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 increasing trend 2130 18 2004 - 2025 0.6495 0.2411 0.2235 0.0334 0.0001

Monthly average chlorophyll a, corrected for pheophytin, increased by 0.03 µg/L per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 1994 2004 2025
514 230 2018 2024

Program names:

514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average levels of chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only laboratory-analyzed chlorophyll a (triangles) is included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average levels of chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only laboratory-analyzed chlorophyll a (triangles) is included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab No significant trend 21214 37 1989 - 2025 0.2978 0.0606 0.4178 0.0022 0.0904

Chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, showed no detectable trend between 1989 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
297 16110 1995 2023
3 5242 1998 2024
514 2851 1998 2024
509 1418 1989 2008
5002 1038 2001 2025
60 744 1993 2016
103 58 2000 2015
118 28 2000 2010
115 28 2000 2004

Program names:

3 - Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) South Florida Program Synoptic Shipboard Surveys3
60 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey4
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX5
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment7
297 - Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Monitoring Project8
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network9
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

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 1025 24 2001 - 2024 6 0.2457 5.4354 0.1048 0.0003

Monthly average colored dissolved organic matter increased by 0.1 PCU per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
514 1025 2001 2024

Program names:

514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program1

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 52269 37 1989 - 2025 6.3034 -0.009 6.3532 -0.0008 0.7864

Dissolved oxygen showed no detectable trend between 1989 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
297 32169 1995 2023
5002 5434 2003 2025
103 5153 2008 2015
60 2910 1993 2024
509 2701 1989 2008
69 1770 1997 2024
95 1560 1994 2018
4049 1024 2006 2023
3000 377 2015 2018
118 104 2000 2021
899 93 2014 2015
115 89 2000 2004
4057 59 2015 2018
102 42 1996 2000

Program names:

60 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey4
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program10
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network11
102 - National Status and Trends Mussel Watch12
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX5
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment7
297 - Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Monitoring Project8
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network9
899 - USGS Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies (CREST) Project13
3000 - Florida Keys Water Watch14
4049 - The South Florida Fisheries Habitat Assessment Program (FHAP)15
4057 - Biscayne Bay Water Watch16
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

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 Significantly increasing trend 29573 31 1995 - 2025 94.7807 0.1915 91.897 0.1891 0

Monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation increased by 0.19% per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
297 25419 1995 2020
5002 4197 2009 2025
102 18 1996 1996
95 1 2017 2017

Program names:

95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network11
102 - National Status and Trends Mussel Watch12
297 - Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Monitoring Project8
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

pH - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average pH over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only pH values measured in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average pH over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only pH values measured in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for pH
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Field Significantly decreasing trend 10078 30 1994 - 2025 8.04 -0.1446 8.0629 -0.0031 0.0004

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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 5609 2003 2025
69 1760 1997 2024
4049 1103 2005 2023
509 545 2002 2008
3000 377 2015 2018
3 287 2009 2012
95 142 1994 2018
297 114 2003 2011
115 89 2000 2004
899 88 2014 2015
4057 59 2015 2018
103 30 2015 2015

Program names:

3 - Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) South Florida Program Synoptic Shipboard Surveys3
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program10
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network11
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX5
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
297 - Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Monitoring Project8
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network9
899 - USGS Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies (CREST) Project13
3000 - Florida Keys Water Watch14
4049 - The South Florida Fisheries Habitat Assessment Program (FHAP)15
4057 - Biscayne Bay Water Watch16
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

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 No significant trend 56024 48 1955 - 2025 36.1848 0.0374 34.5379 0.0096 0.279

Salinity showed no detectable trend between 1955 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
297 31841 1995 2023
5002 5606 2003 2025
3 5058 1998 2024
509 2581 1989 2008
965 2317 2005 2011
95 1889 1955 2018
60 1875 1993 2024
69 1768 1997 2024
62 1168 1993 2019
4049 1168 2005 2023
3000 379 2015 2018
118 109 2015 2021
115 89 2000 2004
899 82 2014 2015
102 60 1996 2000
4057 59 2015 2018

Program names:

3 - Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) South Florida Program Synoptic Shipboard Surveys3
60 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey4
62 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Survey17
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program10
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network11
102 - National Status and Trends Mussel Watch12
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment7
297 - Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Monitoring Project8
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network9
899 - USGS Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies (CREST) Project13
965 - South Florida Seagrass Fish and Invertebrate Assessment Network18
3000 - Florida Keys Water Watch14
4049 - The South Florida Fisheries Habitat Assessment Program (FHAP)15
4057 - Biscayne Bay Water Watch16
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

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 5102 29 1996 - 2024 -2.1336 0.0017 -2.4626 0.0004 0.924

Secchi depth showed no detectable trend between 1996 and 2024.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
514 2529 1998 2024
69 1777 1997 2024
3000 373 2015 2018
5002 352 2005 2022
4049 252 2005 2023
60 29 1996 2024
115 21 2000 2004
103 3 2000 2015

Program names:

60 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey4
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program10
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX5
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program1
3000 - Florida Keys Water Watch14
4049 - The South Florida Fisheries Habitat Assessment Program (FHAP)15
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

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 decreasing trend 34692 37 1989 - 2025 0.1464 -0.2415 0.256 -0.0038 0

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

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
297 26114 1995 2023
5002 4987 1998 2025
514 2929 1998 2024
509 1424 1989 2008
103 97 2000 2006
115 28 2000 2004

Program names:

103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX5
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
297 - Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Monitoring Project8
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network9
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

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 No significant trend 32400 37 1989 - 2025 0.0059 -0.0405 0.0064 0 0.2519

Total phosphorus showed no detectable trend between 1989 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
297 26166 1995 2023
514 2942 1998 2024
5002 2311 2005 2025
509 1425 1989 2008
103 88 2000 2015
115 28 2000 2004

Program names:

103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX5
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
297 - Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Monitoring Project8
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network9
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

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 Significantly decreasing trend 537 18 2007 - 2024 12 -0.5984 50.053 -4.6933 0

Monthly average total suspended solids decreased by 4.69 mg/L per year, indicating an increase in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
3 1391 2001 2012
5002 549 2007 2024

