Photo: FDEP

SEFCRI Local Action Strategy (LAS) Project Status

Click on a focus areas to see the current status of each Local Action Strategy project. Projects are labelled as either completed, ongoing, or not started. Many of the completed and ongoing projects were contingent on dedicated funding and involved collaboration among multiple agencies, individuals or organizations. For more information about the status of these projects, please email: Coral@FloridaDEP.gov

Awareness & Appreciation (AA)

Project 1 & 5

Develop a marketable identity for the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (1). Develop an interactive and informational website for the southeast Florida coral reef ecosystem and the Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (5).

Completed 2004

View Website


Combined Projects 2 & 13

Create and distribute a briefing packet and media/briefing packet containing information on the southeast Florida coral reef ecosystem and SEFCRI.

Completed 2014

View Media Kit


Project 3 & 16

Develop a tent card for coastal hotel rooms (3). Develop an informative door hanger for hotel/motel guest rooms (16).

Completed 2008

View Tent Cards


Project 4

Develop a portable exhibit that can be displayed in libraries, government centers, businesses, conferences, community events, etc.

Completed 2014

View Portable Exhibit


Project 6

Conduct tourism operator training seminars: Hold three seminars on “Coral Reefs in Sustainable Tourism - Protecting Your Business by Protecting the Coral Reef” in Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin counties.


Combined Projects 7 & 12

Offer excursions to decision-makers and elected officials to educate them about the southeast Florida coral reef ecosystem and the SEFCRI (7). Offer excursions to the media to educate them about the southeast Florida coral reef ecosystem and the SEFCRI (12).


Project 8

Conduct a needs assessment of the general public, stakeholders and visitors and analyze the data.

Completed 2006

View Report


Project 9

Inventory the existing products and programs, organize and synthesize the data and determine where gaps and overlaps exist.

Completed 2004

View Summary Document


Combined Projects 11 & 29

Develop and distribute a series of news articles on the southeast coral reef ecosystem and the SEFCRI (11). Work with FWC to include articles about the southeast coral reef ecosystem and the SEFCRI in Fishing Lines (29).


Project 18

Produce an in-flight public service video announcement about the southeast coral reef ecosystem to target commercial fights to Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach and Martin Counties.

Completed 2020

View Videos


Project 19

Update and reprint SEFCRI brochure.

Completed 2006

View Brochure


Project 21

Increase the distribution of the PADI Project AWARE Coral reef video and CD in southeast Florida.


Project 24

Work with the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) to incorporate an educational component in the annual MIASF Waterway cleanup.

Objective met by the continuation of FDOU Project 29, 30 & 31


Combined Projects 25 & 27

Incorporate information on the southeast Florida coral reef ecosystem and the SEFCRI into the Clean Marina Program (25). Develop brochure on sewage pump-out and its benefits to natural resources (27).


Project 28

Work with agencies and clubs (e.g., FWC, West Palm Beach Fishing Club, IGFA) that conduct fishing clinics to incorporate information about the southeast Florida coral reef ecosystem and the SEFCRI into the ones conducted in southeast Florida.

No final products


Project 30

Expand the Sea Grant "Ethical Angling" education program.

No final products


Project 32

Develop and post informational coral reef related signage at fishing piers, boat ramps and marinas.

Completed 2009

View Sign

Completed 2009

View Map


Project 34

Support the expansion of the statewide Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program.


Project 36

Train high school students and organized youth group leaders to present coral reef information to other students and youth.

Completed 2013

No final products


Project 37

Conduct teacher training workshops on coral reefs.

Completed 2017

No final products


Project 38

Hire one full-time employee to serve as the AA Project Coordinator.

No final products


Project 41

Update the items and information within each Coral Reef Education Trunk (AA LAS 35).

Completed 2021

View updated materials

Combined Projects 10 & 17

Develop and distribute a campaign of public service announcements (radio and video) about the southeast Florida coral reef ecosystem and the SEFCRI (10). Develop a public service video announcement for in-house hotel TV systems (17).


