Stenciling storm drains inform residents not to dump chemicals into the waterways because they flow to the Everglades and the Ocean.
Photo: Cheryl Miller
LBSP TAC Members at the Spring 2008 TAC Meeting held at the National Coral Reef Institute of Nova Southeastern University in Broward County, FL.
Photo: Meredith Gibboney
Treated wastewater outfalls, storm water and agricultural runoff increase turbidity, nutrients and other coastal pollutants, which are harmful to coral reefs.
Photo: Steve Spring, Palm Beach County Reef Rescue
Discarded trash makes its way to our bays and oceans with storm water runoff.
Photo: Christopher Boykin
SEFCRI Focus Teams
Land-Based Sources of Pollution (LBSP)
The Land-Based Sources of Pollution (LBSP) Focus Team was formed to addresses impacts to corals resulting from both point and non-point land-based sources of pollution. Point and non-point sources of pollution result in unintentional but very real stresses on coral reef ecosystem health. The goals of the projects in the local action strategy for this focus area are to characterize the extent and condition of the coral reef tract and to quantify, characterize, and prioritize the land-based sources of pollution that need to be addressed based on identified impacts to the reefs. Due to the research nature of many of the LBSP projects, the LBSP Team has a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) formed by leading research scientists in the fields of coral reef ecology, water quality, geology, chemistry, and biology.
Goals and Objectives
The key goals and objectives of the LBSP Focus Team are to characterize the existing condition of the coral reef ecosystem; quantify and characterize the land-based sources of pollution, identify how these sources of pollution impact the coral reef; develop strategies to reduce the impact of land-based sources of pollution; and increase public awareness and understanding of the effects of land-based sources of pollution on water quality and coral reefs.
Team Membership
The LBSP Team is comprised of representatives from thirteen member organizations*, which include:
- Broward County Natural Resources Planning and Management Division
- Coastal Eco Group
- Cry of the Water
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Southeast District Office
Water Facilities – State Navigator - Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
- Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute
- National Coral Reef Institute at Nova Southeastern University
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- The Nature Conservancy – Non-Agency Navigator
- Nova Southeastern University
- Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resources Management
- South Florida Water Management District
- U.S. Department of Agriculture/Natural Resources Conservation Service
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency – Federal Navigator
The navigators listed above are the primary points of contact for the LBSP Focus Team and are responsible for representing SEFCRI and the LBSP Focus Team within their agencies and/or to stakeholders.
Project Examples
The LBSP Team is working to implement 33 projects over the course of five years. These projects include the mapping of the coral reef tract and identification of the benthic habitats; a bio-marker study observing the impacts of pollution on coral reefs; identification and implementation of best management practices to limit pollution; and studies to determine the source and extent of pollution originating from groundwater sources, outfall pipes, atmospheric sources, and ocean inlets. You may view all 33 of the LBSP Focus Team's projects by visiting this site and clicking on SEFCRI Local Action Strategy.
Anticipated Outcomes:
- Maps and benthic habitat characterization of the coral reef ecosystem in southeast Florida;
- A characterization of the land based sources of pollution and quantification of their relative impacts to coral reefs in southeast Florida; and
- Identification and implementation of best management practices to reduce the impacts of land-based sources of pollution.