Program names:

3 - Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) South Florida Program Synoptic Shipboard Surveys3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

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 8296 35 1991 - 2025 0.66 -0.0229 0.8873 -0.0017 0.531

Turbidity showed no detectable trend between 1991 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
297 26741 1995 2023
103 4589 2005 2013
5002 2343 1994 2025
509 1404 1991 2008
965 1157 2005 2011
3000 370 2015 2018

Program names:

103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX5
297 - Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Monitoring Project8
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network9
965 - South Florida Seagrass Fish and Invertebrate Assessment Network18
3000 - Florida Keys Water Watch14
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

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 61726 47 1955 - 2025 27.3 0.2399 24.5444 0.0309 0

Monthly average water temperature increased by 0.03°C per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
297 31803 1995 2023
5002 6047 2003 2025
103 5354 2008 2013
3 3492 1998 2024
60 3383 1993 2024
509 2591 1989 2008
965 2317 2005 2011
95 1957 1955 2018
69 1803 1997 2024
982 1200 2014 2024
4049 1168 2005 2023
3000 374 2015 2018
115 89 2000 2004
899 85 2014 2015
4057 59 2015 2018
102 43 1996 2000

Program names:

3 - Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) South Florida Program Synoptic Shipboard Surveys3
60 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey4
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program10
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network11
102 - National Status and Trends Mussel Watch12
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX5
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
297 - Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Water Quality Monitoring Project8
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network9
899 - USGS Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies (CREST) Project13
965 - South Florida Seagrass Fish and Invertebrate Assessment Network18
982 - Florida Keys Bleach Watch19
3000 - Florida Keys Water Watch14
4049 - The South Florida Fisheries Habitat Assessment Program (FHAP)15
4057 - Biscayne Bay Water Watch16
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

Water Quality - Continuous

The following files were used in the continuous analysis:

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_SE-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation_SE-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_pH_SE-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Salinity_SE-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Turbidity_SE-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Water_Temperature_SE-2025-Sep-19.txt

Continuous monitoring locations in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Station overview for Continuous parameters by Program
ProgramID ProgramLocationID Years of Data Use in Analysis Parameters
2 1B 6 TRUE Sal , TempW
5 KYWF1 21 TRUE TempW
5 LONF1 28 TRUE TempW
5 MLRF1 33 TRUE TempW
5 SANF1 15 TRUE TempW
5 SMKF1 21 TRUE TempW
7 245323080410100 3 FALSE Sal , TempW
7 245622080364200 3 FALSE Sal , TempW
296 214 18 TRUE TempW
296 215 16 TRUE TempW
296 216 17 TRUE TempW
296 220 17 TRUE TempW
296 223 18 TRUE TempW
296 225 18 TRUE TempW
296 227 17 TRUE TempW
296 235 18 TRUE TempW
296 237 18 TRUE TempW
296 239 17 TRUE TempW
296 241 18 TRUE TempW
296 243 18 TRUE TempW
296 248 18 TRUE TempW
296 255 18 TRUE TempW
296 260 18 TRUE TempW
296 267 18 TRUE TempW
296 269 18 TRUE TempW
296 271 18 TRUE TempW
296 273 18 TRUE TempW
296 276 18 TRUE TempW
296 284 18 TRUE TempW
296 285 18 TRUE TempW
296 287 18 TRUE TempW
296 291 18 TRUE TempW
296 294 18 TRUE TempW
296 296 18 TRUE TempW
296 305 18 TRUE TempW
296 307 18 TRUE TempW
296 309 18 TRUE TempW
296 314 18 TRUE TempW
296 500 8 TRUE TempW
296 501 7 TRUE TempW
296 502 4 FALSE TempW
296 503 1 FALSE TempW
296 504 1 FALSE TempW
296 506 8 TRUE TempW
296 507 8 TRUE TempW
296 508 8 TRUE TempW
296 509 8 TRUE TempW
296 SB 19 TRUE TempW
899 Crocker 10 TRUE TempW
899 Molasses 5 TRUE TempW
899 Sombrero 14 TRUE TempW
986 10 5 TRUE TempW
986 11 22 TRUE TempW
986 12 17 TRUE TempW
986 14 23 TRUE TempW
986 15 19 TRUE TempW
986 18 9 TRUE TempW
986 21 9 TRUE TempW
986 22 16 TRUE TempW
986 23 13 TRUE TempW
986 24 15 TRUE TempW
986 25 15 TRUE TempW
986 26 16 TRUE TempW
986 30 13 TRUE TempW
986 32 22 TRUE TempW
986 33 9 TRUE TempW
986 34 23 TRUE TempW
986 35 19 TRUE TempW
986 36 18 TRUE TempW
986 37 9 TRUE TempW
986 38 23 TRUE TempW
986 39 7 TRUE TempW
986 40 23 TRUE TempW
986 50 12 TRUE TempW
986 51 22 TRUE TempW
986 52 17 TRUE TempW
986 53 17 TRUE TempW
986 54 13 TRUE TempW
986 55 23 TRUE TempW
986 56 19 TRUE TempW
986 57 17 TRUE TempW
986 58 11 TRUE TempW
986 59 23 TRUE TempW
986 60 16 TRUE TempW
986 61 9 TRUE TempW
986 70 12 TRUE TempW
986 72 16 TRUE TempW
986 73 17 TRUE TempW
986 74 13 TRUE TempW
986 75 15 TRUE TempW
986 76 16 TRUE TempW
986 77 17 TRUE TempW
986 78 11 TRUE TempW
986 79 18 TRUE TempW
986 80 16 TRUE TempW
986 81 9 TRUE TempW
986 83 18 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_200YR_HD 12 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_7MILE_BR 20 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_9FT_SHOAL 21 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_ALLIGATOR 21 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_BHONDA_BR 22 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_BOCA_GRND 23 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_BULLARD 18 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_CARD_SND 6 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_CARYSFORT 17 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_DIEGO_TER 5 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_ELPIS 8 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_GRECIAN 21 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_HARBORKEY 6 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_HEN&CHIX 23 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_KW_CHANL 22 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_LONG_KEY 21 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_LOOE_BACK 23 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_LOOE_BUOY5 11 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_LOOE_ISELIN 16 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_MAITLAND 4 FALSE TempW
989 FKNMS_MOLASSES 13 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_NEWGROUND 15 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_PILLAR 11 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_SAND_KEY 21 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_SMITH_SHL 15 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_SNAKE_CRK 19 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_SOMBRERO 15 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_SPRIGGER 15 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_TENN_REEF 17 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_WELLWOOD 8 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_WS_BUOY16 3 FALSE TempW
989 FKNMS_WS_JACKYL 9 TRUE TempW
989 FKNMS_W_SAMBO 6 TRUE TempW
10004 FKCB 1 FALSE DO , DOS , pH , Sal , Turb , TempW
10004 FKLK 1 FALSE DO , DOS , pH , Sal , Turb , TempW

