y of Terms
Adverse Impact Impact that will cause a natural resource or species to be no longer
sustainable.
Carrying Capacity - Maximum population impacts an area can sustain over time with a given
level of technology and societal preferences.
Carrying Capacity Analysis Model - A computer model that links input assumptions; a GIS
database; study element databases; natural resource and endangered species threshold ranges or
tolerance limits; and linkages to population as a measure of development, and produces
evaluation and graphically displayed output (e.g. maps) characterizing the effects of different
scenarios.
Concept - The underlying focus supporting the approach.
Effective Population - The number of all users (permanent; seasonal; tourists) residing in the
study area at any given point in time.
Element - An identifiable component of the Florida Keys. There are three categories of
identified study elements for the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study: natural resources (water
quality, ecosystem and endangered species); human infrastructure (population forecast,
stormwater, wastewater, transportation, marinas/channels/ports, hurricane evacuation and other
infrastructure services) and social environment (existing, historic and future).
Expected Value - An expression of measurement for each element threshold within the pressures
and constraints of a given scenario.
Indicators - Measurable variables that signal a threshold limit for a given resource is about to be or
has been surpassed.
Indicator Species A species used as a gauge for the condition of a particular habitat, community,
or ecosystem. A characteristic, or surrogate species for a community or ecosystem.
Keys Partitions or Service Areas - Zones or regions within the Keys that are based upon a logical
delineation (to be defined in the study).
Keystone Species Species that have a disproportionately large effect on other species in a
community.
Project Management Team A team of representatives from the Florida Department of
Community Affairs, Monroe County and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that will manage
and coordinate the Florida Keys Carrying Capacity Study. viii
Scenarios - A set of characteristics defining different conditions.
Service Areas or Keys Partitions - Zones or regions within the Keys that are based upon a logical
delineation (to be defined in the study).
Study Element Relationships - The relationship of each element as a function of population. The
purpose of the relationship is to enable prediction of changes in the study element as the
population changes.
Sustainability A state where all species populations and their activities neither deplete nor
degrade natural resources and the underlying environmental support system over the long term.
Threshold A scientifically derived tolerance range of values, beyond which a natural resource
or species is not sustainable. A societal threshold is a scientifically derived tolerance range of
values, beyond which changes are unacceptable.
Tolerance limits - The range of environmental conditions that a species requires to survive;
example: Corals require a very narrow range of temperature, water clarity and nutrient
concentration conditions.