Funding & Acknowledgements

The data used in this analysis is from the Export Standardized Tables in the SEACAR Data Discovery Interface (DDI). Documents and information available through the SEACAR DDI are owned by the data provider(s) and users are expected to provide appropriate credit following accepted citation formats. Users are encouraged to access data to maximize utilization of gained knowledge, reducing redundant research and facilitating partnerships and scientific innovation.

With respect to documents and information available from SEACAR DDI, neither the State of Florida nor the Florida Department of Environmental Protection makes any warranty, expressed or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose arising out of the use or inability to use the data, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents that its use would not infringe privately owned rights.

This report was funded in part, through a grant agreement from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Coastal Management Program, by a grant provided by the Office for Coastal Management under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The views, statements, findings, conclusions and recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the State of Florida, NOAA or any of their sub agencies.

Published: 2026-06-10

Threshold Filtering

Threshold filters, following the guidance of Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s (FDEP) Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration (DEAR) are used to exclude specific results values from the SEACAR Analysis. Based on the threshold filters, Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QAQC) Flags are inserted into the SEACAR_QAQCFlagCode and SEACAR_QAQC_Description columns of the export data. The Include column indicates whether the QAQC Flag will also indicate that data are excluded from analysis. No data are excluded from the data export, but the analysis scripts can use the Include column to exclude data (1 to include, 0 to exclude).

Continuous Water Quality threshold values
Parameter Name Units Low Threshold High Threshold
Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin ug/L - -
Dissolved Oxygen mg/L -0.000001 50
Dissolved Oxygen Saturation % -0.000001 500
Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter QSE - -
Salinity ppt -0.000001 70
Specific Conductivity mS/cm -0.000001 200
Turbidity NTU -0.000001 4000
Water Temperature Degrees C -5.000000 45
pH None 2.000000 14
Discrete Water Quality threshold values
Parameter Name Units Low Threshold High Threshold
Ammonia, Un-ionized (NH3) mg/L - -
Ammonium (NH4) mg/L - -
Chlorophyll a, Corrected for Pheophytin ug/L - -
Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin ug/L - -
Colored Dissolved Organic Matter PCU - -
Dissolved Oxygen mg/L -0.000001 25
Dissolved Oxygen Saturation % -0.000001 310
Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter QSE - -
Light Extinction Coefficient m^-1 - -
NO2+3, Filtered mg/L - -
Nitrate (NO3) mg/L - -
Nitrite (NO2) mg/L - -
Nitrogen, inorganic mg/L - -
Nitrogen, organic mg/L - -
Phosphate, Filtered (PO4) mg/L - -
Salinity ppt -0.000001 70
Secchi Depth m 0.000001 50
Specific Conductivity mS/cm 0.005000 100
Total Ammonia (N) mg/L - -
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen mg/L - -
Total Nitrogen mg/L - -
Total Nitrogen mg/L - -
Total Phosphorus mg/L - -
Total Suspended Solids mg/L - -
Turbidity NTU - -
Water Temperature Degrees C 3.000000 40
pH None 2.000000 13
Quality Assurance Flags inserted based on threshold checks listed in Table 1 and 2
SEACAR QAQC Description Include SEACAR QAQCFlagCode
Exceeds maximum threshold 0 2Q
Below minimum threshold 0 4Q
Within threshold tolerance 1 6Q
No defined thresholds for this parameter 1 7Q

Value Qualifiers

Value qualifier codes included within the data are used to exclude certain results from the analysis. The data are retained in the data export files, but the analysis uses the Include column to filter the results.

STORET and WIN value qualifier codes

Value qualifier codes from STORET and WIN data are examined with the database and used to populate the Include column in data exports.

Value Qualifier codes excluded from analysis
Qualifier Source Value Qualifier Include MDL Description
STORET-WIN H 0 0 Value based on field kit determination; results may not be accurate
STORET-WIN J 0 0 Estimated value
STORET-WIN V 0 0 Analyte was detected at or above method detection limit
STORET-WIN Y 0 0 Lab analysis from an improperly preserved sample; data may be inaccurate

Discrete Water Quality Value Qualifiers

The following value qualifiers are highlighted in the Discrete Water Quality section of this report. An exception is made for Program 476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network and data flagged with Value Qualifier H are included for this program only.

H - Value based on field kit determiniation; results may not be accurate. This code shall be used if a field screening test (e.g., field gas chromatograph data, immunoassay, or vendor-supplied field kit) was used to generate the value and the field kit or method has not been recognized by the Department as equivalent to laboratory methods.

I - The reported value is greater than or equal to the laboratory method detection limit but less than the laboratory practical quantitation limit.

Q - Sample held beyond the accepted holding time. This code shall be used if the value is derived from a sample that was prepared or analyzed after the approved holding time restrictions for sample preparation or analysis.

S - Secchi disk visible to bottom of waterbody. The value reported is the depth of the waterbody at the location of the Secchi disk measurement.

U - Indicates that the compound was analyzed for but not detected. This symbol shall be used to indicate that the specified component was not detected. The value associated with the qualifier shall be the laboratory method detection limit. Unless requested by the client, less than the method detection limit values shall not be reported

Systemwide Monitoring Program (SWMP) value qualifier codes

Value qualifier codes from the SWMP continuous program are examined with the database and used to populate the Include column in data exports. SWMP Qualifier Codes are indicated by QualifierSource=SWMP.

SWMP Value Qualifier codes
Qualifier Source Value Qualifier Include Description
SWMP -1 1 Optional parameter not collected
SWMP -2 0 Missing data
SWMP -3 0 Data rejected due to QA/QC
SWMP -4 0 Outside low sensor range
SWMP -5 0 Outside high sensor range
SWMP 0 1 Passed initial QA/QC checks
SWMP 1 0 Suspect data
SWMP 2 1 Reserved for future use
SWMP 3 1 Calculated data: non-vented depth/level sensorcorrection for changes in barometric pressure
SWMP 4 1 Historical: Pre-auto QA/QC
SWMP 5 1 Corrected data

Water Column

The water column habitat extends from the water’s surface to the bottom sediments, and it’s where fish, dolphins, crabs and people swim! So much life makes its home in the water column that the health of marine and coastal ecosystems, as well as human economies, depend on the condition of this vulnerable habitat. Local patterns of rainfall, temperature, winds and currents can rapidly change the condition of the water column, while global influences such as El Niño/La Niña, large-scale fluctuation in sea temperatures and climate change can have long-term effects. Inputs from the prosperity of our day-to-day lives including farming, mining and forestry, and emissions from power generation, automobiles and water treatment can also alter the health of the water column. Acting alone or together, each input can have complex and lasting effects on habitats and ecosystems.


SEACAR evaluates water column health with several essential parameters. These include nutrient surveys of nitrogen and phosphorus, and water quality assessments of salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and water temperature. Water clarity is evaluated with Secchi depth, turbidity, levels of chlorophyll a, total suspended solids, and colored dissolved organic matter. Additionally, the richness of nekton is indicated by the abundance of free-swimming fishes and macroinvertebrates like crabs and shrimps.

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Analysis

Indicators must have a minimum of five to ten years, depending on the habitat, of data within the geographic range of the analysis to be included in the analysis. Ten years of data are required for discrete parameters, and five years of data are required for continuous parameters. If there are insufficient years of data, the number of years of data available will be noted and labeled as “insufficient data to conduct analysis”. Further, for the preferred Seasonal Kendall-Tau test, there must be data from at least two months in common across at least two consecutive years within the RCP managed area being analyzed. Values that pass both of these tests will be included in the analysis and be labeled as Use_In_Analysis = TRUE. Any that fail either test will be excluded from the analyses and labeled as Use_In_Analysis = FALSE. The points for all Water Column plots displayed in this section are monthly averages. Trend significance will be denoted as “Significant Trend” (when p < 0.05), or “Non-significant Trend” (when p >= 0.05). Any parameters with insufficient data to perform Seasonal Kendall-Tau test will have their monthly averages plotted without a corresponding trend line.

Water Quality - Discrete

The following files were used in the discrete analysis:

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Chlorophyll_a_corrected_for_pheophytin-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Chlorophyll_a_uncorrected_for_pheophytin-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Colored_dissolved_organic_matter_CDOM-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Dissolved_Oxygen-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_pH-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Salinity-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Secchi_Depth-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Nitrogen-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Phosphorus-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Suspended_Solids_TSS-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Turbidity-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Water_Temperature-2026-May-18.txt

Chlorophyll a, Corrected for Pheophytin - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average levels of chlorophyll a, corrected for pheophytin, over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only laboratory-analyzed chlorophyll a (triangles) is included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average levels of chlorophyll a, corrected for pheophytin, over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only laboratory-analyzed chlorophyll a (triangles) is included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Chlorophyll a, Corrected for Pheophytin
Activity Type Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Lab Increasing trend 3877 27 1999 - 2025 7.5 0.5168 -0.7871 0.4364 0

Monthly average chlorophyll a, corrected for pheophytin, increased by 0.44 µg/L per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Chlorophyll a, Corrected for Pheophytin
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
355 2733 2013 2025
5002 1170 1999 2025

Program names:

355 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average levels of chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only laboratory-analyzed chlorophyll a (triangles) is included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average levels of chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only laboratory-analyzed chlorophyll a (triangles) is included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin
Activity Type Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Lab Increasing trend 3216 25 2000 - 2025 10 0.4126 1.1216 0.5238 0

Monthly average chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, increased by 0.52 µg/L per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
355 2735 2013 2025
5002 390 2007 2025
514 85 2007 2008
103 17 2000 2019
118 10 2000 2010
115 6 2000 2004

Program names:

355 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program3
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX4
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment5
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6

Colored Dissolved Organic Matter - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only laboratory-analyzed CDOM (triangles) is included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only laboratory-analyzed CDOM (triangles) is included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Colored Dissolved Organic Matter
Activity Type Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Lab Increasing trend 183 13 2007 - 2025 23 0.205 9.6302 2.1 0.0036

Monthly average colored dissolved organic matter increased by 2.1 PCU per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Colored Dissolved Organic Matter
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 168 2017 2025
514 26 2007 2008
103 7 2009 2019

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program3
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX4

Dissolved Oxygen - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only dissolved oxygen values measured in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only dissolved oxygen values measured in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Dissolved Oxygen
Activity Type Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Field Decreasing trend 82148 34 1992 - 2025 7.5 -0.0829 7.6687 -0.0088 0.0253

Monthly average dissolved oxygen decreased by 0.01 mg/L per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Dissolved Oxygen
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
69 43862 1998 2024
5002 32127 1995 2025
129 4082 2000 2025
355 2569 2011 2025
95 410 1995 2018
557 222 2006 2023
118 78 2000 2020
103 34 2014 2019
115 28 1992 2004
119 14 1994 1994
5071 4 2017 2017

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program7
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
129 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Juvenile Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring8
355 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network9
557 - Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves Seagrass Monitoring10
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment5
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX4
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
119 - National Status and Trends Bioeffects program11
5071 - Oyster shell heights and taxonomic diversity in 2015-2017 among previously documented oiled and non-oiled reefs in Louisiana, Alabama, and the Florida panhandle12

Dissolved Oxygen Saturation - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only dissolved oxygen saturation values measured in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only dissolved oxygen saturation values measured in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Dissolved Oxygen Saturation
Activity Type Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Field No detectable trend 5833 26 2000 - 2025 91.4 -0.0907 91.5332 -0.1581 0.0515

Dissolved oxygen saturation showed no detectable trend between 2000 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Dissolved Oxygen Saturation
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
129 4064 2000 2025
355 1197 2011 2023
5002 590 2003 2025

Program names:

129 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Juvenile Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring8
355 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

pH - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average pH over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only pH values measured in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average pH over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only pH values measured in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for pH
Activity Type Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Field Decreasing trend 67283 35 1964 - 2025 7.98 -0.3409 8.2995 -0.0102 0

Monthly average pH decreased by 0.01 pH units per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for pH
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
69 44002 1998 2024
5002 19264 1995 2025
129 2375 2000 2025
355 2285 2011 2025
95 305 1964 2018
557 209 2006 2023
558 38 2008 2013
103 29 2014 2019
115 28 1992 2004

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program7
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
129 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Juvenile Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring8
355 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network9
557 - Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves Seagrass Monitoring10
558 - Franklin County Coastal Waters Seagrass Monitoring13
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX4
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6

Salinity - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average salinity over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines are also shown. Discrete salinity values derived from grab samples analyzed in the field (circles) or the laboratory (triangles) are both included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average salinity over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines are also shown. Discrete salinity values derived from grab samples analyzed in the field (circles) or the laboratory (triangles) are both included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Salinity
Activity Type Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
All Decreasing trend 94442 37 1964 - 2025 16.8 -0.1708 21.3432 -0.1105 0

Monthly average salinity decreased by 0.11 ppt per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Salinity
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
69 44213 1998 2024
5002 43876 1995 2024
129 4094 2000 2025
355 2419 2011 2024
95 586 1964 2018
557 222 2006 2023
558 132 2008 2014
456 63 2005 2015
115 28 1992 2004
119 14 1994 1994
5071 4 2017 2017

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program7
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
129 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Juvenile Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring8
355 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network9
557 - Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves Seagrass Monitoring10
558 - Franklin County Coastal Waters Seagrass Monitoring13
456 - Oyster Sentinel14
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
119 - National Status and Trends Bioeffects program11
5071 - Oyster shell heights and taxonomic diversity in 2015-2017 among previously documented oiled and non-oiled reefs in Louisiana, Alabama, and the Florida panhandle12

Total Nitrogen - Discrete

Total Nitrogen Calculation:

The logic for calculated Total Nitrogen was provided by Kevin O’Donnell and colleagues at FDEP (with the help of Jay Silvanima, Watershed Monitoring Section). The following logic is used, in this order, based on the availability of specific nitrogen components.

  1. TN = TKN + NO3O2;
  2. TN = TKN + NO3 + NO2;
  3. TN = ORGN + NH4 + NO3O2;
  4. TN = ORGN + NH4 + NO2 + NO3;
  5. TN = TKN + NO3;
  6. TN = ORGN + NH4 + NO3;

Additional Information:

  • Rules for use of sample fraction:
    • Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) report that if both “Total” and “Dissolved” components are reported, only “Total” is used. If the total is not reported, then the dissolved components are used as a best available replacement.
    • Total nitrogen calculations are done using nitrogen components with the same sample fraction, nitrogen components with mixed total/dissolved sample fractions are not used. In other words, total nitrogen can be calculated when TKN and NO3O2 are both total sample fractions, or when both are dissolved sample fractions. Future calculations of total nitrogen values may be based on components with mixed sample fractions.
  • Values inserted into data:
    • ParameterName = “Total Nitrogen”
    • SEACAR_QAQCFlagCode = “1Q”
    • SEACAR_QAQC_Description = “SEACAR Calculated”

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average total nitrogen over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only nitrogen values obtained from laboratory analyses (triangles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average total nitrogen over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only nitrogen values obtained from laboratory analyses (triangles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Total Nitrogen
Activity Type Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Lab No detectable trend 3831 29 1992 - 2025 0.628 -0.0635 0.6991 -0.0017 0.1357

Total nitrogen showed no detectable trend between 1992 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Total Nitrogen
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
355 2647 2013 2025
5002 1056 1992 2025
514 83 2007 2008
103 39 2000 2019
115 6 2000 2004

Program names:

355 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program3
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX4
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6

Total Phosphorus - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average total phosphorus over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only phosphorus values obtained from laboratory analyses (triangles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average total phosphorus over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only phosphorus values obtained from laboratory analyses (triangles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Total Phosphorus
Activity Type Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Lab Decreasing trend 3970 29 1992 - 2025 0.031 -0.085 0.0354 -0.0001 0.0345

Monthly average total phosphorus decreased by less than 0.01 mg/L per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Total Phosphorus
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
355 2768 2013 2025
5002 1188 1992 2025
514 83 2007 2008
103 24 2000 2015
115 6 2000 2004

Program names:

355 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program3
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX4
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6

Turbidity - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average turbidity over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only turbidity values measured in the laboratory (triangles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average turbidity over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only turbidity values measured in the laboratory (triangles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Turbidity
Activity Type Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Lab Increasing trend 22996 32 1992 - 2025 5.1 0.2747 4.7375 0.1735 0

Monthly average turbidity increased by 0.17 NTU per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Turbidity
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 22991 1992 2025
129 2379 2000 2025
355 662 2011 2019
103 10 2005 2019

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
129 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Juvenile Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring8
355 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX4

Water Temperature - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average water temperature over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only water temperature measurements taken in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average water temperature over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only water temperature measurements taken in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Water Temperature
Activity Type Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Field Increasing trend 95140 37 1964 - 2025 23.4 0.1262 20.984 0.0201 0.0006

Monthly average water temperature increased by 0.02°C per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Water Temperature
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 44395 1995 2025
69 44351 1998 2024
129 4087 2000 2025
355 2572 2011 2025
95 537 1964 2018
557 222 2006 2023
558 146 2008 2017
456 63 2005 2015
115 28 1992 2004
119 14 1994 1994
103 5 2014 2019
5071 4 2017 2017

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program7
129 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Juvenile Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring8
355 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network9
557 - Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves Seagrass Monitoring10
558 - Franklin County Coastal Waters Seagrass Monitoring13
456 - Oyster Sentinel14
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
119 - National Status and Trends Bioeffects program11
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX4
5071 - Oyster shell heights and taxonomic diversity in 2015-2017 among previously documented oiled and non-oiled reefs in Louisiana, Alabama, and the Florida panhandle12

Water Quality - Continuous

The following files were used in the continuous analysis:

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Chlorophyll_a_Uncorrected_for_Pheophytin-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Fluorescent_Dissolved_Organic_Matter-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_pH-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Salinity-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Specific_Conductivity-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Turbidity-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Water_Temperature-2026-Mar-06.txt

Continuous monitoring locations in Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve

Station overview for Continuous parameters by Program
ProgramID ProgramLocationID Years of Data Use in Analysis Parameters
5 APCF1 21 TRUE Water Temperature
355 apabpwq 7 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
355 apacpwq 25 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
355 apadbwq 25 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
355 apaebwq 30 TRUE Turbidity
355 apaebwq 32 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
355 apaeswq 31 TRUE Turbidity
355 apaeswq 32 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
355 apalmwq 11 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
355 apapcwq 11 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity

Program names:

5 - National Data Buoy Center15
355 - Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1

Map showing continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. Sites marked as Use In Analysis (green) are featured in this report.
Map showing continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. Sites marked as Use In Analysis (green) are featured in this report.

pH - Continuous

Scatter plot of monthly average pH over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average pH over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for pH - All Stations
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
apadbwq Significantly decreasing trend 636788 25 2002 - 2026 8.0 -0.11 8.06 0.00 0.01
apaebwq Significantly decreasing trend 754923 32 1995 - 2026 7.6 -0.11 7.63 -0.01 0.00
apaeswq Significantly decreasing trend 745836 32 1995 - 2026 7.5 -0.10 7.58 -0.01 0.01
apalmwq No significant trend 297196 11 2016 - 2026 7.1 -0.06 7.13 0.00 0.50
apapcwq Significantly decreasing trend 302765 11 2016 - 2026 8.1 -0.35 8.16 -0.02 0.00
apabpwq No significant trend 184904 7 2020 - 2026 7.1 0.09 7.04 0.01 0.30
apacpwq No significant trend 649552 25 2002 - 2026 8.0 0.01 8.01 0.00 0.86

At four program locations, monthly average pH decreased between less than 0.01 and 0.02 pH units per year. No detectable change in monthly average pH was observed at three locations.

Dissolved Oxygen Saturation - Continuous

Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for Dissolved Oxygen Saturation - All Stations
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
apadbwq No significant trend 658527 25 2002 - 2026 94.9 -0.05 97.62 -0.08 0.27
apaebwq Significantly decreasing trend 694367 32 1995 - 2026 84.9 -0.23 91.03 -0.60 0.00
apaeswq No significant trend 746726 32 1995 - 2026 84.5 -0.06 85.63 -0.15 0.10
apalmwq Significantly decreasing trend 289599 11 2016 - 2026 74.9 -0.16 76.47 -0.51 0.04
apapcwq No significant trend 305661 11 2016 - 2026 94.0 0.04 92.74 0.11 0.54
apabpwq Significantly increasing trend 184169 7 2020 - 2026 77.0 0.25 73.51 0.96 0.02
apacpwq Significantly increasing trend 651534 25 2002 - 2026 94.3 0.18 91.75 0.22 0.00

At two program locations, monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation increased by 0.22% per year at one site and by 0.96% per year at the other. At two program locations, monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation decreased by 0.51% per year at one site and by 0.6% per year at the other. No detectable change in monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation was observed at three locations.