Program names:

2 - Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) South Florida Program Moored Instrument Array20
5 - National Data Buoy Center21
7 - National Water Information System22
296 - Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Seagrass Monitoring Project23
899 - USGS Coral Reef Ecosystem Studies (CREST) Project13
986 - Water Temperature on Coral Reefs in the Florida Keys24
989 - Continuous Bottom Temperature Measurements along the Florida Reef Tract25
10004 - Florida Keys Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring26

Map showing continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Sites marked as Use In Analysis (green) are featured in this report.
Map showing continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
FKLK Insufficient data to calculate trend 21525 1 2024 - 2024 6.2 - - - -
FKCB Insufficient data to calculate trend 16262 1 2024 - 2024 6.8 - - - -

There was insufficient data to fit a model for two locations.

Map showing location of dissolved oxygen continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
FKLK Insufficient data to calculate trend 21525 1 2024 - 2024 91.9 - - - -
FKCB Insufficient data to calculate trend 16263 1 2024 - 2024 103.3 - - - -

There was insufficient data to fit a model for two locations.

Map showing location of dissolved oxygen saturation continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
FKLK Insufficient data to calculate trend 21517 1 2024 - 2024 8.1 - - - -
FKCB Insufficient data to calculate trend 16263 1 2024 - 2024 8.2 - - - -

There was insufficient data to fit a model for two locations.

Map showing location of ph continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
1B No significant trend 86204 6 2003 - 2008 36.07 0.24 35.68 0.17 0.05
245622080364200 Insufficient data to calculate trend 764 3 2002 - 2004 35.00 - - - -
245323080410100 Insufficient data to calculate trend 746 3 2002 - 2004 35.00 - - - -
FKLK Insufficient data to calculate trend 21517 1 2024 - 2024 36.10 - - - -
FKCB Insufficient data to calculate trend 16258 1 2024 - 2024 36.50 - - - -

No detectable change in monthly average salinity was observed at one location. There was insufficient data to fit a model for four locations.

Map showing location of salinity continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
FKLK Insufficient data to calculate trend 21399 1 2024 - 2024 6 - - - -
FKCB Insufficient data to calculate trend 16240 1 2024 - 2024 4 - - - -

There was insufficient data to fit a model for two locations.

Map showing location of turbidity continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Water Temperature - Continuous - Program 2

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 - Program 2
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
1B Significantly increasing trend 86204 6 2003 - 2008 26.38 0.26 25.73 0.16 0.04

At eighty-two program locations, monthly average water temperature increased between 0.01 and 0.16°C per year. No detectable change in monthly average water temperature was observed at forty-one locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for nine locations.

Water Temperature - Continuous - Program 5

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 - Program 5
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
KYWF1 Significantly increasing trend 1522889 21 2005 - 2025 27.5 0.29 26.67 0.06 0.00
LONF1 No significant trend 205971 28 1992 - 2019 26.6 0.07 26.34 0.01 0.08
MLRF1 Significantly increasing trend 256798 33 1987 - 2019 26.5 0.10 26.49 0.01 0.00
SMKF1 Significantly increasing trend 154326 21 1988 - 2008 26.8 0.34 26.24 0.06 0.00
SANF1 No significant trend 117833 15 1991 - 2005 26.7 -0.03 26.69 0.00 0.62

At eighty-two program locations, monthly average water temperature increased between 0.01 and 0.16°C per year. No detectable change in monthly average water temperature was observed at forty-one locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for nine locations.

Water Temperature - Continuous - Program 7

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 - Program 7
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
245622080364200 Insufficient data to calculate trend 853 3 2002 - 2004 28.3 - - - -
245323080410100 Insufficient data to calculate trend 791 3 2002 - 2004 27.9 - - - -

At eighty-two program locations, monthly average water temperature increased between 0.01 and 0.16°C per year. No detectable change in monthly average water temperature was observed at forty-one locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for nine locations.