Project 14

Members of the SEFCRI conduct one-on-one briefings with elected officials.


Project 15

Identify and contact organizations and agencies conducting coral reef outreach and education to incorporate coral reef conservation messages and information on the SEFCRI.


Combined Projects 20 & 23: A & B

A - Develop and present a speaking package and educational materials (promo items) with various "versions" for different audiences - general public, homeowners, divers, fishers, boaters, etc. about the southeast coral reef ecosystem and how people can protect it.
B - Create a "presence" (e.g., display, brochure distribution, etc.) about the southeast Florida coral reef ecosystem and the SEFCRI at relevant community events, festivals, conferences and tournaments in southeast Florida.


Project 22

Work with the various coastal cleanups (The Ocean Conservancy, PADI Project AWARE, local efforts) to incorporate information about the southeast Florida's coral reefs and the SEFCRI.

Objective met by the continuation of FDOU Project 29, 30 & 31


Project 26

Utilize existing organizations (e.g., United States Coast Guard Auxiliary, FFWCC Auxiliary) to hand out information (on the water) about the southeast coral reef ecosystem, the SEFCRI and proper boating-related protocol (e.g., fishing regulations, diving techniques, boating safety). Notify authorities if egregious behavior of damage is noted.

Objective met through continuation of the RIPR Program


Project 33

Distribute appropriate and available coral reef related materials (e.g. SEFCRI and CORAL guidelines) to marine related businesses.


Project 35

Develop Coral Reef Conservation Education Kits.

Teacher trunk program, Lesson plans and other resources

View Resources


Project 39

Project will update the original needs assessment for Awareness and Appreciation. Outreach messaging will then be evaluated and updated as necessary, specifically to be locally relevant.

Communications Plan is currently being developed


Project 40

Create and promote educational materials and presentations to inform local stakeholders about the impacts of discharges on the Florida's Coral Reef. Educate that reducing discharges will benefit overall reef health and functionality.


Project 42

Work with local county curriculum coordinators to integrate SEFCRI and local coral reef messaging into curriculum.


Project 44

Project will develop outreach materials describing Avobenzone and Oxybenzone (among other derivatives), chemicals present in many commonly used sunscreens, as well as work with local resource users to promote the use of alternate coral-safe products.


Project 43

This project will focus on the education of businesses on the issues of plastics in the environment and encourage the reduction of plastic wastes.


Fishing, Diving and Other Uses (FDOU)

Project 1

Assess the extent and effectiveness of current law enforcement efforts and develop strategies to improve coral reef resource protection through innovation and cooperation (combined with MICCI Project 1).

Completed 2012

View Report


Project 3

Increase enforcement of regulations by stationing officers at major inlets to perform random checks of reef users.

Objective met by FDOU Project 7


Combined Projects 10, 11, 12, 41 & 45

Identify, assemble, and assess existing historical maps; fishery-independent and fisheries dependent data on reef biodiversity; data on the other impacts of fishing and diving (10); the relative importance of reef versus offshore fishing in terms of participation and extraction levels (11); types, quantity, and trends of commercial and recreational extractive and non-extractive use by county (12); stakeholders concerns of potential indirect impacts on reefs (41); and, stakeholders perceptions of artificial reefs (45).

Completed 2007

View Report


Project 15

Conduct social and economic evaluation of reef related fishing and recreational activities.

Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade: Completed 2003

View Report

Martin: Completed 2004

View Report


Project 17

Review and evaluate published relationships between reef stress and reef performance parameters as functions of fishing and recreational activities.

Objective met by FDOU Project 10


Project 19

Collect & analyze data on non-extractive contributions of stress to the reef ecosystems and if/when possible compare to extractive and other anthropogenic sources of stress (split into Project 19A and Project 19B, both of which are completed).

