The Experts below are selected from a list of 213 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Maribeth L Gidley - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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effect of Beach Management policies on recreational water quality
Journal of Environmental Management, 2018Co-Authors: Elizabeth A Kelly, Zhixua Feng, Maribeth L Gidley, Christophe D Sinigalliano, Naresh Kuma, Alliso G DonahueAbstract:Abstract When Beach water monitoring programs identify poor water quality, the causes are frequently unknown. We hypothesize that Management policies play an important role in the frequency of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) exceedances (enterococci and fecal coliform) at recreational Beaches. To test this hypothesis we implemented an innovative approach utilizing large amounts of monitoring data (n > 150,000 measurements per FIB) to determine associations between the frequency of contaminant exceedances and Beach Management practices. The large FIB database was augmented with results from a survey designed to assess Management policies for 316 Beaches throughout the state of Florida. The FIB and survey data were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, factor analysis, and linear regression. Results show that Beach geomorphology (Beach type) was highly associated with exceedance of regulatory standards. Low enterococci exceedances were associated with open coast Beaches (n = 211) that have sparse human densities, no homeless populations, low densities of dogs and birds, bird Management policies, low densities of seaweed, Beach renourishment, charge access fees, employ lifeguards, without nearby marinas, and those that manage storm water. Factor analysis and a linear regression confirmed Beach type as the predominant factor with secondary influences from grooming activities (including seaweed densities and Beach renourishment) and Beach access (including charging fees, employing lifeguards, and without nearby marinas). Our results were observable primarily because of the very large public FIB database available for analyses; similar approaches can be adopted at other Beaches. The findings of this research have important policy implications because the selected Beach Management practices that were associated with low levels of FIB can be implemented in other parts of the US and around the world to improve recreational Beach water quality.
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spatial and temporal variation in indicator microbe sampling is influential in Beach Management decisions
Water Research, 2012Co-Authors: Ambe A Enns, Maribeth L Gidley, Laura J Vogel, Ami M Abdelzahe, Helena M Sologabriele, Lisa R W Plano, Matthew C Phillips, James S Klaus, Ala M PiggoAbstract:Fecal indicator microbes, such as enterococci, are often used to assess potential health risks caused by pathogens at recreational Beaches. Microbe levels often vary based on collection time and sampling location. The primary goal of this study was to assess how spatial and temporal variations in sample collection, which are driven by environmental parameters, impact enterococci measurements and Beach Management decisions. A secondary goal was to assess whether enterococci levels can be predictive of the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, a skin pathogen. Over a ten-day period, hydrometeorologic data, hydrodynamic data, bather densities, enterococci levels, and S. aureus levels including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were measured in both water and sand. Samples were collected hourly for both water and sediment at knee-depth, and every 6 h for water at waist-depth, supratidal sand, intertidal sand, and waterline sand. Results showed that solar radiation, tides, and rainfall events were major environmental factors that impacted enterococci levels. S. aureus levels were associated with bathing load, but did not correlate with enterococci levels or any other measured parameters. The results imply that frequencies of advisories depend heavily upon sample collection policies due to spatial and temporal variation of enterococci levels in response to environmental parameters. Thus, sampling at different times of the day and at different depths can significantly impact Beach Management decisions. Additionally, the lack of correlation between S. aureus and enterococci suggests that use of fecal indicators may not accurately assess risk for some pathogens.
P Herreraracionero - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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assessing users expectations and perceptions on different Beach types and the need for diverse Management frameworks along the western mediterranean
Land Use Policy, 2019Co-Authors: C Cabezasrabada, M Rodilla, J E Pardopascual, P HerreraracioneroAbstract:Abstract Beach Management follows a homogeneous and rigid decision-making process that tries to fulfill expectations assumed from mass tourism without really getting to know the real users’ perception. Decisions are usually taken without considering the diversity of values of the Beaches, causing high environmental, economic and recreational impacts. In this study, users’ profiles, expectations and perceptions have been defined on six Valencian Beaches with both different degree of artificialization and sediment type. This has allowed a comparison between semi-natural and urban Beaches, and between pebbly and sandy Beaches. Differences between Beach types have been observed, and a critical analysis of the current Management framework and practices has been carried out. Therefore, decision-making should take greater account of users, and actions should be adapted to the diversity of Beaches and their particularities, leading to a differential Beach Management.
