CREM Active Participation in GIS Initiatives

 

Improving the success of coral reef management requires a greater understanding of the interactions between coral reef resources and their users.  Coral reefs are complex, nonlinear systems in which the interplay of spatial heterogeneity and stochastic events with environmental factors results in highly variable patterns of resource availability and use. Because it is difficult to capture this interplay in differential equation models of environmental or fishery dynamics, it is reasonable and useful to apply approaches developed specifically for studies of complex systems, such as agent-based models. The development of a Geographic Information System (GIS) to describe the spatial distribution of the data is an important initial step toward the realization of scenario testing tools to aid coral reef management.

 

 

St. Croix and Buck Island Data Navigator

 

The St. Croix and Buck Island Data Navigator is an Internet-based Geographic Information System (GIS) developed in support and partnership with Living Oceans Foundation. The Data Navigator was designed to facilitate access and analyses of spatial data for St. Croix and Buck Island (USVI) with the goal to minimize the need for specialized GIS training in order for resource managers and others to use the GIS to full advantage while also maximizing the efficiency at which to conduct their research. Click here to see the collections from LOF website.

 

 

Antigua and Barbuda: Collection of Digital Maps

 

Earlier in August 2005, NCORE was invited to conduct a coral reef survey in the North Sound region of Antigua, B.W.I. This survey was supported by the Stanford Development Corporation and was performed using the benthic and fish surveying methods of the Atlantic and Gulf Rapid Reef Assessment (AGRRA) program. The Stanford Development Group along with Antiguan officials have begun discussions of long term collaboration toward an integrated coastal management project for the small island nation.  This internet-based Antigua GIS was established in order to showcase some of the potential outcomes of project integration, data sharing and cooperation among stakeholders.

 

Data Navigator: South Florida

 

While GIS offers great potential for assisting resource managers, it has been avoided by some and inefficiently utilized by others. There are hundreds of digital maps available to managers and most data can be downloaded via the Internet. However, in many of these cases, the expertise or skills required to access the proper digital maps is not usually readily available. NCORE has initiated the development and deployment of an Internet-based system to help resource managers navigate through a maze of publicly available digital maps for Florida Keys (here called, DNav: South Florida; formerly labeled as FK GiDST). This Internet-based system was officially launched during the Coral Reef Task Force Meeting (2-3 Dec 2004, Miami, FL).

 

Bahamas Online Digital Map Atlas

 

The Bahamas Biocomplexity Project (BBP), led by CBC Marine Program Manager Dan Brumbaugh, with collaborators from nine different institutions have identified the areas of research needed (both theoretical and empirical) in developing an integrated study of the design, implementation, and management of an MPA network. As part of the Geographical Information System (GIS) working group, NCORE is developing an online digital map atlas of the study area to address the spatial integration of the human dimensions with the biophysical patterns and processes being studied by the other working groups.

 

Hawaii VRML

 

The Hawaii VRML (Virtual Reality Markup Language) page is a demonstration page that takes a digital elevation map to the next level of utility. Used in conjunction with some Agent-based Modeling (ABM) activities of NCORE, users can zoom, tilt, pan the 3D map. Please note a VRML Internet browser plug-in is required for this page. Click here to download the required utility.