Water Temperature - Continuous - Program 296

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 - Program 296
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
276 Significantly increasing trend 123833 18 2002 - 2019 26.87 0.21 26.15 0.05 0
287 Significantly increasing trend 133008 18 2002 - 2019 26.87 0.29 25.84 0.08 0
291 Significantly increasing trend 116240 18 2002 - 2019 26.38 0.26 25.72 0.09 0
305 Significantly increasing trend 122296 18 2002 - 2019 26.43 0.22 26.07 0.06 0
307 Significantly increasing trend 110802 17 2002 - 2019 26.74 0.22 25.73 0.07 0
SB Significantly increasing trend 145514 19 2001 - 2019 26.34 0.23 25.9 0.06 0
214 Significantly increasing trend 136333 18 2002 - 2019 26.52 0.27 25.84 0.07 0
225 Significantly increasing trend 117692 17 2002 - 2019 26.82 0.32 26.32 0.06 0
235 Significantly increasing trend 128499 18 2002 - 2019 27.14 0.28 25.77 0.08 0
237 Significantly increasing trend 122250 18 2002 - 2019 26.38 0.31 25.74 0.09 0
239 Significantly increasing trend 111523 17 2002 - 2018 26.92 0.24 25.96 0.07 0
241 Significantly increasing trend 127914 18 2002 - 2019 27.26 0.27 25.91 0.09 0
243 Significantly increasing trend 121593 18 2002 - 2019 26.62 0.3 26 0.07 0
248 Significantly increasing trend 111702 18 2002 - 2019 26.79 0.31 25.54 0.08 0
255 Significantly increasing trend 119939 18 2002 - 2019 26.35 0.24 25.73 0.07 0
260 Significantly increasing trend 97832 16 2002 - 2019 27.07 0.28 26.22 0.08 0
267 Significantly increasing trend 99735 18 2002 - 2019 26.57 0.24 25.64 0.05 0
269 Significantly increasing trend 106458 17 2002 - 2019 26.74 0.21 26.02 0.05 0
271 Significantly increasing trend 133627 18 2002 - 2019 26.92 0.26 25.77 0.07 0
273 Significantly increasing trend 129817 18 2002 - 2019 27.16 0.24 26.16 0.05 0
223 Significantly increasing trend 133082 18 2002 - 2019 26.89 0.3 25.84 0.08 0
227 Significantly increasing trend 105351 17 2003 - 2019 26.67 0.29 26.06 0.08 0
220 Significantly increasing trend 126033 17 2003 - 2019 26.52 0.25 25.94 0.06 0
215 Significantly increasing trend 133286 16 2003 - 2018 26.74 0.26 26.42 0.05 0
284 Significantly increasing trend 123977 17 2002 - 2019 26.86 0.28 25.14 0.09 0
285 Significantly increasing trend 121423 18 2002 - 2019 26.86 0.25 26.17 0.07 0
309 Significantly increasing trend 107410 18 2002 - 2019 27.85 0.27 26.07 0.06 0
216 Significantly increasing trend 98535 17 2002 - 2018 26.26 0.31 25.86 0.06 0
314 Significantly increasing trend 110686 18 2002 - 2019 27.41 0.23 25.63 0.06 0
294 Significantly increasing trend 112348 18 2002 - 2019 26.92 0.27 25.52 0.09 0
296 Significantly increasing trend 114497 17 2002 - 2019 27.36 0.21 25.45 0.07 0
500 Significantly increasing trend 69048 8 2012 - 2019 27.33 0.23 26.79 0.12 0.01
506 No significant trend 35198 7 2012 - 2019 27.41 0.04 27.2 0.05 0.74
507 No significant trend 47517 8 2012 - 2019 27.36 0.18 27.48 0.09 0.12
508 No significant trend 24021 6 2012 - 2019 26.67 0.33 26.54 0.07 0.29
509 No significant trend 38607 8 2012 - 2019 27.70 0.05 27.79 0.11 0.47
502 Insufficient data to calculate trend 22765 4 2016 - 2019 26.70 - - - -
501 No significant trend 34805 5 2012 - 2018 27.48 0.11 27.55 0.05 0.65
503 Insufficient data to calculate trend 7490 1 2016 - 2016 28.74 - - - -
504 Insufficient data to calculate trend 4339 1 2018 - 2018 29.84 - - - -

At eighty-two program locations, monthly average water temperature increased between 0.01 and 0.16°C per year. No detectable change in monthly average water temperature was observed at forty-one locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for nine locations.

Water Temperature - Continuous - Program 899

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 - Program 899
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Sombrero Significantly increasing trend 459354 14 2009 - 2022 27.16 0.26 26.83 0.05 0.00
Molasses No significant trend 140713 5 2009 - 2013 26.72 -0.03 26.61 -0.04 0.92
Crocker Significantly increasing trend 322670 10 2013 - 2022 27.32 0.15 27.07 0.03 0.04

At eighty-two program locations, monthly average water temperature increased between 0.01 and 0.16°C per year. No detectable change in monthly average water temperature was observed at forty-one locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for nine locations.

