survey, analysis, and evaluation of the nearshore reefs situated off Palm Beach County, Florida

An underwater survey was performed between July 1987 and August 1990 focusing on the entire nearshore reef tract situated along the shoreline of Palm Beach County, Florida. Transects, aligned on Florida Department of Natural Resources survey monuments, commenced from the high water mark waterward to the 4 meter isobath. A total of 125 of the 228 transects were found to contain nearshore reefs. A matrix of reef characteristics was created based upon the value of six indices including reef width and profile, biodiversity, beach width, public access and an assessment of the historical permanence of the reef. This matrix, based on "z" scores, provided a means of comparing each nearshore reef transect station within the County. This evaluative scheme was used to develop recommendations for the protection and management of the nearshore reefs.