Ala M Piggo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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spatial and temporal variation in indicator microbe sampling is influential in Beach Management decisions
Water Research, 2012Co-Authors: Ambe A Enns, Maribeth L Gidley, Laura J Vogel, Ami M Abdelzahe, Helena M Sologabriele, Lisa R W Plano, Matthew C Phillips, James S Klaus, Ala M PiggoAbstract:Fecal indicator microbes, such as enterococci, are often used to assess potential health risks caused by pathogens at recreational Beaches. Microbe levels often vary based on collection time and sampling location. The primary goal of this study was to assess how spatial and temporal variations in sample collection, which are driven by environmental parameters, impact enterococci measurements and Beach Management decisions. A secondary goal was to assess whether enterococci levels can be predictive of the presence of Staphylococcus aureus, a skin pathogen. Over a ten-day period, hydrometeorologic data, hydrodynamic data, bather densities, enterococci levels, and S. aureus levels including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) were measured in both water and sand. Samples were collected hourly for both water and sediment at knee-depth, and every 6 h for water at waist-depth, supratidal sand, intertidal sand, and waterline sand. Results showed that solar radiation, tides, and rainfall events were major environmental factors that impacted enterococci levels. S. aureus levels were associated with bathing load, but did not correlate with enterococci levels or any other measured parameters. The results imply that frequencies of advisories depend heavily upon sample collection policies due to spatial and temporal variation of enterococci levels in response to environmental parameters. Thus, sampling at different times of the day and at different depths can significantly impact Beach Management decisions. Additionally, the lack of correlation between S. aureus and enterococci suggests that use of fecal indicators may not accurately assess risk for some pathogens.
Jose A Jimenez - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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towards a new integrated Beach Management system the ecosystem based Management system for Beaches
Ocean & Coastal Management, 2015Co-Authors: Rafael Sarda, Juan Pablo Lozoya, Josep Francesc Valls, Josep Pinto, Eduardo Ariza, Rosa M Fraguell, Carolina Marti, Josep Rucabado, Jua Ramis, Jose A JimenezAbstract:Massive use of Beaches has forced traditional Management of these systems to focus on the service offer to users. Consequently, human activity and behavior prevailed over other biological and physical processes and functions. Mirroring this tendency, the use of Performance Awards (Blue Flag) and Environmental/Quality Management Systems (ISO 14001, EMAS, and Q of Quality) were popularized as standards of environmental quality. In parallel to this process, recent international coastal and marine policies have emphasized the need to develop sustainable strategies for implementing the principles of the Ecosystem Approach into Management with the overarching goal to maintain ecosystem integrity while enabling the sustainable use of ecosystem goods and services in systems under Management. As Performance Awards and Environmental/Quality Management Systems do not follow the Ecosystem Approach, an Ecosystem-Based Management System for Beaches (EBMS-Beaches) is introduced to overcome this issue. The EBMS-Beaches is intended as a formal standard framework that add new aspects not considered in a classical Beach Management process by the introduction of the principles of the Ecosystem Approach, between them: a) a clear vision-driven process; b) a holistic approach from a geographical perspective; c) pressure analysis and institutional coordination inside clear participatory planning; d) use of risk Management techniques in planning; e) the ecosystem service concept as the central piece of the system; f) use of the DPSWR as accountable framework of indicators, g) desired vision based on state indicators and using BQI partial indices; and h) timely participation by local population. The EBMS is structured along three pillars (managerial, informative and participatory pillars) working in an adaptive Management way. Based on these three pillars, existing Management practices can be standardized into a viable, systematic means of implementing, in an integrated way, the new international policies for Beach social-ecological systems. An initial experience of EBMS implementation in a particular Beach (S'Abanell Beach, Girona-Catalonia, Northwestern Mediterranean) has been initiated and it is presented.
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users expectations and the need for differential Beach Management frameworks along the costa brava urban vs natural protected Beaches
Land Use Policy, 2014Co-Authors: Juan Pablo Lozoya, Rafael Sarda, Jose A JimenezAbstract:Beaches are social-ecological systems where plainly physical, ecological, social and economic dimensions interact, providing several functions and services leading to improved human well-being. Although these systems can provide several protective, recreational and natural functions, only recreation has been traditionally prioritized by managers. This has led to the homogenization of Beach Management practices, which are poorly adapted to Beach settings and Beach users. While public participation was highly encouraged, decision-making has traditionally been done by a single stakeholder following a strict hierarchic order. In two antagonistic Beaches (natural protected vs. urban) we assess and compare users´ expectations and perceptions that could suggest the necessity of a differential Management. Behind an apparent homogeneity, significant differences were detected between these two antagonistic Beaches. Although certain normal preferences were common in both Beaches, natural attributes were the priority in the natural protected setting, as well as facilities in the urban one. However, the influence of traditional mass tourism model on users´ expectations was undeniable. Particular Management frameworks for Beaches with singular natural characteristics are necessary. A special emphasis on education and information is needed, as a cornerstone for a sustainable use of these social-ecological systems.