Water Temperature - Continuous - Program 986

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 - Program 986
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
55 Significantly increasing trend 231874 23 2002 - 2024 26.94 0.33 26.69 0.06 0.00
15 Significantly increasing trend 218855 19 2006 - 2024 27.04 0.23 26.45 0.06 0.00
79 Significantly increasing trend 190275 18 2007 - 2024 26.94 0.33 26.51 0.07 0.00
40 Significantly increasing trend 259048 23 2002 - 2024 26.89 0.33 26.28 0.07 0.00
38 Significantly increasing trend 271179 23 2002 - 2024 26.59 0.35 25.96 0.07 0.00
73 Significantly increasing trend 193376 17 2008 - 2024 26.81 0.40 26.47 0.08 0.00
34 Significantly increasing trend 289051 23 2002 - 2024 26.84 0.36 25.94 0.07 0.00
56 Significantly increasing trend 190431 19 2006 - 2024 26.81 0.28 26.69 0.05 0.00
59 Significantly increasing trend 206603 20 2002 - 2024 26.96 0.37 26.63 0.07 0.00
36 Significantly increasing trend 207795 18 2007 - 2024 27.01 0.32 26.43 0.07 0.00
53 Significantly increasing trend 193391 17 2008 - 2024 27.06 0.42 26.53 0.08 0.00
57 Significantly increasing trend 202888 17 2008 - 2024 27.08 0.38 26.61 0.08 0.00
12 Significantly increasing trend 152036 15 2008 - 2024 27.18 0.26 26.41 0.07 0.00
35 Significantly increasing trend 232782 19 2006 - 2024 26.98 0.28 26.19 0.06 0.00
11 Significantly increasing trend 243135 20 2003 - 2024 26.84 0.34 26.13 0.07 0.00
14 Significantly increasing trend 238807 21 2002 - 2024 26.96 0.31 26.29 0.06 0.00
26 Significantly increasing trend 156891 16 2009 - 2024 27.08 0.31 26.74 0.08 0.00
52 Significantly increasing trend 202154 17 2008 - 2024 27.01 0.40 26.61 0.08 0.00
24 Significantly increasing trend 126389 13 2010 - 2024 27.08 0.40 26.16 0.10 0.00
77 Significantly increasing trend 203309 17 2008 - 2024 27.01 0.36 26.51 0.07 0.00
54 Significantly increasing trend 142926 13 2012 - 2024 27.09 0.31 26.64 0.06 0.00
78 Significantly increasing trend 102736 11 2014 - 2024 27.16 0.27 26.66 0.08 0.00
22 Significantly increasing trend 185473 16 2009 - 2024 26.96 0.28 26.35 0.07 0.00
50 Significantly increasing trend 118231 12 2013 - 2024 27.11 0.33 26.82 0.07 0.00
72 Significantly increasing trend 198393 16 2008 - 2023 26.86 0.47 26.39 0.08 0.00
32 Significantly increasing trend 237317 20 2003 - 2024 26.74 0.36 26.04 0.07 0.00
80 Significantly increasing trend 182341 16 2009 - 2024 27.03 0.33 26.77 0.07 0.00
30 Significantly increasing trend 131074 13 2012 - 2024 26.67 0.26 26.23 0.06 0.00
60 Significantly increasing trend 156278 16 2009 - 2024 27.01 0.23 26.99 0.05 0.00
83 Significantly increasing trend 139311 17 2006 - 2023 25.86 0.19 25.79 0.05 0.00
74 Significantly increasing trend 142860 13 2012 - 2024 26.94 0.31 26.52 0.06 0.00
76 Significantly increasing trend 183695 16 2009 - 2024 26.98 0.35 26.63 0.07 0.00
25 Significantly increasing trend 132181 14 2010 - 2024 27.28 0.21 26.73 0.07 0.00
18 Significantly increasing trend 59983 9 2016 - 2024 27.18 0.20 26.21 0.08 0.03
51 Significantly increasing trend 237296 20 2003 - 2024 26.74 0.37 26.11 0.06 0.00
70 Significantly increasing trend 119048 12 2013 - 2024 27.01 0.33 26.73 0.06 0.00
61 Significantly increasing trend 68996 9 2016 - 2024 27.35 0.39 26.46 0.11 0.00
23 Significantly increasing trend 128184 13 2012 - 2024 27.43 0.27 26.73 0.08 0.00
75 Significantly increasing trend 159540 15 2010 - 2024 27.23 0.39 26.49 0.08 0.00
37 Significantly increasing trend 67333 9 2016 - 2024 27.03 0.30 26.27 0.12 0.00
58 Significantly increasing trend 87137 11 2014 - 2024 27.35 0.25 26.94 0.07 0.00
81 Significantly increasing trend 68931 9 2016 - 2024 27.35 0.39 26.48 0.11 0.00
39 No significant trend 48939 7 2018 - 2024 27.06 0.09 27.06 0.08 0.45
21 Significantly increasing trend 69835 9 2016 - 2024 27.23 0.20 26.46 0.08 0.03
33 No significant trend 50595 8 2016 - 2024 27.06 0.17 26.04 0.09 0.18
10 No significant trend 32760 5 2020 - 2024 27.48 0.23 26.68 0.20 0.18

At eighty-two program locations, monthly average water temperature increased between 0.01 and 0.16°C per year. No detectable change in monthly average water temperature was observed at forty-one locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for nine locations.

Water Temperature - Continuous - Program 989

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 - Program 989
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
FKNMS-GRECIAN No significant trend 51723 18 1990 - 2010 26.65 -0.03 26.48 0 0.66
FKNMS-KW-CHANL No significant trend 123578 18 1991 - 2012 26.27 0.1 26.11 0.02 0.08
FKNMS-LONG-KEY No significant trend 69656 19 1990 - 2010 26.64 -0.03 26.35 -0.01 0.58
FKNMS-7MILE-BR No significant trend 73055 19 1991 - 2010 26.66 0.05 26.22 0.01 0.35
FKNMS-BULLARD Significantly increasing trend 66230 18 1992 - 2009 26.31 0.12 26.11 0.02 0.03
FKNMS-SAND-KEY No significant trend 59287 18 1990 - 2010 26.70 0.05 26.46 0.01 0.32
FKNMS-BHONDA-BR No significant trend 77111 22 1990 - 2011 26.60 -0.02 26.67 0 0.66
FKNMS-LOOE-ISELIN No significant trend 194367 13 1999 - 2014 26.88 0.13 26.55 0.03 0.08
FKNMS-ALLIGATOR No significant trend 65144 19 1990 - 2010 26.55 -0.06 26.72 -0.01 0.23
FKNMS-HEN-and-CHIX No significant trend 72285 21 1989 - 2011 26.50 -0.01 26.35 0 0.88
FKNMS-9FT-SHOAL No significant trend 80299 21 1990 - 2010 26.50 0 26.76 0 0.99
FKNMS-SMITH-SHL No significant trend 94527 10 1998 - 2012 25.45 0.13 25.99 0.02 0.19
FKNMS-LOOE-BACK No significant trend 84984 18 1990 - 2012 26.80 -0.06 26.6 -0.01 0.42
FKNMS-BOCA-GRND No significant trend 73434 17 1990 - 2012 26.14 0.08 26.04 0.01 0.17
FKNMS-200YR-HD No significant trend 44601 12 1998 - 2009 26.10 -0.1 26.45 -0.04 0.17
FKNMS-CARYSFORT No significant trend 55001 16 1990 - 2006 26.40 -0.03 26.38 0 0.64
FKNMS-SPRIGGER No significant trend 41834 13 1992 - 2006 26.10 0.02 25.78 0 0.86
FKNMS-TENN-REEF No significant trend 63260 16 1990 - 2006 26.70 -0.06 26.22 -0.01 0.27
FKNMS-SOMBRERO No significant trend 48974 13 1991 - 2005 26.50 0.13 26.14 0.03 0.05
FKNMS-ELPIS No significant trend 31035 8 2004 - 2011 26.35 0.06 25.9 0.04 0.53
FKNMS-LOOE-BUOY5 No significant trend 35252 10 1988 - 1998 26.90 0.05 26.86 0.02 0.36
FKNMS-PILLAR No significant trend 40805 11 1996 - 2006 26.24 0.02 26.04 0.01 0.94
FKNMS-WS-JACKYL No significant trend 29557 9 1991 - 1999 26.40 0.17 26.96 0.06 0.09
FKNMS-MOLASSES No significant trend 36146 13 1990 - 2002 26.70 -0.05 26.74 -0.01 0.48
FKNMS-SNAKE-CRK No significant trend 56777 19 1989 - 2007 26.16 -0.06 26.33 -0.02 0.28
FKNMS-CARD-SND No significant trend 18249 6 2001 - 2006 26.52 -0.05 27.32 -0.05 0.79
FKNMS-NEWGROUND No significant trend 35329 12 1992 - 2006 25.49 -0.05 25.73 -0.01 0.52
FKNMS-WELLWOOD No significant trend 30427 8 2002 - 2009 26.43 0 26.82 0 1
FKNMS-DIEGO-TER No significant trend 16693 5 2002 - 2006 25.58 -0.05 25.91 -0.03 0.84
FKNMS-WS-BUOY16 Insufficient data to calculate trend 8123 3 2003 - 2005 25.99 - - - -
FKNMS-MAITLAND Insufficient data to calculate trend 12421 4 2004 - 2007 26.07 - - - -
FKNMS-W-SAMBO No significant trend 18786 6 1990 - 1995 26.90 0.09 26.16 0.03 0.56
FKNMS-HARBORKEY No significant trend 15407 5 1992 - 1997 26.50 0.14 25.74 0.14 0.33

