temperatures are in the low 50 's (°F). Rainfall is relatively heavy, ranging 

 from 58 inches to 66 inches among the counties. More detail on climate is 

 given in Table R/T 7 in the Data Appendix. 



Living Resources 



The abundance of living resources is the key to recreation and tourism in 

 Northwest Florida (Ketchum 1972). Recreation often includes fishing, hunting, 

 and nature study, all totally dependent on living resources. Good coastal 

 management will try to maintain an abundance of living forms. Pollution prob- 

 ably is the greatest threat to living resources. 



Mammals, birds, and fish are the major living resources. The marine mam- 

 mals of the Gulf of Mexico consist largely of whales, dolphins, porpoises, 

 seals, sea lions, and manatees (described in a publication by the State Univ- 

 ersity System of Florida's Institute for Oceanography 1973). Manatees receive 

 the most interest, partly because they are often seen in shallow coastal 

 waters and partly because they are an endangered species. They are threatened 

 by habitat deterioration and power boats (mostly propeller injury). The hump- 

 back and sperm whales have been seen in the gulf waters of Southwest Florida. 

 Some of the major coastal birds are horned grebe, common loon, comiorant, the 

 Louisiana and great blue heron, common and snowy egret, various waterfowl 

 (such as the Canada goose and pintail) bald eagle, sandpipers, terns, and 

 gulls. 



The major sport fishes in the Gulf are spotted seatrout, red drum, king 

 and Spanish mackerel, mullet, and bluefish. Major shellfishes are blue crabs, 

 scallops, clams, and oysters. Offshore favorites are marl in, swordfish, 

 albacore, bonito, tuna, and dolphin. A bait shrimp and bait fish industry is 

 a sizable offshoot of the sport fishery. 



Barrier Islands 



The barrier islands are one of the most important physical resources for 

 residents and tourists in Northwest Florida. According to the U.S. Department 

 of Interior (1979), the major islands of Northwest Florida and the percentage 

 of area developed for human use are St. Andrews (88%), Miramar (23%), Santa 

 Rosa Island (25%), and St. George (8%). The barrier islands that are protect- 

 ed by Federal, State, or local ownership are Cape San Bias, Crooked Island, 

 Shell Island, St. George Island, Little St. George Island, Dog Island, St. 

 Vincent Island, and Santa Rosa Island. 



Population Characteristics 



Some of the major characteristics and socioeconomic and natural factors 

 that affect recreation and tourism in Northwest Florida are discussed in the 

 following paragraphs. Major socioeconomic factors are population, population 

 distribution and density, income, and housing demand. 



From 1960 to 1980 the population of Northwest Florida increased from 

 364,000 to 537,000 (47%). The greatest increases were in Santa Rosa and Oka- 

 loosa Counties. Since about 1950, the increase in leisure time and higher 

 standards of living have been largely responsible for the increase in the num- 

 ber of seasonal or second homes. In 1972, there were over 5,000 second homes 

 along the Florida gulf coast. 



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