Aerial surveys of recreational boating activity in Collier County. Final report.

Abstract

A one-year study was undertaken in order to characterize recreational vessel activity in Collier County, Florida. Field data collection consisted of a series of 16 countywide low-level aerial surveys of all navigable inshore waters throughout the county between December 2006 and November 2007. A total of 5757 vessels were observed and recorded during the study. Several high-use boating areas in Collier County were identified. It was concluded that the primary focus areas for waterways management-related issues would have high overall numbers of powerboats in-use, high densities of powerboats in-use relative to the available water area, and a significant number of boats traveling at higher speeds. The examination of boater compliance indicated a reduction in levels of high speed boat traffic within most idle and slow speed-restricted areas in Collier County. The analyses in this report serve as an effective management tool for understanding countywide recreational boating patterns.