At eighty-two program locations, monthly average water temperature increased between 0.01 and 0.16°C per year. No detectable change in monthly average water temperature was observed at forty-one locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for nine locations.

Water Temperature - Continuous - Program 10004

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 - Program 10004
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
FKCB Insufficient data to calculate trend 16263 1 2024 - 2024 26.8 - - - -
FKLK Insufficient data to calculate trend 21517 1 2024 - 2024 29.0 - - - -

At eighty-two program locations, monthly average water temperature increased between 0.01 and 0.16°C per year. No detectable change in monthly average water temperature was observed at forty-one locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for nine locations.

Map showing location of water temperature continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary by Program name.
Maps showing the temporal scope of SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The point size reflects the number of samples at a given sampling site.
Map showing SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 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
296 4200 1996 2021 Braun Blanquet 40
965 65538 2005 2011 Braun Blanquet 87
4018 4328 1999 2024 Braun Blanquet 120
4049 104563 2005 2024 Braun Blanquet 1267
10007 229 2024 2024 Braun Blanquet 16
4018 279 1999 2007 Percent Cover 67
10007 486 2024 2024 Percent Cover 16

Program names:

296 - Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Seagrass Monitoring Project23
965 - South Florida Seagrass Fish and Invertebrate Assessment Network18
4018 - Miami-Dade County DERM Benthic Habitat Monitoring Program27
4018 - Miami-Dade County DERM Benthic Habitat Monitoring Program27
4049 - The South Florida Fisheries Habitat Assessment Program (FHAP)15
10007 - Florida Keys Aquatic Preserves Seagrass Monitoring[@]
10007 - Florida Keys Aquatic Preserves Seagrass Monitoring[@]

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 Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary - simplified
Trends in median percent cover for various seagrass species in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary - simplified
Percent Cover Trend Analysis for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
CommonName Trend Significance (0.05) Period of Record LME-Intercept LME-Slope p
Attached algae No significant trend 2008 - 2024 0.0758368 -0.0025288 0.2118930
Drift algae Significantly decreasing trend 1999 - 2024 9.0325731 -0.2250310 0.0000182
Shoal grass Significantly decreasing trend 1996 - 2024 6.7348617 -0.2493274 0.0002221
Halophila spp. No significant trend 2005 - 2024 0.0759972 -0.0023621 0.3030577
Widgeon grass No significant trend 2005 - 2024 -0.0376202 0.0027684 0.1049883
Manatee grass Significantly decreasing trend 1996 - 2024 4.8876182 -0.1064017 0.0205244
Turtle grass Significantly decreasing trend 1996 - 2024 43.3088391 -1.4266490 0.0000000
Total SAV No significant trend 1999 - 2024 31.6516900 0.2156674 0.1645461
Total seagrass Significantly increasing trend 2005 - 2024 16.7192043 0.2289359 0.0095302

An annual increase in percent cover was observed for total seagrass (0.2%). Annual decreases in percent cover were observed for manatee grass (-0.1%), shoal grass (-0.2%), turtle grass (-1.4%), and drift algae (-0.2%). Total SAV, Halophila spp., widgeon grass, and attached algae showed no detectable change in percent cover.

Frequency of occurrence for various seagrass species in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Frequency of occurrence for various seagrass species in Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

SAV Water Column Analysis

The following parameters are available for Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary 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

Coral Reef

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

Percent Cover

Scatter plot of live coral coverage over time as a percent of reef surface. Species groups include octocorals, milleporans, and scleractinians. If the time series included five or more years of observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Data points are jittered horizontally to reduce overlap.
Scatter plot of live coral coverage over time as a percent of reef surface. Species groups include octocorals, milleporans, and scleractinians. If the time series included five or more years of observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Data points are jittered horizontally to reduce overlap.
Coral Percent Cover
Statistical Trend Period of Record LME Intercept LME Slope p
Significantly decreasing trend 1996 - 2023 10.78212 -0.00473 0

Annual average percent cover decreased by less than 0.01% between 1996 and 2023.

Map showing location of coral percent cover sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of coral percent cover sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Species Richness

Line graph of annual average species richness of grazers and reef-dependent species over time. If the time series included more than one year of observations, a line connects the data points for visualization.
Line graph of annual average species richness of grazers and reef-dependent species over time. If the time series included more than one year of observations, a line connects the data points for visualization.
Coral Species Richness
Sample Count Number of Years Period of Record Median N of Taxa Mean N of Taxa
11167 21 1999 - 2019 281 220.2253

The median annual number of taxa was 281 based on 11,167 observations collected between 1999 and 2019.