19A: Completed 2007

View Literature Review

19B: Completed 2011

View Report


Combined Projects 18, 20, 24, 25 & 27

Collect and analyze fisheries assessments data, and create a resulting PowerPoint Presentation (18) Identify strategies and tools to balance and optimize sustainable use and conservation of reef resources (20). Develop resource targets that balance use and protection in coordination with existing legislation (24), and work with other agencies (27) to develop drafts of traditional fisheries management alternatives to achieve those resource targets (25) (combined with Project 18 and split into Project 18 & 20A and Project 18 & 20B, both of which are completed).

18 & 20A: Completed 2011

View Report

18 & 20B: Completed 2011

View Report


Project 23

Evaluate existing literature regarding effectiveness of special management zones around the world for applicability to the SEFCRI geographic region. Identify criteria useful for zoning reef resources as special, sensitive and representative areas needing enhanced management through local input in order to develop zoning alternatives by County.

Completed 2011

View Report


Project 31

Identify funding and supply ample trash and recyclable material disposal containers at all public access areas.

Objective met through the continuation of coastal municipalities waste management


Project 33

Determine areas of the reef most impacted by recreational anchoring using aerial surveys or questionnaires (split into Project 33A and Project 33B, both of which are completed).

33A: Completed 2011

View Report

33B: Completed 2011

View Report


Combined Projects 38, 39, & 40

Develop a reef protection campaign for scuba divers. This campaign should include briefing instructional information (38), diving guidelines, a diver’s code of conservation ethics (40), and an informational brochure for distribution at dive shops, informational kiosks and volunteer water patrols (39). This information will also be distributed via dive magazine articles and diver training programs, assistance and support for this campaign should be obtained from local dive industry operators.

Completed 2008

View Wall Mounted Placard

Completed 2008

View Tabletop A-Frame

Completed 2008

View Handheld Briefing


Project 42

Develop possible measures to reduce boating impacts.


Combined Project 47 & 48

Use standardized criteria and methods for monitoring artificial reef biotic assemblages (47); Develop statistically valid sampling programs to measure the effectiveness of artificial reefs for attaining its planned purpose(s) (48) (combined with MICCI Project 27).

Completed 2011

View Report


Combined Projects 2, 5, 6 & 7

Develop simple and quick processes for citizens to report violations to local law enforcement (2); coordinate various law enforcement agencies with adjacent or overlapping jurisdictions. Present recommendations for streamlining citizen hotline reporting systems (5); survey user groups to identify areas of repeat violations that they have observed. Identify key areas where repeat violations are occurring (6); provide results of survey information on environmental violations to local law enforcement so they can concentrate their efforts on problem areas (7).


Project 9

Coordinate with mooring buoy monitoring groups to report potential problems.

Objective met by continuation of MICCI Project 30


Project 26

Organize and hold public workshops to obtain input on the resource condition, usage trends, possible resource goals, and the potential of traditional fishery management and special management zones to achieve targets. Independently verify (spot check) accuracy of user provided information from project 12. Present recommendations to FFWCC, FDEP, and SAFMC for an effective, balanced, and comprehensive management strategy to achieve resource protection goals. This will include the development of this data into a PowerPoint Presentation (split into Project 26A, which is ongoing, and Project 26B, which is not yet funded).


Combined Projects 29, 30 & 32

Establish a well organized beach and reef cleanup data collection mechanism (29) for all counties (30) which includes publicly posting the collected information (e.g. on a web site); develop strategies to reduce the trash being generated (32).


Project 34

Provide sufficient permanent mooring buoys in determined areas.

Objective met by continuation of MICCI Project 30


Project 35

Determine which special events result in anchoring on the reef and utilize existing volunteer groups to reduce anchoring on the reef during these events.

Objective met through continuation of the RIPR Program


Combined Project 36 & 37

Gain support of public water access location and marinas to install marine pump-out stations (36); research available grants or other sources of funding to install pump out stations in pre-approved sites (37).


Project 44

Identify other management issues requiring scientific research.


Project 49

Conduct periodic assessments of data to evaluate existing artificial programs and to assess future needs.


