial surveys in the northern Gulf of America. File goamapps_air_marine_mammal_observations_forDistribution.csv and both an html and xml metadata file are included. For more information, consult the associated metadata.

This product represents the marine mammal observation count data for the 2018-2020 Gulf of America Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species surveys and the subsequent 2022-2023 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service aerial surveys in the northern Gulf of America. File goamapps_air_marine_mammal_observations_forDistribution.csv and both an html and xml metadata file are included. For more information, consult the associated metadata.

This data set contains annual quantities and value for all seafood products that are landed and sold by established seafood dealers and brokers in Florida. These data are available on computer since the early 1960's. The quantities and values that are reported in this data set include the annual landings for the period 1976 through 1996. Monthly general canvass data are available for this period; however, the monthly data do not include information on the gear used and the fishing area. The gear and fishing area information is only available for annual summaries of the general canvass data for the landings that occurred in Florida and this information is in the Florida Annual General Canvass. See the sections on Links for the reference to the monthly general canvass landings.