Map showing location of coral species richness sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of coral species richness sampling locations within the boundaries of Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Species list

Abudefduf saxatilis2 Epinephelus itajara2 Padina gymnospora1
Acanthemblemaria aspera2 Epinephelus morio2 Pagrus pagrus2
Acanthemblemaria chaplini2 Epinephelus striatus2 Palythoa mammillosa
Acanthemblemaria maria2 Eques lanceolatus2 Palythoa spp.
Acanthemblemaria spinosa2 Equetus punctatus2 Pandaros acanthifolium
Acanthocybium solandri Ernodesmis sp.1 Parablennius marmoreus2
Acanthophora muscoides1 Erylus formosus Paraclinus marmoratus2
Acanthophora sp.1 Erythropodium caribaeorum3 Paraclinus nigripinnis2
Acanthostracion polygonium2 Eucinostomus argenteus Paralichthys albigutta2
Acanthostracion quadricornis2 Eucinostomus gula Paranthias furcifer2
Acanthurus bahianus2 Eucinostomus jonesii Pareques acuminatus2
Acanthurus chirurgus2 Eunicea calyculata3 Pareques umbrosus2
Acanthurus coeruleus2 Eunicea flexuosa3 Pempheris schomburgkii2
Acanthurus sp.2 Eunicea fusca3 Penaeus monodon
Acetabularia sp.1 Eunicea knighti3 Penicillus sp.1
Acetabularia spp.1 Eunicea laciniata3 Penicillus spp.1
Acropora cervicornis3 Eunicea laxispica3 Peyssonnelia
Acropora palmata3 Eunicea mammosa3 Phaeoptyx xenus2
Acropora prolifera3 Eunicea palmeri3 Phorbas sp.
Actiniaria Eunicea succinea3 Phyllangia americana3
Aetobatus narinari Eunicea tourneforti3 Phymanthus crucifer
Agardhiella ramosissima1 Eusmilia fastigiata3 Plakortis angulospiculatus
Agaricia agaricites3 Euthynnus alletteratus Plexaura homomalla3
Agaricia fragilis3 Favia fragum3 Plexaura kuna3
Agaricia grahamae3 Fine turf Plexaurella dichotoma3
Agaricia humilis3 Fistularia tabacaria2 Plexaurella grandiflora3
Agaricia lamarcki3 Fowlerichthys ocellatus2 Plexaurella grisea3
Agaricia sp. Galaxaura spp. Plexaurella nutans3
Agaricia spp.3 Galeocerdo cuvier2 Polysiphonia sp.1
Agaricia tenuifolia Geodia gibberosa Pomacanthus arcuatus2
Agaricia undata3 Geodia neptuni Pomacanthus paru2
Agelas clathrodes Gerres cinereus Porifera
Agelas conifera Ginglymostoma cirratum Porifera spp.
Agelas dispar Gnatholepis thompsoni2 Porites astreoides3
Agelas schmidtii Gobioclinus bucciferus2 Porites branneri3
Agelas wiedenmayeri Gobioclinus filamentosus2 Porites cf. branneri
Ahlia egmontis Gobioclinus gobio2 Porites colonensis3
Aiolochroia crassa Gobioclinus kalisherae2 Porites divaricata3
Albula vulpes Gobiosoma sp.2 Porites furcata3
Alcyonacea sp.3 Gorgonia flabellum3 Porites porites3
Alectis ciliaris2 Gorgonia mariae3 Porites sp.
Alphestes afer2 Gorgonia ventalina3 Porites spp.3
Aluterus monoceros2 Gracilaria sp.1 Priacanthus arenatus2
Aluterus schoepfii2 Gramma loreto2 Priolepis hipoliti2
Aluterus scriptus2 Grateloupia1 Prionotus ophryas2
Aluterus sp.2 Griffithsia1 Prionotus rubio2
Amblycirrhitus pinos2 Gymnothorax funebris2 Pristipomoides aquilonaris2
Amphimedon compressa Gymnothorax miliaris2 Pristis pectinata
Amphimedon viridis Gymnothorax moringa2 Prognathodes aculeatus2
Amphiroa spp.1 Gymnothorax nigromarginatus2 Pseudobatos lentiginosus
Anadyomene linkiana1 Gymnothorax saxicola2 Pseudodiploria clivosa3
Anadyomene spp.1 Gymnothorax vicinus2 Pseudodiploria strigosa3
Anadyomene stellata1 Haemulon album2 Pseudoplexaura crucis3
Anchoa lyolepis Haemulon aurolineatum2 Pseudoplexaura flagellosa3
Anisotremus surinamensis2 Haemulon carbonarium2 Pseudoplexaura porosa3
Anisotremus virginicus2 Haemulon flavolineatum2 Pseudoplexaura wagenaari3
Antillogorgia acerosa3 Haemulon macrostomum2 Pseudupeneus maculatus2
Antillogorgia americana3 Haemulon melanurum2 Ptereleotris calliura
Antillogorgia bipinnata3 Haemulon parra2 Ptereleotris helenae
Antillogorgia kallos3 Haemulon plumierii2 Pterocladiella sanctarum1
Antillogorgia rigida3 Haemulon sciurus2 Pterogorgia anceps3
Aplysina archeri Haemulon sp.2 Pterogorgia citrina3
Aplysina cauliformis Haemulon striatum2 Pterogorgia guadalupensis3
Aplysina fistularis Haemulon vittatum2 Pterois miles2
Aplysina fulva Halichoeres bivittatus2 Pterois volitans2
Aplysina lacunosa Halichoeres caudalis2 Ptilocaulis sp.
Apogon aurolineatus2 Halichoeres cyanocephalus2 Rachycentron canadum
Apogon binotatus2 Halichoeres garnoti2 Ramicrusta spp.
Apogon maculatus2 Halichoeres maculipinna2 Razorfish sp.2
Apogon phenax2 Halichoeres pictus2 Red calcareous branching algae
Apogon pseudomaculatus2 Halichoeres poeyi2 Red frondose algae
Apogon quadrisquamatus2 Halichoeres radiatus2 Remora remora
Apogon townsendi2 Haliclona (Reneira) aquaeductus Rhinoptera bonasus