Project 50

Work with the FWC, FDEP, and local governments to provide sufficient resources to support SEFCRI strategies.


Project 51

To address the collection, analysis, and potential data needed to create an adaptive management approach to coral reef research and monitoring. Specifically, this project will identify and understand trends and gaps in existing data and contribute to coral reef management strategies by assessing current protocols and informing future research and monitoring efforts. Will work closely with current and future CRCP projects.


Project 52

This project will result in a regional survey to identify what criteria stakeholders want marine fisheries to be managed for within the Southeast Florida region. Project will determine what current condition is needed for the management criteria identified by stakeholders and confirm with the FWC that the data list would be sufficient to conduct the analyses. After collecting necessary data, present FWC with stakeholder-desired fisheries management criteria, current fisheries condition information, and request FWC develop regional fisheries management regulations specific to the southeast Florida region.


Project 53

The Marine Planner contains data on Water, Coral, Fish, Habitat, Ecosystem, and People that are useful to inform management recommendations. Project should add data sets collected and compiled in FDOU Projects 11, 51, and 52 to the Marine Planner. Incorporate all reef relevant data in the southeast Florida region into the Marine Planner, similar to other visualization archives.


Project 55

Create a coordinated management plan for the Southeast Florida Region incorporating pertinent information and data generated from previous and ongoing SEFCRI LAS Projects.


Project 8

Coordinate volunteer reef patrol utilizing local Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, and other voluntary groups to interact with user groups.


Project 21

Create artificial reefs protected from fishing and compare them to similar fished artificial reefs.


Combined Project 43 & 46

Compile existing data on effects of artificial reefs on nearby natural reefs to determine whether they attract marine life from natural reef or provide beneficial habitat for new recruits (43); compile and review available information pertaining to artificial reefs, such as their effectiveness in achieving their purpose, types of acceptable materials, reef type selectivity for specific fish age classes, etc. to provide basis of the new guidelines (46). (LINK WITH FDOU 21)


Project 54

Facilitate increased compliance with Florida boating, diving, and fishing regulations in accordance with the Coral Reef Protection Act and all protected marine life. Create a course with information on fishing, diving, and boating regulations that is coordinated with local law enforcement agencies and available to the public.


Project 56

Define and conduct outreach about linkage between coral reef habitat (including mangroves, seagrass, nearshore hardbottom, etc.) and coral reef fisheries.


Land-Based Sources of Pollution Local Action Strategy (LBSP)

Combined Projects 1 & 2

Assimilate existing data to quantify and characterize sources of pollution and identify the relative contributions of point and non-point sources (link between coral reef communities and pollution project) (1). Review state and local water quality standards applicable to coral reef communities, and conduct literature search to identify the links between pollution and coral reef communities (2).

Completed 2004

View Report


Combined Projects 3 & 19

Compile comprehensive list of agencies and programs that address LBSP entering the waters of southeast Florida. Identify gaps, problems, and resource needs associated with ongoing projects and activities (3). Research/identify existing BMPs that address high priority sources of pollution (19).

Completed 2007

View Report


Project 5

Biomarker study to identify and trace specific contaminants that negatively impact coral reefs.

Completed Phase I: 2006

View Report

Completed Phase II: 2011

View Report


Project 6

Establish sub-work group responsible for generating required maps, identify and compile available data and identify data gaps, determine strategies to close data gaps, generate maps (Broward County).

Completed 2004

View Report


Project 7

Establish sub-work group responsible for generating required maps, identify and compile available data and identify data gaps, determine strategies to close data gaps, generate maps (Palm Beach County).

Completed 2005

View Report


Project 8

Establish sub-work group responsible for generating required maps, identify and compile available data and identify data gaps, determine strategies to close data gaps, generate maps (Miami-Dade County).

Completed Phase 1: 2009

View Report

Completed Phase 2: 2011

View Report


Project 9

Establish sub-work group responsible for generating required maps, identify and compile available data and identify data gaps, determine strategies to close data gaps, generate maps. (Martin County).

