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: 2025-10-08

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
Dissolved Oxygen mg/L -0.000001 50
Dissolved Oxygen Saturation % -0.000001 500
Salinity ppt -0.000001 70
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, Filtered (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, 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 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-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Chlorophyll_a_uncorrected_for_pheophytin-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Colored_dissolved_organic_matter_CDOM-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Dissolved_Oxygen-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_pH-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Salinity-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Secchi_Depth-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Nitrogen-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Phosphorus-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Suspended_Solids_TSS-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Turbidity-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Water_Temperature-2025-Sep-04.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 Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab Significantly decreasing trend 2450 20 2006 - 2025 2.58 -0.3744 5.3119 -0.1775 0

Monthly average chlorophyll a, corrected for pheophytin, decreased by 0.18 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 1757 2006 2025
476 670 2008 2025
4063 85 2018 2025

Program names:

476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network1
4063 - Estero Bay Tributary Monitoring2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3

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 Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab Significantly increasing trend 1157 26 1998 - 2025 4.3286 0.1208 4.2302 0.044 0.0083

Monthly average chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, increased by 0.04 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
476 639 1998 2025
509 347 1999 2008
5002 115 2011 2025
514 82 2011 2018
115 1 2003 2003
103 1 2003 2003

Program names:

103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX4
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program5
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network1
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network6
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program7
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3

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 Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab Significantly increasing trend 2077 15 2011 - 2025 13.9 0.2263 15.014 0.5438 0.001

Monthly average colored dissolved organic matter increased by 0.54 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 1648 2018 2025
476 284 2017 2025
4063 85 2018 2025
514 66 2011 2019

Program names:

476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network1
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program7
4063 - Estero Bay Tributary Monitoring2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3

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 Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Field No significant trend 11479 36 1971 - 2025 5.8 -0.0409 5.6536 -0.0044 0.2592

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 6598 1991 2025
69 2263 2001 2007
476 1002 1998 2025
509 696 1999 2008
4064 619 2011 2012
95 427 1971 2018
4042 62 2016 2024
115 3 2003 2003

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program8
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network9
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program5
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network1
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network6
4042 - Estero Bay Oyster Monitoring10
4064 - A spatial model to improve site selection for seagrass restoration in shallow boating environments11
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3

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 Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Field No significant trend 2916 14 2011 - 2025 82.1143 -0.1159 78.4253 -0.4517 0.0883

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 1890 2015 2025
4064 619 2011 2012
476 245 2017 2025
95 120 2011 2018
4042 53 2016 2024

Program names:

95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network9
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network1
4042 - Estero Bay Oyster Monitoring10
4064 - A spatial model to improve site selection for seagrass restoration in shallow boating environments11
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3

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 Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Field Significantly decreasing trend 10838 35 1991 - 2025 7.9 -0.2187 7.906 -0.0048 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 6887 1991 2025
69 2264 2001 2007
476 1004 1998 2025
95 419 2005 2018
509 270 2001 2008
4042 56 2016 2024
115 3 2003 2003

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program8
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network9
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program5
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network1
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network6
4042 - Estero Bay Oyster Monitoring10
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3

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 Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
All Significantly decreasing trend 5334 35 1963 - 2025 32.295 -0.2566 35.3211 -0.137 0

Monthly average salinity decreased by 0.14 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 2261 2001 2007
476 1020 1998 2025
509 702 1999 2008
4064 619 2011 2012
95 503 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) Program8
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network9
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program5
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network1
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network6
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network12
4042 - Estero Bay Oyster Monitoring10
4064 - A spatial model to improve site selection for seagrass restoration in shallow boating environments11
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3

Secchi Depth - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average Secchi depth 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. Secchi depth is only measured in the field (circles).
Scatter plot of monthly average Secchi depth 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. Secchi depth is only measured in the field (circles).
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Secchi Depth
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Field No significant trend 3310 28 1998 - 2025 -0.9 0.0076 -1.0837 0 0.9189

Secchi depth showed no detectable trend between 1998 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 Secchi Depth
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
69 2264 2001 2007
476 818 1998 2025
5002 150 2006 2023
514 79 2011 2019
103 1 1998 1998

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program8
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX4
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network1
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program7
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3

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 Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab Significantly increasing trend 8060 35 1991 - 2025 0.65 0.3334 0.4165 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 6627 1991 2025
476 941 1998 2025
509 351 1999 2008
514 84 2011 2019
4063 76 2018 2025
303 8 2020 2021
103 4 2003 2003
115 1 2003 2003

Program names:

103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX4
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program5
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network13
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network1
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network6
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program7
4063 - Estero Bay Tributary Monitoring2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3

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 Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab Significantly decreasing trend 3338 28 1998 - 2025 0.042 -0.2724 0.0574 -0.0006 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 1808 2006 2025
476 1038 1998 2025
509 351 1999 2008
4063 85 2018 2025
514 84 2011 2019
303 8 2020 2021
103 3 2003 2003
115 1 2003 2003

