Boater Characterization Study - August 2009

Collier County's Coastal Zone Management Department, University of Florida Sea Grant Program and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute partnered to implement a multi-phased two year recreational boater study. This study helps bridge the gap of missing information that accurately describes the recreation boating use of estuarine and coastal waters such as facilities, traffic patterns, activities, preferred water-access points and destinations. It provides a science based approach to coastal resource management and also considers the concern and needs of recreation boaters.

Questionnaires asking boaters to describe their boating habits, travel patterns and preferences for using local waterways and infrastructure were mailed in three seasonal waves. Maps were provided for boaters to trace the paths of their two most recent trips and include open ended questions for them to express their concerns and desires for future waterway management actions. Returned questionnaires were tabulated into a geographic information system and the results were turned into maps that are compared with maps of waterways, infrastructure, natural resources and management zones.

The boating study has several practical applications for waterway management decisions and helps address several boating issues within the county. Specifically it helps mangers and community leaders address boating access, waterway maintenance, congestion hot spots, potential user conflicts and safety management, resource protection and education needs within the county. The baseline data collected can also improve the county’s chances of acquiring future funding for the creation and or maintenance of county boat ramps and artificial reefs.

The completed study can be found by clicking here.

For additional information or questions concerning the study, please contact: 

Chris D'arco, Collier County Senior Environmental Specialist (239) 252-2980

Bryan Fluech, Collier Sea Grant Extension Agent (239)417-6310 x 204

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