The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources in Puerto Rico has installed 290 mooring buoys in sensitive benthic habitats (coral reef, seagrasses, and mangroves) in order to curb damage caused by anchoring vessels. The team analyzed a collection of aerial photographs of popular keys to determine tendencies of boat-securing methods, specifically mooring buoy utilization. Onsite observations were conducted at the photographed areas to verify the photographic data and further observe behaviors. A standardized survey was also administered to the nautical community to determine their knowledge, habits, and opinions towards the mooring buoy system. Results were analyzed to determine reasons behind boating behaviors and draw recommendations on how to improve those behaviors.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Shooter, Mark Haywood
• Levien, David Andrew
• Puksta, Victor Charles
• Bouchard, Tyler Michael

Subject

• Infrastructure
• Environment
• Community
• Sustainability

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-050213-210509

Keyword

• Agriculture
• Sustainability
• Habitat conservation

Advisor

• Clancy, Edward A.
• Miller, Fabienne

Year

• 2013

Center

• San Juan, Puerto Rico Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• Department of Natural and Environmental Resources

Date created

• 2013-05-02

Location

• San Juan

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright