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 Decreasing trend 2673 23 2003 - 2025 2.5 -0.346 5.7883 -0.1558 0

Monthly average chlorophyll a, corrected for pheophytin, decreased by 0.16 µg/L per year, indicating an increase in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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
5002 1877 2006 2025
476 687 2008 2025
4063 91 2018 2025
513 80 2003 2005

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN1
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
4063 - Estero Bay Tributary Monitoring3
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network4

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 1186 26 1998 - 2025 4.4 0.1291 4.2194 0.0457 0.0047

Monthly average chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, increased by 0.05 µg/L per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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
476 645 1998 2025
509 347 1999 2008
5002 127 2011 2025
514 82 2011 2018
115 1 2003 2003
103 1 2003 2003

Program names:

476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network5
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN1
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program6
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program7
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX8

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 2288 18 2003 - 2025 14 0.1517 13.4626 0.2189 0.015

Monthly average colored dissolved organic matter increased by 0.22 PCU per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 1768 2018 2025
476 301 2017 2025
4063 91 2018 2025
513 68 2003 2005
514 66 2011 2019

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN1
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
4063 - Estero Bay Tributary Monitoring3
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network4
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program6

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 No detectable trend 11723 36 1971 - 2025 5.76 -0.0528 5.6962 -0.0062 0.1334

Dissolved oxygen showed no detectable trend between 1971 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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
5002 6744 1991 2025
69 2263 2001 2007
476 1035 1998 2025
509 696 1999 2008
4064 619 2011 2012
95 427 1971 2018
513 69 2003 2005
4042 62 2016 2024
115 3 2003 2003

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN1
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program9
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network5
4064 - A spatial model to improve site selection for seagrass restoration in shallow boating environments10
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network11
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network4
4042 - Estero Bay Oyster Monitoring12
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program7

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 3076 14 2011 - 2025 81.65 -0.1244 78.1287 -0.4489 0.0666

Dissolved oxygen saturation showed no detectable trend between 2011 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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
5002 2036 2015 2025
4064 619 2011 2012
476 262 2017 2025
95 120 2011 2018
4042 53 2016 2024

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN1
4064 - A spatial model to improve site selection for seagrass restoration in shallow boating environments10
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network11
4042 - Estero Bay Oyster Monitoring12

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 11094 35 1991 - 2025 7.9 -0.2201 7.9035 -0.0046 0

Monthly average pH decreased by less than 0.01 pH units per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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
5002 7033 1991 2025
69 2264 2001 2007
476 1047 1998 2025
95 419 2005 2018
509 270 2001 2008
513 67 2003 2005
4042 56 2016 2024
115 3 2003 2003

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN1
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program9
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network11
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network5
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network4
4042 - Estero Bay Oyster Monitoring12
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program7

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 5375 35 1963 - 2025 32.2 -0.2694 35.3624 -0.1492 0

Monthly average salinity decreased by 0.15 ppt per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 2263 2001 2007
476 1062 1998 2025
509 702 1999 2008
4064 619 2011 2012
95 501 1963 2018
5002 114 2009 2023
4042 62 2016 2024
513 60 2003 2005
115 3 2003 2003

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program9
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network5
4064 - A spatial model to improve site selection for seagrass restoration in shallow boating environments10
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network11
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN1
4042 - Estero Bay Oyster Monitoring12
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network4
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program7

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 Increasing trend 8274 35 1991 - 2025 0.6535 0.3433 0.4203 0.0138 0

Monthly average total nitrogen increased by 0.01 mg/L per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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
5002 6759 1991 2025
476 958 1998 2025
509 351 1999 2008
514 84 2011 2019
4063 82 2018 2025
513 59 2003 2005
303 8 2020 2021
103 4 2003 2003
115 1 2003 2003

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN1
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network5
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program6
4063 - Estero Bay Tributary Monitoring3
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network4
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network13
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX8
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program7

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 8279 35 1991 - 2025 0.041 -0.2034 0.0571 -0.0007 0

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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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
5002 6688 1991 2025
476 1055 1998 2025
509 351 1999 2008
4063 91 2018 2025
514 84 2011 2019
513 69 2003 2005
303 8 2020 2021
103 3 2003 2003
115 1 2003 2003

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN1
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network5
4063 - Estero Bay Tributary Monitoring3
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program6
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network4
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network13
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX8
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program7

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 3340 28 1998 - 2025 4.09 0.0788 4.4687 0.0275 0.0414

Monthly average turbidity increased by 0.03 NTU per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 6781 1991 2025
476 1111 1998 2025
509 348 1999 2008
4063 91 2018 2025
513 69 2003 2005
4042 61 2016 2024

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN1
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network5
4063 - Estero Bay Tributary Monitoring3
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network4
4042 - Estero Bay Oyster Monitoring12

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 11361 40 1963 - 2025 26 0.0843 25.199 0.0148 0.0136

Monthly average water temperature increased by 0.01°C per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 6052 1992 2025
69 2264 2001 2007
476 1068 1998 2025
509 702 1999 2008
4064 619 2011 2012
95 466 1963 2018
513 130 2003 2005
4042 62 2016 2024
115 3 2003 2003

