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Thesis
Evaluation of faunal use and beachgoer perception of sargassum wrack on western Santa Rosa Island, Florida
University of West Florida Libraries
Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida
2015
Abstract
The yearly influx of Sargassum wrack onto the beaches of Santa Rosa Island is considered a nuisance to some and a necessity to others. The Santa Rosa Island Authority removes the wrack with mechanical beach cleaners from portions of the beach to improve the aesthetic quality of the coastline for beachgoers. Research indicates that wrack is beneficial to a healthy, self-sustaining beach while raking is destructive to the ecosystem. This study first evaluated Sargassum wrack by observing how local fauna use an un-raked beach. It was found that 11 of the 22 species documented, including two uncommon migrants, were observed using the wrack to forage, rest, and hide. Then, by conducting in-depth public surveys, it was demonstrated that a beachgoer's perception of Sargassum wrack can be positively influenced through environmental education such as an informative sign on the beach. The research also concludes that leaving the beach wrack to naturally become part of the ecosystem would not deter beachgoers from visiting Pensacola Beach. This research contributes valuable information to coastal managers and other stakeholders for improved ecosystem protection and management and has the potential to pave the way for beachgoers and Sargassum wrack to better coexist.
Details
- Title
- Evaluation of faunal use and beachgoer perception of sargassum wrack on western Santa Rosa Island, Florida
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Contributors
- Johan Liebens (Committee Member) - University of West Florida, Hal Marcus College of Science and EngineeringSherry K Schneider (Committee Member)Klaus J Meyer-Arendt (Committee Chair) - University of West Florida, Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Publisher
- University of West Florida Libraries
- Format
- text
- Number of pages
- 148
- Copyright
- Permission granted to the University of West Florida Libraries to digitize and/or display this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Further reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.
- Identifiers
- 99380090837006600
- Academic Unit
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Master of Science (MS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida