Springer Islands in the Sand: Ecology and Management of Nearshore Hardbottom Reefs of East Florida

Nearshore hardbottom reefs of Florida’s east coast are used by over 1100 species of fishes, invertebrates, algae, and sea turtles. These rocky reefs support reproduction, settlement, and habitat use, and are energy sources and sinks. They are also buried by beach renourishment projects in which artificial reefs are used for mitigation. This comprehensive book is for research scientists and agency personnel, yet accessible to interested laypersons including beachfront residents and water-users. An unprecedented collection of research information and often stunning color photographs are assembled including over 1250 technical citations and 127 figures. These shallow reefs are part of a mosaic of coastal shelf habitats including estuarine seagrasses and mangroves, and offshore coral reefs. These hardbottom habitats are federally designated as Essential Fish Habitats - Habitats of Particular Concern and are important feeding areas for federally-protected sea turtles. Organismal and assemblage responses to natural and man-made disturbances, including climate change, are examined in the context of new research and management opportunities for east Florida’s islands in the sand.     From the Back Cover Nearshore hardbottom reefs of Florida’s east coast are used by over 1100 species of fishes, invertebrates, algae, and sea turtles. These rocky reefs support reproduction, settlement, and habitat use, and are energy sources and sinks. They are also buried by beach renourishment projects in which artificial reefs are used for mitigation. This comprehensive book is for research scientists and agency personnel, yet accessible to interested laypersons including beachfront residents and water-users. An unprecedented collection of research information and often stunning color photographs are assembled including over 1250 technical citations and 127 figures. These shallow reefs are part of a mosaic of coastal shelf habitats including estuarine seagrasses and mangroves, and offshore coral reefs. These hardbottom habitats are federally designated as Essential Fish Habitats - Habitats of Particular Concern and are important feeding areas for federally-protected sea turtles. Organismal and assemblage responses to natural and man-made disturbances, including climate change, are examined in the context of new research and management opportunities for east Florida’s islands in the sand.  About the Author Daniel McCarthy, PhD, is a Professor with the Department of Biology and Marine Science, and the Marine Science Research Institute, at Jacksonville University. He is a marine benthic ecologist with over 25 years of field and laboratory research experience. His research has focused on the ecology and restoration of coastal reef and estuarine systems. He obtained his Bachelor of Science at Jacksonville University, Master of Science at Florida State University, and PhD at Kings College, University of London. He served as a Postdoctoral Fellow with the Smithsonian Institution for three years before coming to Jacksonville University. Ken Lindeman, PhD, is a Professor in the Dept. of Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology. His work focuses on nearshore habitats, fish development, marine protected areas, and coastal climate adaptation. He has worked as a research scientist with NOAA, the University of Miami, and several conservation science nonprofit organizations. Over 70 research publications include articles in over 20 peer-review journals and three co-authored or co-edited books. He received a BS in Biological Sciences at FIT, MS in Marine Sciences, University of Puerto Rico, and PhD at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami.    David Snyder, MS is a senior scientist with CSA Ocean Sciences Inc in Stuart, Florida. He is a fish ecologist and marine biologist with more than 35 years of experience.  He has participated m