Florida Boat Traffic Environmental Impact Study

The project aims to address the environmental impacts of boat traffic on Florida’s coastal ecosystems, which are under significant stress due to increased vessel activity. The research seeks to develop a statistical description of boat traffic characteristics and associated environmental damage, focusing on shoreline erosion and water turbidity. Utilizing data from field experiments and historical imagery, the project will evaluate habitat loss in salt marshes and mangroves along the Intracoastal Waterway. The methodology includes classifying boat types and wakes, and developing statistical measures of environmental degradation. The outcomes will provide essential data for boater education and support sustainable waterway management, contributing to broader efforts to mitigate environmental impacts of coastal development.