CESI Modeling Project 06-2

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Effects of Hydrological Restoration on Manatees:
Integrating Data and Models for the Ten Thousand Islands
Catherine Langtimm

 
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Everglades National Park provides habitat for a substantial population of manatees.

NPS Photo by Douglas Morrison

 

Manatees were first afforded federal protection in 1967, and a significant portion of Florida's population resides in the waters of Everglades National Park. Manatees remain at risk, largely due to low reproductive rates, a decline in suitable habitat, and accidental collisions with motor boats. It is important for managers to understand what impact intended Everglades restoration activities might have on this endangered species.

This CESI-funded project developed integrated, regional hydrologic models covering nearly the entire southwest coast south of Naples, providing a much needed tool for evaluating restoration effects on coastal, estuarine, and freshwater ecosystems. This data was then incorporated into an individual-based model for the purposes of evaluating how completion of restoration projects (particularly the Picayune Strand) might affect the availability of the freshwater, forage, and refugia upon which manatees depend.

 

 

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Additional project details can be found on the USGS South Florida Information Access (SOFIA) site.

 

 
 

Contact the principal investigator directly with questions about this study.

 

Stith, Slone, Reid, USGS, Manatee, Everglades, National Park, CESI, Critical Ecosystem Studies Initiative, Langtimm

Last updated: April 14, 2015

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