Broward County has approximately 23 miles of coastal shoreline with adjacent marine and estuarine resources, and 300 navigable miles of canals and waterways. Most of the shoreline is made up of award-winning "Blue Wave" beaches, while a few coastal and beachfront parks remain to preserve and restore some of the County's vanishing natural resources.
Broward County is one of the most densely populated counties in Florida with 1.7 million residents. It is projected that the county will reach build out in 2010 with coastal areas becoming key growth targets, as evidenced by the redevelopment that has already begun.
Competing with coastal development are the natural resources that depend on our shoreline for survival. Nearly 3,000 threatened and endangered sea turtles nest on Broward beaches each year. Mangrove systems in the southern part of the county form an important ecological link with the freshwater cypress and Everglades wetlands and our coastal estuaries. West Lake Park's 1,500 plus acres of coastal mangrove wetlands is one of the largest urban parks in Florida. Endangered manatees are found sharing the ocean and waterways with boaters. Coral reefs lie as close as 100 yards offshore making them some of the most easily accessed reefs in the world.
Broward County's subtropical environment and coastal location lend itself to being an ideal place for marine-related recreation. The County welcomes 8.2 million visitors each year and has become one of the country's top year-round travel destinations. Visitors come to enjoy the coastline and participate in water-related activities. In addition to three tracts of natural reefs that run parallel to the coastline, Broward County has created 80 artificial reefs, including 18 major ship wrecks. A 2001 socioeconomic study of reefs in southeast Florida found that reef-related expenditures generate an annual $2.1 billion in sales in Broward County, resulting in $1.1 billion in income to Broward County residents. These reefs are well known by the dive industry and rank as a top dive destination in North America by Scuba Diving dive magazine, attracting diving and fishing enthusiasts from all over the world.
Recreational boating is also big business in Broward County - 29% of Florida's gross marine sales come from Broward. The marine industry represents a total economic output of $8.8 billion in Broward County, boat registrations average 43,000 and there are approximately 100 marinas and boatyards.
Recreational fishing is especially popular in Broward County as 28,000 recreational saltwater fishing licenses were sold in 1999-2000. Broward County is also home to the International Game Fish Association which maintains world fishing records and supports the recreational fishing industry.
Committed to enhancing the practical use and conservation of coastal and marine resources, the Broward County Sea Grant Extension Program provides research-based information in the areas of environmental and water quality, sustainable recreation practices and marine fisheries, boating and waterway management, and coastal habitats.
It is the role of the Sea Grant agent to help balance the development, recreational and economic needs of a growing population while protecting our natural resources and marine environment.
Coral Reef Awareness and Appreciation - Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative
Monofilament Recovery and Recycling Program
Manatees and Boating Safety
Clean Marina/Boatyard Program
Educational Background
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