Utilizing Geospatial Data as a Means to Detect Undersea Scars
Date of Award
2020
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Natural Sciences
First Advisor
Lepinksi, Matthew
Area of Concentration
Natural Sciences
Abstract
Estuarine seagrasses are often misunderstood by boaters who lack proper sailing experience. Intentionally or unintentionally running aground within the confines of an intercoastal waterway will pose a series of challenges for the vessel’s crew, but even lengthier hardships await the flora and fauna that dwell beneath the surface. Artificial seagrass scars (colloquially labeled undersea propeller scars or “prop. scars”) created as a result of boater negligence are frequent sights in crowded coastal areas, but have long been thought to disrupt ecosystem integrity by disturbing native sea life. This paper attempts to use ground surveying methods and modern geographic information science(GISc)to determine which regions are most vulnerable to prop. scarring in Southwest Florida’s Sarasota Bay. By analyzing geospatial imagery and confirming these scars’ existence through surveying, we are capable of determining which intercoastal hotspots require further protection in the years to come.
Recommended Citation
Kane, Thomas, "Utilizing Geospatial Data as a Means to Detect Undersea Scars" (2020). Theses & ETDs. 5957.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/5957