Dissolved Oxygen - Continuous

Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for Dissolved Oxygen - All Stations
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
apadbwq Significantly decreasing trend 654044 25 2002 - 2026 7.3 -0.11 7.57 -0.01 0.01
apaebwq Significantly decreasing trend 698115 32 1995 - 2026 6.8 -0.27 7.55 -0.06 0.00
apaeswq Significantly decreasing trend 745989 32 1995 - 2026 6.8 -0.10 7.04 -0.02 0.01
apalmwq Significantly decreasing trend 289063 11 2016 - 2026 6.3 -0.16 6.74 -0.05 0.04
apapcwq No significant trend 302205 11 2016 - 2026 6.9 -0.03 6.98 -0.01 0.79
apabpwq No significant trend 184169 7 2020 - 2026 6.5 0.14 6.37 0.08 0.16
apacpwq Significantly increasing trend 650006 25 2002 - 2026 7.1 0.12 7.05 0.01 0.00

At one program location, monthly average dissolved oxygen increased by 0.01 mg/L per year. At four program locations, monthly average dissolved oxygen decreased between 0.01 and 0.06 mg/L per year. No detectable change in monthly average dissolved oxygen was observed at two locations.

Turbidity - Continuous

Scatter plot of monthly average turbidity over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average turbidity over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for Turbidity - All Stations
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
apadbwq No significant trend 638719 25 2002 - 2026 10 0.05 16.21 0.06 0.23
apaebwq Significantly decreasing trend 672490 28 1997 - 2026 13 -0.18 19.33 -0.18 0.00
apaeswq Significantly decreasing trend 735494 31 1996 - 2026 9 -0.13 11.31 -0.09 0.00
apalmwq No significant trend 275282 11 2016 - 2026 11 0.08 11.53 0.23 0.36
apapcwq No significant trend 292616 11 2016 - 2026 7 -0.11 10.95 -0.15 0.15
apabpwq No significant trend 186715 7 2020 - 2026 11 -0.07 11.82 -0.20 0.43
apacpwq No significant trend 663199 25 2002 - 2026 8 -0.02 12.90 -0.02 0.59

At two program locations, monthly average turbidity decreased by 0.09 NTU per year at one site and by 0.18 NTU per year at the other. No detectable change in monthly average turbidity was observed at five locations.

Water Temperature - Continuous

Scatter plot of monthly average water temperature over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average water temperature over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for Water Temperature - All Stations
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
apadbwq Significantly increasing trend 679646 25 2002 - 2026 23.3 0.16 22.86 0.03 0.00
apaebwq Significantly increasing trend 799283 32 1995 - 2026 24.1 0.16 23.05 0.02 0.00
apaeswq Significantly increasing trend 800593 32 1995 - 2026 24.1 0.20 22.88 0.04 0.00
apalmwq No significant trend 307034 11 2016 - 2026 22.7 0.01 23.35 0.00 0.93
apapcwq No significant trend 308627 11 2016 - 2026 23.2 0.00 23.62 -0.01 0.98
APCF1 Significantly increasing trend 1433809 21 2005 - 2025 23.4 0.12 22.93 0.04 0.02
apabpwq Significantly increasing trend 186721 7 2020 - 2026 22.6 0.23 22.07 0.23 0.04
apacpwq Significantly increasing trend 705144 25 2002 - 2026 23.5 0.16 23.01 0.03 0.00

At six program locations, monthly average water temperature increased between 0.02 and 0.23°C per year. No detectable change in monthly average water temperature was observed at two locations.

Salinity - Continuous

Scatter plot of monthly average salinity over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average salinity over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for Salinity - All Stations
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
apadbwq No significant trend 651798 25 2002 - 2026 22.3 0.00 21.84 -0.01 0.93
apaebwq No significant trend 782974 32 1995 - 2026 10.0 0.04 9.24 0.02 0.32
apaeswq No significant trend 792598 32 1995 - 2026 7.6 0.05 6.97 0.03 0.18
apalmwq Significantly increasing trend 304777 11 2016 - 2026 0.1 0.24 0.08 0.01 0.00
apapcwq No significant trend 303665 11 2016 - 2026 27.1 0.14 25.99 0.25 0.07
apabpwq Significantly increasing trend 186721 7 2020 - 2026 0.1 0.34 0.06 0.01 0.00
apacpwq No significant trend 666150 25 2002 - 2026 22.5 0.01 21.69 0.01 0.81

At two program locations, monthly average salinity increased by 0.01 ppt per year. No detectable change in monthly average salinity was observed at five locations.

Specific Conductivity - Continuous

Scatter plot of monthly average specific conductivity over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average specific conductivity over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for Specific Conductivity - All Stations
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
apadbwq No significant trend 651297 25 2002 - 2026 35.35 -0.01 34.64 -0.01 0.86
apaebwq No significant trend 783182 32 1995 - 2026 16.97 0.04 15.57 0.03 0.32
apaeswq No significant trend 792928 32 1995 - 2026 13.14 0.05 12.34 0.04 0.20
apalmwq Significantly increasing trend 304777 11 2016 - 2026 0.15 0.24 0.12 0.02 0.00
apapcwq No significant trend 303667 11 2016 - 2026 42.28 0.15 40.60 0.35 0.06
apabpwq Significantly increasing trend 186713 7 2020 - 2026 0.12 0.27 0.10 0.01 0.01
apacpwq No significant trend 666166 25 2002 - 2026 35.70 0.01 34.62 0.01 0.87

At two program locations, monthly average specific conductivity increased by 0.01 mS/cm per year at one site and by 0.02 mS/cm per year at the other. No detectable change in monthly average specific conductivity was observed at five locations.

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

The data file used is: All_SAV_Parameters-2026-Jun-04.txt

Submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) refers to plants and plant-like macroalgae species that live entirely underwater. The two primary categories of SAV inhabiting Florida estuaries are benthic macroalgae and seagrasses. They often grow together in dense beds or meadows that carpet the seafloor. Macroalgae include multicellular species of green, red and brown algae that often live attached to the substrate by a holdfast. They tend to grow quickly and can tolerate relatively high nutrient levels, making them a threat to seagrasses and other benthic habitats in areas with poor water quality. In contrast, seagrasses are grass-like, vascular, flowering plants that are attached to the seafloor by extensive root systems. Seagrasses occur throughout the coastal areas of Florida, including protected bays and lagoons as well as deeper offshore waters on the continental shelf. Seagrasses have taken advantage of the broad, shallow shelf and clear water to produce two of the most extensive seagrass beds anywhere in continental North America.