Completed 2012

View Report


Project 10

Ikonos map interpretation for 0-6 meters depth along the entire SEFCRI geographic area.

Objective met by LBSP Projects 6, 7, 8 and 9


Project 12

Expansion of the Florida Keys Coral Reef Evaluation & Monitoring Project (CREMP) to southeast Florida (SECREMP).

Completed 2003-2019

View Report


Project 14

Hire LBSP Project Coordinator to work with the TAC and LBSP team to secure funding to implement LBSP projects and to develop a gross nutrient budget.

No final products


Project 17

Conduct stakeholders meeting(s) to present new LBSP information.

Completed 2007

View Report


Project 18

Conduct technical workshop(s) to determine priority areas that need to be surveyed for additional biological and water quality pollutant indicator.

Completed 2018

View Management Plan


Combined Projects 20, 22 & 23

Develop specific projects (engineering/management action) for designated hot spots (20). Initiate the implementation of engineering/management actions to reduce pollution from the highest priority sources. Identify responsible agency/agencies and secure funding (22). Initiate the implementation of engineering/management actions to reduce pollution from the highest priority sources. Implement priority engineering/management action (23).

Completed 2019

Best Management Practices:

View BMP Manual

View BMP Matrix


Project 24

Educate and inform all stakeholders concerning the value and importance of the coral reef ecosystem of Southeast Florida, land-based sources of pollution, pollution impacts on the resource, and the strategies recommended to address the problems.


Project 27

Quantify amount and flow rate (flux) of pollution transported by groundwater to the coastal waters.

Completed 2009

View Report


Project 32

Identify sources and signals of land-based pollutants in southeast Florida using stable isotopes as a sewage signal in octocorals and macroalgae/Lyngbya tissue.

Completed 2008

View Report

View Map


Project 33

Identify sources and signals of land-based pollutants in southeast Florida using human enteroviruses as and indicator of fecal contamination.

Completed 2011

View Report


Project 4

Establish a technical advisory panel/committee (TAC) to review/assess data and advise the SEFCRI Team and the Land-Based Sources of Pollution Focus Team.


Project 11

Establish an integrated data management program with the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Maintain program.


Project 13

Conduct technical workshop on the outcomes of project 1 (characterization of point and non-point sources of pollution), and prepare a written summary of the workshop (to be held in conjunction with project 15).

Objective met by continuation of LBSP Project 1 and 4.


Project 15

Conduct technical workshop on the outcomes of project 2 (water quality standards review) and 5 (biomarker study), and prepare a written summary of the workshop (to be held in conjunction with project 13).

Objective met by continuation of LBSP Project 2 and 4


Project 21

Conduct technical workshop to evaluate the outcomes of project 19 (BMPs) and implement project 20 (hot spot projects).


Project 25

Establish a long term water quality monitoring program in the SEFCRI geographic region.


Combined Projects 28 & 29

Determine flux of pollutants exiting offshore wastewater outfall pipes and net flux to reef communities (28). Determine flux of pollutants exiting ocean inlets and net flux to reef communities (29).


Project 34

Identify and categorize by type and size (volume) of major point source inputs/conveyances e.g. storm-water drains and pipes into bays, canals, beaches and estuaries and non-point sources e.g. septic tanks, for identified priority inlets.


Project 35

Monitor surface water quality in and around the nine southeast Florida inlets on the ebb tide to determine the types of land-based pollutants exiting inlets and wastewater treatment plant outfalls and potentially reaching nearshore reefs.


Project 26

Develop a volunteer monitoring program related to LBSP and reef communities.


Project 30

Determine flux of pollutants from oceanic sources to coastal waters.


Project 31

Determine flux of pollutants from atmospheric sources to coastal waters.