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN1
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program9
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network5
4064 - A spatial model to improve site selection for seagrass restoration in shallow boating environments10
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network11
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network4
4042 - Estero Bay Oyster Monitoring12
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program7

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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve

Station overview for Continuous parameters by Program
ProgramID ProgramLocationID Years of Data Use in Analysis Parameters
474 EB01 19 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
474 EB01b 2 FALSE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
474 EB02 22 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
474 EB03 22 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
474 EB04 5 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity

Program names:

474 - Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve Continuous Water Quality Monitoring14

Map showing continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Sites marked as Use In Analysis (green) are featured in this report.
Map showing continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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
EB01 No significant trend 562188 19 2004 - 2022 7.9 -0.08 7.99 0 0.12
EB01b Insufficient data to calculate trend 55751 2 2024 - 2025 7.9 - - - -
EB02 Significantly decreasing trend 580963 21 2004 - 2025 8.0 -0.24 8.07 0 0
EB03 Significantly decreasing trend 586236 22 2004 - 2025 7.9 -0.26 8 -0.01 0
EB04 No significant trend 148357 5 2021 - 2025 7.8 -0.02 7.76 0 0.67

At two program locations, monthly average pH decreased by less than 0.01 pH units per year at one site and by 0.01 pH units per year at the other. No detectable change in monthly average pH was observed at two locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

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
EB01 Significantly increasing trend 480233 19 2004 - 2022 81.6 0.31 75.5 0.68 0
EB01b Insufficient data to calculate trend 58532 2 2024 - 2025 88.9 - - - -
EB02 Significantly increasing trend 506979 21 2004 - 2025 88.1 0.35 81.7 0.56 0
EB03 Significantly increasing trend 500104 21 2004 - 2025 83.7 0.21 81.5 0.31 0
EB04 No significant trend 143845 5 2021 - 2025 82.4 0.03 83.77 -0.26 0.93

At three program locations, monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation increased between 0.31 and 0.68% per year. No detectable change in monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation was observed at one location. There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

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
EB01 Significantly increasing trend 478415 19 2004 - 2022 5.6 0.22 5.1 0.04 0
EB01b Insufficient data to calculate trend 57822 2 2024 - 2025 6.1 - - - -
EB02 Significantly increasing trend 506742 21 2004 - 2025 6.1 0.24 5.44 0.03 0
EB03 Significantly increasing trend 498578 21 2004 - 2025 5.9 0.15 5.49 0.02 0
EB04 No significant trend 132011 5 2021 - 2025 5.7 0.07 5.62 -0.01 1

At three program locations, monthly average dissolved oxygen increased between 0.02 and 0.04 mg/L per year. No detectable change in monthly average dissolved oxygen was observed at one location. There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

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
EB01 Significantly increasing trend 510965 19 2004 - 2022 4 0.18 3.79 0.13 0
EB01b Insufficient data to calculate trend 55382 2 2024 - 2025 5 - - - -
EB02 Significantly decreasing trend 493723 21 2004 - 2025 5 -0.12 8.21 -0.09 0.03
EB03 No significant trend 474845 22 2004 - 2025 6 -0.01 7.64 0 0.96
EB04 No significant trend 139581 5 2021 - 2025 5 -0.26 7.08 -0.38 0.08

At one program location, monthly average turbidity increased by 0.13 NTU per year. At one program location, monthly average turbidity decreased by 0.09 NTU per year. No detectable change in monthly average turbidity was observed at two locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

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
EB01 Significantly increasing trend 617636 19 2004 - 2022 26.8 0.25 25.69 0.06 0
EB01b Insufficient data to calculate trend 58530 2 2024 - 2025 28.0 - - - -
EB02 Significantly increasing trend 643700 22 2004 - 2025 26.6 0.31 25.68 0.06 0
EB03 Significantly increasing trend 633752 22 2004 - 2025 26.5 0.2 25.68 0.05 0
EB04 No significant trend 153351 5 2021 - 2025 27.6 0.06 26.78 0.12 0.45

At three program locations, monthly average water temperature increased between 0.05 and 0.06°C per year. No detectable change in monthly average water temperature was observed at one location. There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

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
EB01 Significantly decreasing trend 567163 19 2004 - 2022 30.7 -0.13 32.17 -0.1 0.01
EB01b Insufficient data to calculate trend 56605 2 2024 - 2025 29.8 - - - -
EB02 No significant trend 597294 21 2004 - 2025 33.6 -0.05 33.6 -0.02 0.27
EB03 Significantly decreasing trend 592140 22 2004 - 2025 30.8 -0.19 31.61 -0.12 0
EB04 No significant trend 143333 5 2021 - 2025 27.4 -0.08 28.66 -0.15 0.8

At two program locations, monthly average salinity decreased by 0.1 ppt per year at one site and by 0.12 ppt per year at the other. No detectable change in monthly average salinity was observed at two locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