Parameters

Percent Cover measures the fraction of an area of seafloor that is covered by SAV, usually estimated by evaluating multiple small areas of seafloor. Percent cover is often estimated for total SAV, individual types of vegetation (seagrass, attached algae, drift algae) and individual species.

Frequency of Occurrence was calculated as the number of times a taxon was observed in a year divided by the number of sampling events, multiplied by 100. Analysis is conducted at the quadrat level and is inclusive of all quadrats (i.e., quadrats evaluated using Braun-Blanquet, modified Braun-Blanquet, and percent cover.”

Species

Turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) is the largest of the Florida seagrasses, with longer, thicker blades and deeper root structures than any of the other seagrasses. It is considered a climax seagrass species.

Shoal grass (Halodule wrightii) is an early colonizer of vegetated areas and usually grows in water too shallow for other species except widgeon grass. It can often tolerate larger salinity ranges than other seagrass species. Shoal grass is characterized by thin, flat blades, that are narrower than turtle grass blades.

Manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme) is easily recognizable because its leaves are thin and cylindrical instead of the flat, ribbon-like form shared by many other seagrass species. The leaves can grow up to half a meter in length. Manatee grass is usually found in mixed seagrass beds or small, dense monospecific patches.

Widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima) grows in both fresh and salt water and is widely distributed throughout Florida’s estuaries in less saline areas, particularly in inlets along the east coast. This species resembles shoal grass in certain environments but can be identified by the pointed tips of its leaves.

Three species of Halophila spp. are found in Florida - Star grass (Halophila engelmannii), Paddle grass (Halophila decipiens), and Johnson’s seagrass (Halophila johnsonii). These are smaller, more fragile seagrasses than other Florida species and are considered ephemeral. They grow along a single long rhizome, with short blades. These species are not well-studied, although surveys are underway to define their ecological roles.

Notes

Star grass, Paddle grass, and Johnson’s seagrass will be grouped together and listed as Halophila spp. in the following managed areas. This is because several surveys did not specify to the species level:

  • Banana River Aquatic Preserve

  • Indian River-Malabar to Vero Beach Aquatic Preserve

  • Indian River-Vero Beach to Ft. Pierce Aquatic Preserve

  • Jensen Beach to Jupiter Inlet Aquatic Preserve

  • Loxahatchee River-Lake Worth Creek Aquatic Preserve

  • Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve

  • Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve

  • Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Maps showing the temporal scope of SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve by program name.
Maps showing the temporal scope of SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve by program name.

Click here to view spatio-temporal plots on GitHub.

Sampling locations by Program:

Map showing SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The point size reflects the number of samples at a given sampling site.
Map showing SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The point size reflects the number of samples at a given sampling site.
Program Information for Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
ProgramID N-Data YearMin YearMax method Sample Locations
557 590 2008 2023 Braun Blanquet 35
997 79 2003 2003 Braun Blanquet 4
558 1402 2009 2017 Percent Cover 32
997 81 2003 2003 Percent Cover 4

Program names:

557 - Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves Seagrass Monitoring10
558 - Franklin County Coastal Waters Seagrass Monitoring13
997 - Apalachicola Bay Ephemeral SAV Monitoring16

Scatter plots of median percent cover of submerged aquatic vegetation over time by group. Plots for time series that included five or more years of observations show the estimated trend as a blue line.
Scatter plots of median percent cover of submerged aquatic vegetation over time by group. Plots for time series that included five or more years of observations show the estimated trend as a blue line.
Trend lines of median percent cover of submerged aquatic vegetation over time for species that had five or more years of observations. Line type represents significance (solid) or non-significance (dashed) of the trends.
Trend lines of median percent cover of submerged aquatic vegetation over time for species that had five or more years of observations. Line type represents significance (solid) or non-significance (dashed) of the trends.
Percent Cover Trend Analysis for Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve
Species Statistical Trend Period of Record LME Intercept LME Slope P
Drift algae Decreasing trend 2003 - 2023 60.30870 -1.8362960 0.0314623
Shoal grass No detectable trend 2008 - 2023 42.98087 -0.2444921 0.7268445
Star grass Insufficient data - - - -
Widgeon grass Insufficient data - - - -
Manatee grass Insufficient data - - - -

An annual decrease in percent cover was observed for drift algae (-1.84%). No detectable change in percent cover was observed for shoal grass. Trends in percent cover could not be evaluated for manatee grass, star grass, and widgeon grass due to insufficient data.

Bar plot of submerged aquatic vegetation species occurrence frequency over time by group.
Bar plot of submerged aquatic vegetation species occurrence frequency over time by group.

SAV Water Column Analysis

The following parameters are available for Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve within the SAV_WC_Report:

  • Colored Disolved Organic Matter

  • Chlorophyll a

  • Dissolved Oxygen

  • Dissolved Oxygen Saturation

  • pH

  • Salinity

  • Secchi Depth

  • Water Temperature

  • Total Nitrogen

  • Total Suspended Solids

  • Turbidity

Access the reports here: DRAFT_SAV_WC_Report.pdf

Nekton

The data file used is: All_NEKTON_Parameters-2026-Jun-04.txt

Bar graph(s) of annual average nekton richness over time for species groups occurring in at least 1% of samples. The bar colors represent species groups including bony fishes, cartilaginous fishes, decapod crustaceans (e.g., shrimps, crabs, and lobsters), and cephalopods (e.g., squid). Gear types and sizes are indicated in the panel label.
Bar graph(s) of annual average nekton richness over time for species groups occurring in at least 1% of samples. The bar colors represent species groups including bony fishes, cartilaginous fishes, decapod crustaceans (e.g., shrimps, crabs, and lobsters), and cephalopods (e.g., squid). Gear types and sizes are indicated in the panel label.
Nekton Species Richness
Gear Type No. of Samples No. of Years with Data Period of Record Median No. of Taxa Mean No. of Taxa
Trawl (4.8 m) 5772 25 2000 - 2025 0.74 1.13

The median annual number of taxa was 0.74 based on 5,772 observations collected by 4.8-meter trawl between 2000 and 2025.

Map showing location of nekton sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of nekton sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Coastal Wetlands

The data file used is: All_CW_Parameters-2026-Jun-04.txt

Line graph of annual average coastal wetlands species richness over time for mangroves and associates (triangles), marsh (squares), and marsh succulents (circles). If the time series by species group included more than one year of observations, a line connects data points for visualization.
Line graph of annual average coastal wetlands species richness over time for mangroves and associates (triangles), marsh (squares), and marsh succulents (circles). If the time series by species group included more than one year of observations, a line connects data points for visualization.
Coastal Wetlands Species Richness
Species Group No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median No. of Taxa Mean No. of Taxa
Mangroves and associates 4 2 2022 - 2023 1.0 1.00
Marsh 144 10 2014 - 2023 1.5 2.08
Marsh succulents 56 10 2014 - 2023 3.0 2.20

Between 2022 and 2023, the median annual number of species for mangroves and associates was 1 based on 4 observations. Between 2014 and 2023, the median annual number of species for marsh was 1.5 based on 144 observations. Between 2014 and 2023, the median annual number of species for marsh succulents was 3 based on 56 observations.

Map showing location of coastal wetlands sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of coastal wetlands sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Oyster

The data file used is: All_OYSTER_Parameters-2026-Jun-04.txt

Maps showing the temporal scope of oyster sampling sites within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve by program name.
Maps showing the temporal scope of oyster sampling sites within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve by program name.

Click here to view spatio-temporal plots on GitHub.

Density

For natural reefs, density showed no detectable trend between 2010 and 2019. For restored reefs, density showed no detectable trend between 2016 and 2023.

Natural

Scatter plot of oyster density over time. If the time series included five or more years with observations, an estimated trend (blue line) and a 95% credible interval (purple band) may also be plotted. Data points are jittered horizontally to reduce overlap.
Scatter plot of oyster density over time. If the time series included five or more years with observations, an estimated trend (blue line) and a 95% credible interval (purple band) may also be plotted. Data points are jittered horizontally to reduce overlap.
Model results for Oyster Density - Natural
Habitat Type Shell Type Statistical Trend Period of Record Estimate Standard Error Credible Interval
Natural Live Oysters No detectable trend 2010 - 2019 5.29 23.39 -46.41 to 47.11

Restored

Scatter plot of oyster density over time. If the time series included five or more years with observations, an estimated trend (blue line) and a 95% credible interval (purple band) may also be plotted. Data points are jittered horizontally to reduce overlap.
Scatter plot of oyster density over time. If the time series included five or more years with observations, an estimated trend (blue line) and a 95% credible interval (purple band) may also be plotted. Data points are jittered horizontally to reduce overlap.
Model results for Oyster Density - Restored
Habitat Type Shell Type Statistical Trend Period of Record Estimate Standard Error Credible Interval
Restored Live Oysters No detectable trend 2016 - 2023 -5.24 5.24 -14.14 to 5.93
Map showing location of oyster density sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of oyster density sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Percent Live

For natural reefs, percent live cover increased by an average of 1.33% per year. For restored reefs, percent live cover decreased by an average of 1.4% per year.

Natural

Scatter plot of percent live oysters over time. If the time series included five or more years with observations, an estimated trend (blue line) and a 95% credible interval (purple band) may also be plotted. Estimation method is represented as percent (circles), point-intercept (triangle), or estimated percent (square), with data points jittered horizontally to reduce overlap.
Scatter plot of percent live oysters over time. If the time series included five or more years with observations, an estimated trend (blue line) and a 95% credible interval (purple band) may also be plotted. Estimation method is represented as percent (circles), point-intercept (triangle), or estimated percent (square), with data points jittered horizontally to reduce overlap.
Model results for Oyster Percent Live - Natural
Habitat Type Shell Type Statistical Trend Period of Record Estimate Standard Error Credible Interval
Natural Live Oysters Increasing trend 2018 - 2024 1.33 0.28 0.8 to 1.88

Restored

Scatter plot of percent live oysters over time. If the time series included five or more years with observations, an estimated trend (blue line) and a 95% credible interval (purple band) may also be plotted. Estimation method is represented as percent (circles), point-intercept (triangle), or estimated percent (square), with data points jittered horizontally to reduce overlap.
Scatter plot of percent live oysters over time. If the time series included five or more years with observations, an estimated trend (blue line) and a 95% credible interval (purple band) may also be plotted. Estimation method is represented as percent (circles), point-intercept (triangle), or estimated percent (square), with data points jittered horizontally to reduce overlap.
Model results for Oyster Percent Live - Restored
Habitat Type Shell Type Statistical Trend Period of Record Estimate Standard Error Credible Interval
Restored Live Oysters Decreasing trend 2016 - 2023 -1.4 0.29 -1.97 to -0.84
Map showing location of oyster percent live sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of oyster percent live sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Shell Height

For natural reefs, there was no detectable trend for live oysters in the 25-75mm size class, and there was insufficient data to calculate a trend for live oysters in the ≥75mm size class. For restored reefs, there was no detectable trend for live oysters in either the 25-75mm or the ≥75mm size class. Models are not run on dead oyster shell measurements.

Natural

Model results for Oyster Shell Height - Natural
Habitat Type Shell Type SizeClass Statistical Trend Period of Record No. of Samples Estimate Standard Error Credible Interval
Natural Dead Oyster Shells >75mm Model not run on dead oyster shell 1581 - 2011 75 - - -
Natural Dead Oyster Shells 25-75mm Model not run on dead oyster shell 1581 - 2011 2788 - - -
Natural Live Oysters >75mm Insufficient data 2013 - 2017 36 - - -
Natural Live Oysters 25-75mm No detectable trend 2013 - 2019 723 -0.56 1.61 -3.81 to 2.33

Restored

Model results for Oyster Shell Height - Restored
Habitat Type Shell Type SizeClass Statistical Trend Period of Record No. of Samples Estimate Standard Error Credible Interval
Restored Live Oysters >75mm Model did not fit the available data 1982 - 2023 36418 - - -
Restored Live Oysters 25-75mm Model did not fit the available data 1982 - 2023 247979 - - -
Map showing location of oyster shell height sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of oyster shell height sampling locations within the boundaries of Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Species list

