A Recreational Boater-Based Method For Re-Designing The Nos Small-Craft Chart : Promoting Safe Navigation And Stewardship Of Coastal Resources

Today, NOAA's small-craft charts are being used in ways that could not be envisioned when these charts were first produced: diving, racing, nature-touring, wildlife-viewing are current boating activities, in addition to traditional uses, such as sailing, fishing, anchoring and cruising. This project was designed to determine the chart information needs of boaters that would satisfy safe navigation and promote stewardship. Study objectives include: identifying the information needed by today's boater; developing a prototype small-craft chart, and ancillary map/guide products; evaluating the utility of the additional information through a boater survey; and analyzing whether the new information can change boater's environmental perception and knowledge on-the-water. The prototype chart was produced by NOAA's Marine Chart Division in collaboration with the University of Florida Sea Grant Program and NOAA's Coastal Services Center. The design was based on recommendations from boaters and marine industry representatives who attended workshops in southwest Florida in May 1998. The chart covers the southwest Florida coast from lower Tampa Bay to Charlotte Harbor.