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
EB01 Significantly decreasing trend 564193 19 2004 - 2022 47.15 -0.13 49.14 -0.14 0.01
EB01b Insufficient data to calculate trend 56605 2 2024 - 2025 45.92 - - - -
EB02 No significant trend 597301 21 2004 - 2025 51.24 -0.05 51.08 -0.03 0.27
EB03 Significantly decreasing trend 591251 22 2004 - 2025 47.47 -0.19 48.38 -0.17 0
EB04 No significant trend 143333 5 2021 - 2025 42.69 -0.05 44.4 -0.21 0.93

At two program locations, monthly average specific conductivity decreased by 0.14 mS/cm per year at one site and by 0.17 mS/cm per year at the other. No detectable change in monthly average specific conductivity was observed at two locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve by program name.
Maps showing the temporal scope of SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve 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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. The point size reflects the number of samples at a given sampling site.
Map showing SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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
571 2715 2002 2024 Braun Blanquet 5

Program names:

571 - Estero Bay Seagrass Monitoring15

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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve
Species Statistical Trend Period of Record LME Intercept LME Slope P
Attached algae No detectable trend 2002 - 2024 8.134705 -0.2019849 0.3861801
Drift algae No detectable trend 2002 - 2024 20.036336 -0.2876233 0.3785230
Shoal grass Decreasing trend 2002 - 2024 37.073940 -0.8305677 0.0010585
Paddle grass No detectable trend 2002 - 2023 18.899337 -0.0551538 0.9221974
Star grass Model did not fit the available data 2002 - 2022 - - -
Manatee grass No detectable trend 2003 - 2021 26.939075 -0.9721091 0.3517496
Turtle grass Decreasing trend 2002 - 2024 22.446254 -0.4790471 0.0101184
Total seagrass Decreasing trend 2006 - 2024 47.664967 -1.2703688 0.0235055
Halophila, unk. Model did not fit the available data 2003 - 2015 - - -

Annual decreases in percent cover were observed for total seagrass (-1.27%), shoal grass (-0.83%), and turtle grass (-0.48%). Manatee grass, paddle grass, attached algae, and drift algae showed no detectable change in percent cover. A model could not be fitted for unknown Halophila and star grass.

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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve 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

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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve by program name.
Maps showing the temporal scope of oyster sampling sites within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve by program name.

Click here to view spatio-temporal plots on GitHub.

Density

For natural reefs, density showed no detectable trend between 2014 and 2024. For restored reefs, there was insufficient data to calculate a trend for density.

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 Insufficient data 2020 - 2020 - - -

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 2014 - 2024 -6.31 21.6 -50.66 to 34.7
Map showing location of oyster density sampling locations within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 showed no detectable trend between 2016 and 2024. For restored reefs, there was insufficient data to calculate a trend for percent live cover.

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 Insufficient data 2020 - 2020 - - -

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 No detectable trend 2016 - 2024 -0.63 0.58 -1.83 to 0.49
Map showing location of oyster percent live sampling locations within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Shell Height

For natural reefs, annual average live oyster shell height in the 25-75mm size class decreased by 0.42mm per year, and there was no detectable trend for live oysters in the ≥75mm size class. For restored reefs, there was insufficient data to calculate a trend for live oysters in either the 25-75mm or the ≥75mm size class. Models are not run on dead oyster shell measurements.

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 Insufficient data 2020 - 2020 47 - - -
Restored Live Oysters 25-75mm Insufficient data 2020 - 2020 824 - - -

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 1970 - 2013 332 - - -
Natural Dead Oyster Shells 25-75mm Model not run on dead oyster shell 1970 - 2013 6086 - - -
Natural Live Oysters >75mm No detectable trend 2014 - 2024 70 0.14 0.4 -0.62 to 0.96
Natural Live Oysters 25-75mm Decreasing trend 2014 - 2024 3561 -0.42 0.1 -0.63 to -0.22
Map showing location of oyster shell height sampling locations within the boundaries of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. 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 Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Species list

Caulerpa prolifera1 Halodule wrightii1 No grass in quadrat1
Caulerpa sertularioides1 Halophila decipiens1 Syringodium filiforme1
Caulerpa spp.1 Halophila engelmannii1 Thalassia testudinum1
Drift algae1 Halophila sp.1 Total seagrass1

1 - Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

References

1.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Florida STORET / WIN. (2024).
2.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves. Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network. (2024).
3.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Florida Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration (DEAR); Lee County Environmental Lab; Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Estero Bay Tributary Monitoring. (2024).
4.
Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP). Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network. (2024).
5.
Florida International University (FIU); Southeastern Environmental Research Program. SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network. (2008).
6.
University of Florida (UF); Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Florida LAKEWATCH Program. (2024).
7.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Office of Research and Development. Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program. (2004).
8.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX. (2023).
9.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program. (2022).
10.
SeaGrant; University of Florida. A spatial model to improve site selection for seagrass restoration in shallow boating environments. (2012).
11.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC); Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network. (2018).
12.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Estero Bay Oyster Monitoring. (2024).
13.
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF). River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network. (2024).
14.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve Continuous Water Quality Monitoring. (2024).
15.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Estero Bay Seagrass Monitoring. (2023).