Program names:

103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX4
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program5
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network13
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network1
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network6
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program7
4063 - Estero Bay Tributary Monitoring2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3

Total Suspended Solids - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average total suspended solids (TSS) 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 TSS values obtained from laboratory analyses (triangles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average total suspended solids (TSS) 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 TSS values obtained from laboratory analyses (triangles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Total Suspended Solids
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab No significant trend 5546 34 1992 - 2025 13.7 -0.0236 17.3518 -0.0359 0.481

Total suspended solids showed no detectable trend between 1992 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 Total Suspended Solids
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 5534 1992 2025
4063 85 2018 2025
513 69 2003 2005

Program names:

513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network12
4063 - Estero Bay Tributary Monitoring2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3

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 Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab No significant trend 3128 28 1998 - 2025 4.14 0.0656 4.3249 0.0236 0.0918

Turbidity showed no detectable trend between 1998 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 Turbidity
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 6649 1991 2025
476 1094 1998 2025
509 348 1999 2008
4063 85 2018 2025
513 69 2003 2005
4042 61 2016 2024

Program names:

476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network1
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network6
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network12
4042 - Estero Bay Oyster Monitoring10
4063 - Estero Bay Tributary Monitoring2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3

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 Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Field Significantly increasing trend 11042 40 1963 - 2025 25.9 0.0874 25.3199 0.0149 0.0119

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 5906 1992 2025
69 2262 2001 2007
476 1025 1998 2025
509 702 1999 2008
4064 619 2011 2012
95 468 1963 2018
4042 62 2016 2024
115 3 2003 2003

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program8
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network9
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program5
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network1
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network6
4042 - Estero Bay Oyster Monitoring10
4064 - A spatial model to improve site selection for seagrass restoration in shallow boating environments11
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3

Water Quality - Continuous

The following files were used in the continuous analysis:

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_pH_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Salinity_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Turbidity_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Water_Temperature_SW-2025-Sep-19.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 DO , DOS , pH , Sal , Turb , TempW
474 EB01b 2 FALSE DO , DOS , pH , Sal , Turb , TempW
474 EB02 22 TRUE DO , DOS , pH , Sal , Turb , TempW
474 EB03 22 TRUE DO , DOS , pH , Sal , Turb , TempW
474 EB04 5 TRUE DO , DOS , pH , Sal , Turb , TempW

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.

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
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
EB01 Significantly increasing trend 478415 19 2004 - 2022 5.6 0.22 5.1 0.04 0
EB02 Significantly increasing trend 500591 21 2004 - 2025 6.1 0.24 5.44 0.03 0
EB01b Insufficient data to calculate trend 48993 2 2024 - 2025 6.3 - - - -
EB03 Significantly increasing trend 490463 21 2004 - 2025 5.9 0.14 5.49 0.02 0.01
EB04 No significant trend 123179 5 2021 - 2025 5.8 0.06 5.62 0.01 0.92

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.

Map showing location of dissolved oxygen continuous 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 dissolved oxygen continuous 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.

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
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
EB01 Significantly increasing trend 480233 19 2004 - 2022 81.6 0.31 75.5 0.68 0
EB02 Significantly increasing trend 500828 21 2004 - 2025 88.1 0.35 81.7 0.55 0
EB01b Insufficient data to calculate trend 49703 2 2024 - 2025 90.1 - - - -
EB03 Significantly increasing trend 491989 21 2004 - 2025 83.8 0.19 81.5 0.29 0
EB04 No significant trend 135013 5 2021 - 2025 83.5 0.04 83.77 0.07 0.93

At three program locations, monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation increased between 0.29 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.

Map showing location of dissolved oxygen saturation continuous 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 dissolved oxygen saturation continuous 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.

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
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
EB01 No significant trend 562188 19 2004 - 2022 7.9 -0.08 7.99 0 0.12
EB02 Significantly decreasing trend 574197 21 2004 - 2025 8.0 -0.23 8.07 0 0
EB03 Significantly decreasing trend 578121 22 2004 - 2025 7.9 -0.26 7.99 -0.01 0
EB01b Insufficient data to calculate trend 46922 2 2024 - 2025 7.9 - - - -
EB04 No significant trend 139525 5 2021 - 2025 7.8 0.07 7.77 0.01 0.85

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.

Map showing location of ph continuous 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 ph continuous 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.

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
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
EB01 Significantly decreasing trend 567163 19 2004 - 2022 30.7 -0.13 32.17 -0.1 0.01
EB02 No significant trend 589651 21 2004 - 2025 33.6 -0.07 33.6 -0.03 0.15
EB03 Significantly decreasing trend 586711 22 2004 - 2025 30.9 -0.21 31.61 -0.13 0
EB01b Insufficient data to calculate trend 47853 2 2024 - 2025 30.0 - - - -
EB04 No significant trend 134501 5 2021 - 2025 28.0 -0.12 28.66 -0.19 0.58

At two program locations, monthly average salinity decreased by 0.1 ppt per year at one site and by 0.13 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.

