National Coral Reef Monitoring Program: South Florida Infographics
The Socioeconomic Component of the National Coral Reef Monitoring Plan (NCRMP) gathers and monitors a collection of socioeconomic variables with the overall goal of tracking relevant information regarding each jurisdiction's population, social and economic structure, the impacts of society on coral reefs, and the impacts of coral management on communities.
Why Care about Coral Reefs?
Corals off the coast of South Florida [Photo Credit: NOAA]
Coral reefs provide many benefits to communities, regions, nations, and the world at large. They protect many marine species, and provide a significant source of protein to people all over the world, in addition to producing natural compounds that scientists have used to develop treatments for illness and disease. Coral reefs also act as natural barriers to coastal storms and aid in the protection of our coasts and coastal communities, as well economically supporting local and global communities. Coral reefs and their protected beaches provide an attractive setting for travelers and locals, alike, and between the tourism industry and fisheries, coral reefs generate billions of dollars and millions of jobs in more than 100 countries around the world.
Why Care about Coral Reef Communities?
Corals off the coast of South Florida [Photo Credit: NOAA]
People are very much a part of coral reef ecosystems, and their connections can have lasting impacts. Because of this, NCRMP gathers data from coral reef communities about:
Public knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions about coral reefs
Participation in coral reef activities, such as fishing
Economic and cultural value of coral reefs
Community well-being
Population changes and the distribution of people in coral reef locations
South Florida Beach [Photo Credit: NOAA]
Researchers collect data through periodic surveys that include standardized questions, as well as questions specific to local management needs. Data from sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau and local government agencies supplement these results. In addition to using this information for conservation and restoration efforts, scientists and communities use these data to measure social and economic conditions and document how people use and perceive coral reef resources.
South Florida Trends
Coral Reefs and Coastal Communities - Trends from Socioeconomic Surveying in South Florida
Trends in NCRMP socioeconomic data from South Florida’s first (2014) and second (2019) monitoring cycles are highlighted in this infographic. The trends shown are based on surveys of residents in Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. The infographic shows how there have been some changes in residents’ participation in coral reef activities, perceptions of resource conditions, importance of coral reefs, familiarity with threats, and support for management.
2019 South Florida Survey
Connections between Reefs and Coastal Communities – South Florida, Cycle 2
Results of the 2019 NCRMP socioeconomic monitoring of South Florida are shown here in this
infographic. Using a random sampling methodology, similar to the approach used in the first monitoring cycle (see below), the survey targeted individuals aged 18 and older within Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties. Surveys
were conducted by telephone, included both cell and landline numbers, and were available in
English and Spanish. A total of 2,201 surveys were completed with a response rate of 13.5%. All results are representative of the South Florida region.
2014 South Florida Survey
Connections Between Reefs and Coastal Communities - South Florida, Cycle 1
Results of the 2014 NCRMP socioeconomic monitoring of South Florida are shown here in this infographic. They highlight South Floridians’ perceptions, values, and level of support for South Florida coral reef management alternatives.
Using a stratified random sampling approach, this survey targeted individuals over the age of 18 who lived in Martin, Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties for at least 3 months of the year. Surveys were conducted by telephone, included both cell and landlines, and were available in English or Spanish. Surveying resulted in 1,210 completed interviews. Due to over-representation of select demographic groups, post-sampling weights were applied. As a result, the results are representative of the South Florida region.
