Socioeconomic characterization of Galveston Bay

Abstract

In this paper, the results of a study which investigated socioeconomic characteristics and trends of the Galveston Bay system are presented. The objectives of the study were as follows: to conduct a demographic analysis of the Galveston Bay system; to characterize socioeconomic dependence on the Bay system; to identify social trends which affect Bay resources; to characterize the economic value of Bay activities; to predict future trends in Bay use; to predict the potential impact of a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan on Bay communities and groups; to identify gaps in existing socioeconomic information on the Bay; and to develop recommendations for additional research on the socioeconomic character of the Bay system.