Map showing location of salinity continuous 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 salinity continuous 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.

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
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median 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 46725 2 2024 - 2025 5 - - - -
EB02 Significantly decreasing trend 485010 21 2004 - 2025 5 -0.11 8.21 -0.09 0.03
EB03 No significant trend 466855 22 2004 - 2025 6 -0.02 7.74 -0.01 0.81
EB04 No significant trend 132067 5 2021 - 2025 5 -0.18 6.45 -0.38 0.17

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.

Map showing location of turbidity continuous 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 turbidity continuous 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.

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
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
EB01 Significantly increasing trend 617636 19 2004 - 2022 26.8 0.25 25.69 0.06 0
EB02 Significantly increasing trend 634870 22 2004 - 2025 26.5 0.31 25.68 0.06 0
EB01b Insufficient data to calculate trend 49701 2 2024 - 2025 26.4 - - - -
EB03 Significantly increasing trend 625637 22 2004 - 2025 26.4 0.18 25.68 0.05 0
EB04 No significant trend 144519 5 2021 - 2025 27.1 0.12 26.78 0.14 0.32

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.

Map showing location of water temperature continuous 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 water temperature continuous 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.

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

The data file used is: All_SAV_Parameters-2025-Sep-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.
Trends in median percent cover for various seagrass species in Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve - simplified
Trends in median percent cover for various seagrass species in Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve - simplified
Percent Cover Trend Analysis for Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve
CommonName Trend Significance (0.05) Period of Record LME-Intercept LME-Slope p
Attached algae No significant trend 2002 - 2024 8.134709 -0.2019852 0.3861789
Drift algae No significant trend 2002 - 2024 20.036336 -0.2876233 0.3785230
Shoal grass Significantly decreasing trend 2002 - 2024 37.073941 -0.8305678 0.0010585
Paddle grass No significant trend 2002 - 2023 18.899337 -0.0551538 0.9221974
Star grass Model did not fit the available data 2002 - 2022 - - -
No grass in quadrat Model did not fit the available data 2002 - 2024 - - -
Manatee grass No significant trend 2003 - 2021 26.939096 -0.9720960 0.3517604
Turtle grass Significantly decreasing trend 2002 - 2024 22.446254 -0.4790471 0.0101184
Total seagrass Significantly 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 (-1.3%), shoal grass (-0.8%), and turtle grass (-0.5%). 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.

Frequency of occurrence for various seagrass species in Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve
Frequency of occurrence for various seagrass species in Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve

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_2024-11-20.pdf

Oyster

The data file used is: All_OYSTER_Parameters-2025-Sep-04.txt

Density

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
Shell Type Habitat Type Trend Status Estimate Standard Error Credible Interval
Live Oysters Natural Significantly decreasing trend -6.42 289.31 -3.28 to -13.5

For natural reefs, density decreased by an average of 6.54 oysters per square meter per year. For restored reefs, there was insufficient data to calculate a trend for density.

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

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. Data points are 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. Data points are jittered horizontally to reduce overlap.
Model results for Oyster Percent Live - Natural
Shell Type Habitat Type Trend Status Estimate Standard Error Credible Interval
Live Oysters Natural Significantly decreasing trend -0.6 18 -0.08 to -0.76

For natural reefs, percent live cover decreased by an average of 0.59% per year. For restored reefs, there was insufficient data to calculate a trend for percent live cover.

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

Natural

Model results for Oyster Shell Height - Natural
Shell Type SizeClass Habitat Type Trend Status Estimate Standard Error Credible Interval
Dead Oyster Shells Natural - - - -
Dead Oyster Shells >75mm Natural - - - -
Dead Oyster Shells 25-75mm Natural - - - -
Live Oysters Natural - - - -
Live Oysters >75mm Natural No significant change 0.65 1.81 -2.76 to 4.53
Live Oysters 25-75mm Natural Significantly decreasing trend -1.08 0.28 -1.65 to -0.55

For natural reefs, annual average live oyster shell height in the ≥75mm size class increased by 0.65 mm per year, and it decreased by 1.08mm per year in the 25-75mm 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.

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); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves. Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network. (2024).
2.
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).
3.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Florida STORET / WIN. (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 Research and Development. Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program. (2004).
6.
Florida International University (FIU); Southeastern Environmental Research Program. SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network. (2008).
7.
University of Florida (UF); Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Florida LAKEWATCH Program. (2024).
8.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program. (2022).
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); Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve. Estero Bay Oyster Monitoring. (2024).
11.
SeaGrant; University of Florida. A spatial model to improve site selection for seagrass restoration in shallow boating environments. (2012).
12.
Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP). Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network. (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).