A Geospatial Inventory and Preliminary Valuation of Human Uses of Rhode Island Coastal Ponds

R ob T h om p s on , M AF, Un i v e r s i t y o f R h od e I s l a n dTr a c e y D a l t o n , M AF, Un i v e r s i t y o f R h o d e I s l a n dJ i m Op a l u c h , ENR E , Un i v e r s i t y o f R h od e I s l a n dEr i c S c h n e i d e r, R I DE MJ oh n L a k e , R I DEM

A Geospatial Inventory and Preliminary Valuation of Human

Uses of Rhode Island Coastal Ponds

Department of Marine Affairs

University of Rhode Island

Overview

Two-year project.Collect data in the summers of 2014 and 2015.

High resolution spatial data concerning human use of the coastal ponds.

Surveys of pond users to better understand how they use, experience, and value the ponds.

Surveys of shellfish populations.Multiple goals.

To collect robust spatial data of human uses and environmental conditions. Better understand current conditions Model proposals

Mapping and Modeling Human Uses

What can be mapped and modeled? Spatial

Basic physical footprint Intensity of the use Travel and operating patterns

Temporal Seasonality (we will only do summer) Hours of day Tides and weather conditions

Behavioral attributes of the use Potential conflicts Potential synergies Economic values

Methods for Mapping and Valuation

Human uses (URI) Intercept surveys and mapping Boat based offset transect surveys (B-BOTS)

Shellfish resource assessments and mapping (RI DEM) based upon results of B-BOTS and random sampling.

Collecting all currently available geospatial data for the coastal ponds. Over 50 datasets thus far, including environmental,

social and regulatory spatial data.

Methods: Intercept Surveys

Short intercept surveys of people using the ponds. Boat ramps, marinas, kayak rental, mooring fields,

anchored boats, and along shore.Dates and times for intercept surveys will be

randomly selected to avoid bias.Selection of interviewees.Participatory mapping.

Ask people to record their last trip and current trip. Route and place where they spent the most time.

Other activities that enhance or degrade their experiences.

Methods: Intercept Surveys

Attitudinal questions Parking Access Trash Various management options

Economic and demographic questions Travel distances Trips per year Age Income ranges

Boat-Based Offset Transect Surveys

How it works.

Transects lines will be laid out on each pond.

A boat following the transects will be able to survey the entire pond.

Randomly selected Days Time periods Order of transects

Laser locator binoculars and GPS

Measure the straight line distance & angle to every observation

Calculate position of each observation

Recording Attributes in ArcPad

Recording Attributes in ArcPad

The list of attributes will be updated based upon key informants and on-the-pond testing.

Create a series of drop down choice menus that immediately appears when a record was created.

The recorder would enter data by tapping.

Record weather (temp., cloud cover, wind direction) and sea state every hour.

All Boating Activity

Putting it all together

Examples Economic study can put values on various activities

and then those values can be distributed across the ponds based on B-BOTS.

The intercept survey can provide information about how users perceive interactions and B-BOTS can be used to map those interactions.

Intercept mapping can be used to provide information about routes and destinations, while B-BOTS accurately maps overall usage of space.

The RI DEM shellfish assessment and B-BOTS together will tell us about the human impact on shellfish.

Thank you

Modeling Indicatorsand Planning for Shellfish Management

Developing impact relevant attributes. Noise, Light Hours Frequency

E.g. daily or once a year. Seasonal activities

Movement in and out of use areasImpacts into indicators and standards

Perceptions of attributes by others Accuracy of perceptions Modeling possible impacts Modeling mitigation

Working ShellfishermenSummer 2007

Working & Motoring Shellfishermen