Acanthostracion lactrophyrs3 Fimbristylis spadicea Pagurus longicarpus3
Acanthostracion quadricornis3 Fowlerichthys radiosus3 Pagurus pollicaris3
Acer rubrum Fundulus grandis3 Pagurus spp.3
Acetabularia crenulata1 Fundulus similis3 Palaemon floridanus3
Acetes americanus3 Fundulus spp.3 Palaemon mundusnovus3
Achelous gibbesii3 Galium tinctorium Palaemon pugio3
Achelous spinimanus3 Gambusia holbrooki3 Palaemon spp.3
Achirus lineatus3 Gerres cinereus3 Palaemon vulgaris3
Acipenser oxyrinchus3 Gobiesox strumosus3 Panicum repens
Agalinis maritima Gobiidae spp.3 Panicum virgatum
Albula vulpes3 Gobioides broussonnetii3 Panopeus herbstii3
Alosa alabamae3 Gobionellus oceanicus3 Parablennius marmoreus3
Alosa chrysochloris3 Gobionellus spp.3 Paraclinus marmoratus3
Alosa spp.3 Gobiosoma bosc3 Paralichthyidae spp.3
Alpheus armillatus3 Gobiosoma longipala3 Paralichthys albigutta3
Alpheus estuariensis3 Gobiosoma robustum3 Paralichthys lethostigma3
Alpheus heterochaelis3 Gobiosoma spp.3 Paralichthys spp.3
Alpheus normanni3 Gracilaria sp.1 Paralichthys squamilentus3
Alpheus spp.3 Gunterichthys longipenis3 Parapenaeus politus3
Alternanthera philoxeroides Gymnothorax saxicola3 Paspalum vaginatum2
Aluterus heudelotii3 Gymnura micrura3 Pattalias palustre
Aluterus schoepfii3 Haemulon aurolineatum3 Penaeidae3
Aluterus scriptus3 Haemulon plumierii3 Penaeus aztecus3
Aluterus spp.3 Halichoeres bivittatus3 Penaeus duorarum3
Amaranthus cannabinus Halodule wrightii1 Penaeus setiferus3
Ambidexter symmetricus3 Halophila engelmannii1 Penaeus sp.3
Ameiurus catus3 Harengula jaguana3 Penaeus spp.3
Ameiurus natalis3 Hemicaranx amblyrhynchus3 Peprilus burti3
Ameiurus nebulosus3 Hemipholis elongata Peprilus paru3
Ameiurus spp.3 Hepatus epheliticus3 Peprilus spp.3
Amia calva3 Heterandria formosa3 Percidae spp.3
Ammocrypta bifascia3 Hexapanopeus angustifrons3 Percina nigrofasciata3
Ampelaster carolinianus Hippocampus erectus3 Persea palustris
Anarchopterus criniger3 Hippocampus zosterae3 Persephona mediterranea3
Anchoa cubana3 Hippolyte zostericola3 Persicaria hydropiperoides
Anchoa hepsetus3 Hydrilla verticillata Petrolisthes armatus3
Anchoa lyolepis3 Hydrocotyle umbellata Phragmites berlandieri
Anchoa mitchilli3 Hypanus americanus3 Physalis angustifolia
Anchoa sp.3 Hypanus sabinus3 Physostegia leptophylla
Anchoa spp.3 Hypanus say3 Pilumnus sayi3
Ancylopsetta quadrocellata3 Hypleurochilus caudovittatus3 Pinnixa spp.3
Anguilla rostrata3 Hypleurochilus geminatus3 Platybelone argalus3
Anguilliformes spp.3 Hypleurochilus spp.3 Poaceae sp.
Aphredoderus sayanus3 Hyporhamphus meeki3 Pogonias cromis3
Archosargus probatocephalus3 Hyporhamphus spp.3 Polygonum hydropiperoides
Ariopsis felis3 Hypsoblennius hentz3 Polypremum procumbens
Aristida sp. Hypsoblennius ionthas3 Pomatomus saltatrix3
Astrapogon alutus3 Ictaluridae spp.3 Pomoxis nigromaculatus3
Astropecten articulatus Ictalurus furcatus3 Pontederia cordata
Astroscopus ygraecum3 Ictalurus punctatus3 Porichthys plectrodon3
Baccharis halimifolia Ictalurus spp.3 Portunidae spp.3
Bagre marinus3 Ilex vomitoria Portunus sayi3
Bairdiella chrysoura3 Ipomoea sagittata Potamogeton pusillus
Bare substrate Iris virginica Prionotus alatus3
Bathygobius soporator3 Iva frutescens Prionotus longispinosus3
Batis maritima2 Juncus acuminatus2 Prionotus rubio3
Belonidae spp.3 Juncus roemerianus2 Prionotus scitulus3
Belzebub faxoni3 Juncus scirpoides2 Prionotus spp.3
Bidens mitis Juncus spp.2 Prionotus tribulus3
Blenniidae spp.3 Juncus validus2 Processa hemphilli3
Blutaparon vermiculare2 Kosteletzkya pentacarpos Ptilimnium capillaceum
Bolboschoenus robustus Kyphosus sectatrix3 Pylodictis olivaris3
Borrichia frutescens Lactophrys trigonus3 Quercus marilandica
Bothidae spp.3 Lactophrys triqueter3 Quercus minima
Brachyura3 Lagocephalus laevigatus3 Quercus muehlenbergii
Brevoortia spp.3 Lagodon rhomboides3 Rachycentron canadum3
Brotula barbata3 Larimus fasciatus3 Raja eglanteria3
Brown algae1 Latreutes parvulus3 Remora remora3
Busycon spp. Leander tenuicornis3 Rhinoptera bonasus3
Calamus arctifrons3 Legume sp. Rhithropanopeus harrisii3
Calamus leucosteus3 Leiostomus xanthurus3 Rhizophora mangle2
Calamus spp.3 Lepisosteus oculatus3 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae3
Calappa ocellata3 Lepisosteus osseus3 Rimapenaeus constrictus3
Callinectes sapidus3 Lepomis auritus3 Rimapenaeus similis3
Callinectes similis3 Lepomis gulosus3 Rimapenaeus spp.3
Callinectes spp.3 Lepomis macrochirus3 Rumex verticillatus
Campsis radicans Lepomis microlophus3 Ruppia maritima1
Carangidae spp.3 Lepomis punctatus3 Rypticus maculatus3
Caranx crysos3 Lepomis spp.3 Sabal palmetto
Caranx hippos3 Leptochela serratorbita3 Sagittaria graminea
Caranx latus3 Libinia dubia3 Salicornia ambigua2
Caranx ruber3 Libinia emarginata3 Salvinia spp.
Caranx spp.3 Limonium carolinianum2 Sardinella aurita3
Carcharhinus limbatus3 Limulus polyphemus Saururus cernuus
Carex hyalinolepis Lithadia granulosa3 Scartella cristata3
Carex joorii Lobotes surinamensis3 Schoenoplectus americanus
Carex sp. Lolliguncula brevis3 Schoenoplectus californicus
Carpiodes carpio3 Lucania parva3 Sciaenidae spp.3
Carpiodes cyprinus3 Ludwigia repens Sciaenops ocellatus3
Centella asiatica Luidia alternata Scomberomorus maculatus3
Centrarchidae spp.3 Luidia clathrata Scorpaena brasiliensis3
Centrarchus macropterus3 Lutjanus analis3 Scorpaena sp.3
Centropristis ocyurus3 Lutjanus campechanus3 Selene setapinnis3
Centropristis philadelphica3 Lutjanus griseus3 Selene vomer3
Centropristis striata3 Lutjanus sp.3 Serraniculus pumilio3
Cephalanthus occidentalis Lutjanus spp.3 Serranidae spp.3
Ceratophyllum demersum Lutjanus synagris3 Serranus subligarius3
Chaetodipterus faber3 Lycopus virginicus Sesbania punicea
Chara spp.1 Lysmata wurdemanni3 Sesbania vesicaria
Chasmodes saburrae3 Lythrum lineare Sesuvium portulacastrum2
Chilomycterus schoepfii3 Macrobrachium ohione3 Setaria parviflora
Chloroscombrus chrysurus3 Megalops atlanticus3 Sicyonia brevirostris3
Cicuta maculata Melongena corona Sicyonia dorsalis3
Citharichthys macrops3 Membras martinica3 Sicyonia laevigata3
Citharichthys sp.3 Menidia beryllina3 Sicyonia typica3
Citharichthys spilopterus3 Menidia sp.3 Smilax auriculata
Citharichthys spp.3 Menidia spp.3 Smilax bona-nox
Cladium mariscus Menippe mercenaria3 Smilax walteri
Clibanarius vittatus3 Menticirrhus americanus3 Solidago sempervirens
Crinum americanum Menticirrhus littoralis3 Sparidae spp.3
Ctenogobius boleosoma3 Menticirrhus saxatilis3 Spartina alterniflora2
Ctenogobius shufeldti3 Menticirrhus spp.3 Spartina cynosuroides2
Ctenogobius spp.3 Metoporhaphis calcarata3 Spartina patens2
Ctenogobius stigmaticus3 Microgobius carri3 Sphoeroides nephelus3
Ctenopharyngodon idella3 Microgobius gulosus3 Sphoeroides parvus3
Cuapetes americanus3 Microgobius microlepis3 Sphoeroides spengleri3
Cynoscion arenarius3 Microgobius sp.3 Sphoeroides spp.3
Cynoscion nebulosus3 Microgobius spp.3 Sphyraena barracuda3
Cynoscion nothus3 Microgobius thalassinus3 Sphyraena borealis3
Cynoscion spp.3 Microphis brachyurus3 Sphyraena guachancho3
Cyperaceae sp. Micropogonias undulatus3 Sphyraena spp.3
Cyperus haspan Micropterus salmoides3 Sphyrna tiburo3
Cyperus sp. Mikania scandens Sporobolus virginicus2
Cyprinella venusta3 Minytrema melanops3 Squilla empusa
Cyprinidae spp.3 Monacanthus ciliatus3 Stellifer lanceolatus3
Cyprinodon variegatus3 Moreiradromia antillensis3 Stenotomus caprinus3
Cyprinus carpio3 Morone chrysops x saxatilis3 Stephanolepis hispida3
Dasyatis sp.3 Morone hybrid3 Strongylura marina3
Diapterus auratus3 Morone saxatilis3 Strongylura notata3
Dichanthelium sp. Morone spp.3 Strongylura spp.3
Diplectrum bivittatum3 Moxostoma spp.3 Strongylura timucu3
Diplectrum formosum3 Mugil cephalus3 Suaeda linearis2
Diplectrum spp.3 Mugil curema3 Syacium papillosum3
Diplodus holbrookii3 Mugil spp.3 Symphurus parvus3
Distichlis spicata2 Muhlenbergia capillaris Symphurus plagiusa3
Dormitator maculatus3 Mycteroperca microlepis3 Symphyotrichum tenuifolium
Dorosoma cepedianum3 Mycteroperca phenax3 Syngnathidae spp.3
Dorosoma petenense3 Mycteroperca spp.3 Syngnathus floridae3
Dorosoma spp.3 Myrica cerifera Syngnathus louisianae3
Drift algae1 Myrophis punctatus3 Syngnathus scovelli3
Dyspanopeus texanus3 Najas guadalupensis Syngnathus spp.3
Echeneis naucrates3 Neopanope packardii3 Syngnathus springeri3
Echeneis neucratoides3 Neverita duplicata Synodus foetens3
Echeneis spp.3 Nicholsina usta3 Synodus spp.3
Echiophis punctifer3 No fish Syringodium filiforme1
Edrastima uniflora No grass in quadrat1 Taxodium distichum
Eleocharis fallax Notemigonus crysoleucas3 Thor spp.3
Eleotris amblyopsis3 Notropis maculatus3 Toxicodendron radicans
Elopidae3 Notropis spp.3 Tozeuma carolinense3
Elopidae spp.3 Oenothera simulans Trachinotus carolinus3
Elops saurus3 Ogcocephalus corniger3 Trachinotus falcatus3
Elops smithi3 Ogcocephalus cubifrons3 Trichiurus lepturus3
Elops spp.3 Ogcocephalus pantostictus3 Trinectes maculatus3
Engraulidae spp.3 Ogcocephalus radiatus3 Tylosurus crocodilus3
Enneacanthus gloriosus3 Ogyrides alphaerostris3 Tylosurus spp.3
Epinephelus morio3 Ogyrides hayi3 Typha latifolia
Epinephelus spp.3 Ogyrides sp.3 Typha sp.
Erotelis smaragdus3 Oligoplites saurus3 Typhaceae
Etheostoma fusiforme3 Ophichthidae3 Unidentified fish3
Etheostoma spp.3 Ophichthus gomesii3 Unidentified shrimp3
Etheostoma swaini3 Ophidion holbrookii3 Urocaris longicaudata3
Etropus crossotus3 Ophidion josephi3 Urophycis floridana3
Etropus cyclosquamus3 Ophioderma spp. Urophycis regia3
Etropus microstomus3 Ophiothrix (Ophiothrix) angulata Vallisneria americana
Etropus rimosus3 Opisthonema oglinum3 Vigna luteola
Etropus spp.3 Opsanus beta3 Vitta usnea
Eucinostomus argenteus3 Opsopoeodus emiliae3 Vokesinotus perrugatus
Eucinostomus gula3 Orthopristis chrysoptera3 Woody debris
Eucinostomus harengulus3 Osmundastrum cinnamomeum Xanthidae sp.3
Eucinostomus spp.3 Ovalipes floridanus3 Xanthidae spp.3
Eurypanopeus depressus3 Ovalipes ocellatus3 Xiphopenaeus kroyeri3
Eustachys petraea Ovalipes spp.3 Zannichellia palustris
Filamentous algae1 Pagurus annulipes3 Acanthostracion lactrophyrs3

