Modeling manatee movements to predict and assess the impact of hydrologic change in estuaries of southwestern Florida
Brad Stith1, Dean Easton2, Jim Reid2, Lynn W. Lefebvre2, and Don DeAngelis3
- AScI Corp. under contract for U.S.G.S
- U.S. Geological Survey, Florida Integrated Science Center,
Sirenia Project, 412 NE 16th Ave., Room 250, Gainesville, FL 32601
- University of Miami, Miami, FL
ABSTRACT
We are developing a spatially explicit, individual-based model of the Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) in southwestern Florida. This model is part of the Across Trophic Level System Simulation program (ATLSS) that will be used to predict and assess the potential effects of altered hydrologic regimes on manatees in South Florida. The model uses GIS map layers such as water depth, sea grass beds, fresh water sources, and water temperature to influence the behavior of simulated manatees. We are analyzing telemetry data from GPS and ARGOS tags to help calibrate the model with movement parameters, habitat preferences, time budgets, and behavioral rules. Our current focus is on manatees using the Ten Thousand Islands and nearby areas that will be affected by the restoration of S. Golden Gate Estates.
|