Maritime Industry and Coastal Construction Impacts (MICCI)

Project 1 & 20

Identify and evaluate State and Federal rules for relevance, effectiveness and level of compliance for enforcement. Develop a "regulatory check-list" including the sufficiency of the existing distribution and allocation of fines received from impact events, recommend revisions to streamline the regulatory process for all agencies, identify how to initiate rule changing process and evaluate establishment of environmental bonds for coastal construction projects (1). Evaluate the effectiveness of existing compliance and enforcement activities to protect coral and hard bottom communities (20) (Combined with FDOU Project 1)

Completed 2012

View Report


Project 3

Identify innovative technologies, construction practices and procedures that minimize or eliminate coral reef impacts. Review and recommend criteria for coral reef mitigation (associated with construction activities or groundings).

Completed 2006

View Workshop


Combined Projects 4, 21, 23 & 24

Develop recommendations for modifications in compliance and enforcement protocols based on outcomes of Project 1 (enforcement effectiveness and compliance study) and 19 (artificial reef BMPs) inclusive of needs analysis for implementation of recommendations (21). Work to initiate/implement the recommendations from Project 1(enforcement effectiveness and compliance study), by providing support to agencies in the generation of rules in favor of coral reef protection (4). Ensure compliance with special conditions by increasing enforcement review and actions. Focus compliance and enforcement efforts to reduce non-compliance of marine habitat protection (23). Conduct education and outreach to enforcement agencies regarding coral protection (24).

Phase 1: Completed 2009

View report

Phase 2: Completed 20011

View report

Field Guides

View Field Guides


Combined Projects 5, 10 & 12

Educate project developers on the implementation of regulations (5). Hold public coastal construction information workshops (10). With AA team, develop information booklet or pamphlet to describe shoreline protection and erosion control measures that protect marine habitats (12).

Completed 2011

View Powerpoint presentations for trainings

Unit 1 (file 1/3)

Unit 1 (file 2/3)

Unit 1 (file 3/3)

Unit 2

Unit 3


Project 6

Develop comprehensive list of special conditions that will enhance coral system protection through innovative technologies that avoid or minimize bottom impacts. Development of "Best Management Practices" for construction, dredge and fill and other activities around coral reefs.


Project 7 & 11

Recommend/pursue the development of a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) for coastal construction activities in southeast Florida (7). Create an electronic database for impact and permit condition information for use in interagency permit review processes (11).


Project 8

Minimize or eliminate impacts from anchoring/mooring activities in designated anchorage including modification of footprints.

Completed 2010

View report


Combined Projects 9 & 25

Identify management options to prevent anchoring, grounding, and accidental impact to coral reefs and hard bottoms (buffer zones, buoying systems, improved nautical charts, and enforcement). Evaluate /initiate programs such as ‘adopt-a-buoy’/marker/reef area, to promote greater awareness, participation and funding for necessary reef protection activities and areas of concern.

Phase 1: Completed 2010

View report

Phase 2: Completed 2011

View report

Phase 1: Completed 2013

View report

Phase 1: Completed 2014

View report


Project 13

Ensure compliance of special conditions by increasing enforcement review and actions. Review and enhance, process and response to citizens reporting of potential non-compliance and resource impacts. Evaluate an ombudsman approach.

Completed 2014

View review


Combined Projects 14, 15 & 16

Initiate research into a suitable substrate material and adhesives that are stable through high-energy events and have biodegradability similar to reef pavement (14). Initiate research into a sequence of biotic recovery identifying early recruiters, successional recruiters and their precursors, and identifying organisms that block or hinder healthy recruitment (15). Research the long term effect of exotic materials (Iron, cement, rubber, fiberglass, etc) on recruitment efficiency and biodiversity and community structure (16).

Phase 1: Completed 2012

View reports

Phase 2: Completed 2012

View reports


Project 17

Develop a non-proprietary website publishing research results in a layman format available to developers, planners and scientists. Follows Year 2 Project 11.


Project 18 & 19

Combined with Project 19. Coordinate with local, state and federal agencies managing and building artificial reef in southeast Florida to ensure coral resource protection is addressed in regional (and state-wide) artificial reef usage and placement efforts (e.g. for mitigation and habitat/fisheries enhancement) (18). Develop Best Management Practices for artificial reef citing, construction and anchoring in Southeast Florida (19).


Project 26

Cumulative Impact of Projects - create a 'template' for preparing 'cumulative impact' sections of project reviews and assessments. Compile and establish database of impacts, causative actions, mitigation and efficacy of mitigation. Maintain database.


Project 27

Project Monitoring and Evaluation. Review past monitoring programs for sufficiency and rigor. Provide guidance for project (mitigation, dredge & fill, and infrastructure related construction) monitoring programs near shore and offshore.

Completed 2011

View report


Project 2 & 22

Coordinate among agencies for procedures and methods to decrease the time between coral reef injuries and initiation of reef organism salvage. Develop guidelines for rapid response to, and restoration of, coral reef injuries in southeast Florida (2). Identify funding and implementation opportunities for needs identified in Project 2 (rapid response guidelines) (22).


Project 28

Identify means of improving the methodology for measuring and monitoring turbidity, suspended sediment concentration, and sedimentation during dredging, beach nourishment and any coastal construction project or activity resulting in altering the sea bed requiring turbidity monitoring. Use information to contribute to efforts to revise the water quality standard for turbidity (Project 29) and support the improvement of turbidity monitoring methods and/or coastal construction practices.


Project 28b

Test new or existing turbidity and sedimentation monitoring techniques and technology researched and identified for further study in Project 28.


Project 30

Work with the leads of county mooring buoy programs and local stakeholders in the fishing and diving communities to evaluate the effectiveness of current mooring buoy locations and recommend modifications and/or new buoy locations.


Project 28c

Coordinate among agencies for procedures and methods to decrease the time between coral reef injuries and initiation of reef organism salvage. Develop guidelines for rapid response to, and restoration of, coral reef injuries in southeast Florida (2). Identify funding and implementation opportunities for needs identified in Project 2 (rapid response guidelines) (22).


Project 29

Determine sand grain size and composition transport implications to plumes generated by beach nourishment and dredging projects. Experimental objectives and results should include the development of or contribution to a water quality standard for turbidity that is more protective of coral reef ecosystems.


Project 29b

Conduct grain-size and composition dosing experiments on coral recruits and larger colonies of varied southeast Florida species.


Reef Resilience (RR)

Project 7

Create a compendium of management activities, including those in other Local Action Strategies, that may be implemented to reduce the various stressors and improve reef resilience.


Project 1

This project is a literature review of available studies and existing legislation on eco-toxicity to assess the impacts of potentially toxic compounds known to affect corals and coral reef systems across the Florida Reef Tract. The project will also investigate any potential interactive/synergistic effects with fresh water, nutrients, sedimentation, or turbidity.


Project 2

Determine which of the compounds that may be toxic to reef organisms identified in RR Project 1 are reaching the reef. Using this information, design an in-situ sampling project to quantify and characterize the sources of pollution and identify the relative contributions of point and non-point sources.


Project 3

Determine the toxicity of and threshold limits for toxins identified in RR Projects 1 and 2 for coral reef environments.


Project 4

Conduct a literature review and logistical review of partner capacity and resources in the region and identify research gaps for the future creation of an incident response plan.


Project 5

Work in conjunction with FDOU Project 53 to improve the existing geodatabase portal to store reports and data of incident observations from RR Project 4 as well as an instructional protocol for future data to be added.


Project 6

Conduct a literature review of potential resilience indicators appropriate for the Southeast Florida region, including identifying potential available datasets and information gaps to inform future priority data collection. Determine a baseline criterion and create a model of reef resilience for the region.


Project 8

Promote greater understanding of the toxins identified in RR Projects 1-3 to raise awareness of their effects on southeast Florida’s reef systems, and how stakeholders may assist in the amelioration of their effects.