1 - Submerged Aquatic Vegetation, 2 - Coastal Wetlands, 3 - Nekton

References

1.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program. (2024).
2.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Florida STORET / WIN. (2024).
3.
University of Florida (UF); Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Florida LAKEWATCH Program. (2024).
4.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX. (2023).
5.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Office of Water; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); U.S. Geological Survey (USGS); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); National Estuary Program (NEP); coastal states. National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment. (2021).
6.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Office of Research and Development. Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program. (2004).
7.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program. (2022).
8.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Juvenile Fish and Benthic Macroinvertebrate Monitoring. (2023).
9.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC); Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network. (2018).
10.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves. Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves Seagrass Monitoring. (2023).
11.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science’s Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment. National Status and Trends Bioeffects program. (1994).
12.
Alabama Center for Ecological Resilience (ACER). Oyster shell heights and taxonomic diversity in 2015-2017 among previously documented oiled and non-oiled reefs in Louisiana, Alabama, and the Florida panhandle. (2017).
13.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Central Panhandle Aquatic Preserves; Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Franklin County Coastal Waters Seagrass Monitoring. (2017).
14.
Oyster Sentinel. Oyster Sentinel . (2016).
15.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); National Data Buoy Center. National Data Buoy Center. (2024).
16.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve. Apalachicola Bay Ephemeral SAV Monitoring. (2004).