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Daily relative dog abundance, fecal density, and loading rates on intensively and minimally managed dog-friendly beaches in central California.

Authors :
Oates, Stori C.
Miller, Melissa A.
Hardin, Dane
Dominik, Clare
Jessup, David
Smith, Woutrina A.
Source :
Marine Pollution Bulletin; Dec2017, Vol. 125 Issue 1/2, p451-458, 8p
Publication Year :
2017

Abstract

Due to increased concerns regarding fecal pollution at marine recreational beaches, daily relative dog abundance and fecal density were estimated on an intensively managed (Beach 1) and a minimally managed (Beach 2) dog beach in Monterey County, California. Fecal loading and factors predictive of fecal deposition also were assessed. After standardizing for beach area, daily beach use and fecal densities did not differ between beaches and yearly fecal loading estimates revealed that unrecovered dog feces likely contributes significantly to fecal contamination (1.4 and 0.2 metric tonnes/beach). Detection of feces was significantly associated with beach management type, transect position relative to mean low tideline, presence of beach wrack, distance to the nearest beach entrance, and season. Methodologies outlined in this study can augment monitoring programs at coastal beaches to optimize management, assess visitor compliance, and improve coastal water quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0025326X
Volume :
125
Issue :
1/2
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Marine Pollution Bulletin
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
126559470
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.10.062