activities will include expanded monitoring of pesticide runoff, toxicological assessment of 
runoff effects on crustaceans, establishment of loading models, and comparison of the 1993 - 
1994 data with historical information. ^ This is a joint project between NOAA/NMFS and FDEP. 
9.1.6.2.9. Photointerpretation of bottom habitats 
Quantification of the status and recent change in the spatial distribution and extent of 
seagrasses is central to understanding the nature and extent of the environmental declines 
observed in Florida Bay and to guide research and management efforts. This project is a joint 
effort of C-CAP and FDEP and augments and extends ongoing studies. Completion of the 
inventory and change detection will require a combination of new and historical photography.* * 
9.1.6.3. National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service 
The NOAA/National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) NODC is 
the national facility established to acquire, process, store, and disseminate global 
oceanographic data. NODC is one of the three NOAA national data centers. The others are the 
National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) and the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC). NODC's 
files include data collected by NOAA, other federal agencies, state and local governments, 
universities and research institutions, and private industry. During January 1994, the NODC 
files were searched for any information on Florida Bay. None were found. 
The NOAA data contribution to the Federal/state Florida bay task force will be managed in 
Miami by the NOAA Data Administrator (Crane, 1995). Data from the NESDIS Data Centers will 
be coordinated and it is anticipated that data from the C-MAN stations in South Florida and the 
NODC taxonomic codes will be made available. CD-ROM files will be loaded on disks connected to 
the Internet. Data will be stored on workstations with Internet addresses in the standard Oracle 
database structure. The Geographic Information System software will be ARC/INFO and 
ARCVIEW2* 
9. 1 . 6 . 4. National Weather Service 
9.1.6.4.1. National Data Buoy Center 
The National Data Buoy Center (NDBC) was originally initiated by the US Coast Guard as the 
National Data Buoy Development Program during the late 1960s (NOAA, 1992). In late 1979, it 
was transferred to NOAA. NDBC is part of the National Weather Service and is located at 
Stennis Space Center, MS. The Coastal-Marine Automated Network (C-MAN) program began in 
1981 and in 1992 there were 63 moored buoys and 40 C-MAN stations. Many of the buoys are 
operated by NDBC for agencies such as National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 
Minerals Management Service (MMS) and Office of Naval Research (ONR) on a reimbursable 
basis. 
The baseline C-MAN measurements are wind speed and direction, barometric pressure, air 
temperature, and sea surface temperature. This capability is augmented at specific sites to 
satisfy other requirements. Enhanced meteorological sensor capabilities include relative 
humidity, rain, wind speed and direction, air temperature, and solar radiation in air. 
Oceanographic enhancements include water temperature (surface and 3 m), water level (using 
A G. Scott, NOAA/NMFS, POB 12607, Charleston, SC 29422. 803 762 1200. 
* B. Cross, NOAA/NMFS, 101 Pivers Isl., Beaufort, ND 28561. 919 728 8784. 
* NOAA/NESDIS /NODC E/OC21, Washington, DC, 20235. 202 606 4549. 
* M. Crane, NODC Liaison, NOAA/AOML, 4301 Rickenbacker Cswy., Miami, FL 33149. 305 361 4305. 
68 