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an interdisciplinary analysis of Beach Management in the catalan coast north western mediterranean
Coastal Management, 2012Co-Authors: Eduard Ariza, Jose A Jimenez, Rafael SardaAbstract:This article presents a comprehensive analysis of Beach Management in the Catalan coast (NW Mediterranean) by introducing and integrating results from different partial projects. They analyzed the legal, political, and administrative framework of Beach Management, the quality tools available, the practices of Management, the processes of Beach use, and Beach waste/litter dynamics. The information obtained served to create a new Beach Management tool referred to as the Beach Quality Index, which was developed by an interdisciplinary team of academics from the natural/physical sciences and social sciences that worked together during the course of four years. Information obtained from users and key stakeholders served to create the index. The study demonstrated that as a consequence of the shortcomings in the legal and administrative system as well as inadequate practices of Beach managers, Beach Management in the area experiences coordination problems, insufficient information and lack of proactive manageme...
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a critical assessment of Beach Management on the catalan coast
Ocean & Coastal Management, 2008Co-Authors: Eduard Ariza, Jose A Jimenez, Rafael SardaAbstract:Abstract The present status of Beach Management carried out by the lowest level of administration (municipalities) along the Catalan coast (NE Spanish Mediterranean) was analysed to detect the main problems and priorities. This analysis was undertaken by analysing answers to a questionnaire provided by personnel involved in Beach Management in 38 municipalities covering a coastline of 430 km. As tourism is the main economic activity in the area, current Beach Management is recreationally oriented. The Beach is considered a product/service on offer to users and visitors. The main concern of managers was the appearance of sediment-Management related problems. Although municipalities are the main “receivers” of erosion-induced problems, actions to solve or counteract such problems are decided, designed and executed at a different administrative level. This reflects the complex administrative scheme governing the coastal area in Spain, where three different administrations have different jurisdictional powers over a narrow piece of land.
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beyond performance assessment measurements for Beach Management application to spanish mediterranean Beaches
Coastal Management, 2007Co-Authors: Eduard Ariza, Jose A Jimenez, Rafael Sarda, Joa Mora, Conxita AvilaAbstract:Performance assessment measures have traditionally been used by Beach managers to guarantee Beach quality. In order to know effectiveness of the ones applied to the Mediterranean coast and assess how functions assigned to Beaches are covered, fourteen Beach Management criteria were selected. We studied how one standard (the Blue Flag award) and three rating systems (the ACA, CEDEX, and Cantabria indexes) covered those criteria and the results of their application to six Beaches of the Costa Brava (Catalan Coast). No single assessment measurement considers all selected criteria and some general weaknesses were revealed. Of the analyzed tools, the CEDEX index proved to be the best for monitoring Beach processes. The characteristics of Environmental Management Systems applied for Beach Management processes (EMSBs) were also assessed. The way in which those managerial frameworks are established has not been extensively considered, but the results suggest a need for its further development. This new tool will...
Ricardo Adaya - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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intensive Beach Management as an improved sea turtle conservation strategy in mexico
Biological Conservation, 2003Co-Authors: Andres Garciia, Gerardo Ceballos, Ricardo AdayaAbstract:Abstract We evaluate the role of intensive Beach Management, meaning intense patrolling and nest reburial to a central hatchery, as a strategy for improving the success of sea turtle conservation at nesting sites in Mexico. We report the results of an experimental program at Playa Cuixmala, Jalisco, western Mexico. Sea turtle conservation efforts in Mexico have, in general, poor results because of lack of funds, which leads to insufficient Beach protection and severe negative effects of nest removal on hatching success and sex ratios. Alternative strategies are needed to optimize limited resources. We predicted that intensive Beach Management, which included intense patrolling and careful nest reburial, could be an effective way to maximize nest survival and hatchling release under limited financial and human resources. The results of our 9-year study were very positive. Survival rate increased several fold during the study period. Hatching success and sex ratios were not significantly different between in-situ and removed nests. Survival in removed nests was, however, much higher that in-situ nests, because of predation and Beach erosion. In total, the small (3 km length) Playa Cuixmala became the second most productive sea turtle nesting Beach in the region because of these concentrated efforts. Intense Beach Management can be an important technique for sea turtle conservation, and can be properly applied to small Beaches or the most productive sections of large Beaches.