Archosargus probatocephalus2 Haliclona (Reniera) tubifera Rhipocephalus1
Archosargus rhomboidalis2 Haliclona sp. Rhipocephalus phoenix1
Arturia canariensis Halimeda spp.1 Rhipocephalus spp.1
Ascidiacea Halisarca sp. Rhodactis osculifera
Astrapogon puncticulatus2 Halodule wrightii1 Rhomboplites aurorubens2
Astrapogon sp.2 Halophila decipiens1 Ricordea florida
Astrapogon stellatus2 Halophila engelmannii1 Rubble
Astroscopus guttatus Halophila johnsonii1 Ruppia maritima1
Atherinomorus stipes Halophila sp.1 Rypticus bistrispinus2
Aulostomus maculatus2 Harengula humeralis Rypticus maculatus2
Avrainvillea1 Harengula jaguana Rypticus saponaceus2
Avrainvillea levis1 Helioseris cucullata3 Sand-sand
Axinellida Hemiemblemaria simula2 Sand on hard-bottom
Azurina cyanea2 Hemiramphus brasiliensis Sardinella aurita
Balistes capriscus2 Heteroconger longissimus Sargassum sp.1
Balistes sp.2 Heteropriacanthus cruentatus2 Sargassum spp.1
Balistes vetula2 Hexacorallia Sargocentron bullisi2
Bare substrate Higginsia strigilata Sargocentron coruscum2
Bartholomea annulata Hippocampus erectus2 Sargocentron vexillarium2
Batophora oerstedii1 Hippocampus reidi2 Scartella cristata2
Batophora spp.1 Hippospongia sp. Scarus coelestinus2
Blenniidae sp.2 Holacanthus bermudensis2 Scarus coeruleus2
Bodianus pulchellus2 Holacanthus ciliaris2 Scarus guacamaia2
Bodianus rufus2 Holacanthus tricolor2 Scarus iseri2
Bollmannia boqueronensis2 Holocentrus adscensionis2 Scarus sp.2
Bothus lunatus2 Holocentrus rufus2 Scarus taeniopterus2
Bothus ocellatus2 Hydrozoa Scarus vetula2
Brachygenys chrysargyreum2 Hypanus americanus Schizothrix calcicola
Branching gorgonian3 Hypleurochilus bermudensis2 Schultzea beta2
Briareum asbestinum3 Hypnea1 Scianid sp.2
Brockius nigricinctus2 Hypoatherina harringtonensis Scleractinia3
Brotula barbata Hypoglossum1 Scolymia cubensis3
Brown algae1 Hypoplectrus chlorurus2 Scolymia lacera
Bryopsis1 Hypoplectrus gemma2 Scolymia sp.3
Bryozoa Hypoplectrus gummigutta2 Scolymia spp.3
Calamus bajonado2 Hypoplectrus guttavarius2 Scomberomorus cavalla
Calamus calamus2 Hypoplectrus hybrid2 Scomberomorus maculatus
Calamus leucosteus2 Hypoplectrus indigo2 Scomberomorus regalis
Calamus nodosus2 Hypoplectrus nigricans2 Scopalina ruetzleri
Calamus penna2 Hypoplectrus puella2 Scorpaena plumieri2
Calamus proridens2 Hypoplectrus sp.2 Scorpaenodes caribbaeus2
Calcareous green algae1 Hypoplectrus tann2 Selachii
Callionymus bairdi2 Hypoplectrus unicolor2 Selene vomer2
Callyspongia (Callyspongia) fallax Hyporthodus flavolimbatus2 Seriola dumerili2
Callyspongia (Cladochalina) aculeata Hyporthodus niveatus2 Seriola rivoliana2
Callyspongia (Cladochalina) plicifera Hyrtios violaceus Seriola sp.2
Callyspongia (Cladochalina) tenerrima Iciligorgia schrammi3 Seriola zonata2
Calyx podatypa Iotrochota birotulata Serranid sp.2
Cantherhines macrocerus2 Ircinia campana Serranus annularis2
Cantherhines pullus2 Ircinia felix Serranus baldwini2
Canthidermis sufflamen2 Ircinia strobilina Serranus phoebe2
Canthigaster rostrata2 Ircinia variabilis Serranus subligarius2
Caranx bartholomaei2 Isophyllia rigida3 Serranus tabacarius2
Caranx crysos2 Isophyllia sinuosa3 Serranus tigrinus2
Caranx hippos2 Isophyllia sp. Serranus tortugarum2
Caranx latus2 Istiophorus platypterus Siderastrea radians3
Caranx lugubris2 Jania spp.1 Siderastrea siderea3
Caranx ruber2 Jenkinsia sp. Siderastrea sp.
Caranx sp.2 Kallymenia spp. Siderastrea spp.
Carcharhinus falciformis Kyphosus sectatrix2 Silt on hard-bottom
Carcharhinus leucas Labrisomidae sp.2 Siphonodictyon coralliphagum
Carcharhinus limbatus Labrisomus nuchipinnis2 Siphonodictyon siphonum
Carcharhinus obscurus Lachnolaimus maximus2 Snapper sp.2
Carcharhinus perezii Lactophrys bicaudalis2 Solenastrea bournoni3
Carcharhinus plumbeus Lactophrys trigonus2 Solenastrea hyades3
Caulerpa spp.1 Lactophrys triqueter2 Solenastrea sp.
Centroceras sp.1 Lagodon rhomboides2 Solenastrea spp.3
Centropomus undecimalis Laurencia spp.1 Sparidae sp.2
Centropristis ocyurus2 Lebrunia neglecta Sparisoma atomarium2
Centropristis striata2 Liagora spp. Sparisoma aurofrenatum2
Centropyge argi2 Liopropoma eukrines2 Sparisoma chrysopterum2
Cephalopholis cruentata2 Liopropoma mowbrayi2 Sparisoma radians2
Cephalopholis fulva2 Liopropoma rubre2 Sparisoma rubripinne2
Ceramium1 Lobophora spp. Sparisoma sp.2
Chaenopsis limbaughi2 Lutjanus analis2 Sparisoma viride2
Chaetodipterus faber Lutjanus apodus2 Spermothamnion1
Chaetodon capistratus2 Lutjanus buccanella2 Spheciospongia vesparium
Chaetodon ocellatus2 Lutjanus campechanus2 Sphoeroides2
Chaetodon sedentarius2 Lutjanus cyanopterus2 Sphoeroides nephelus2
Chaetodon striatus2 Lutjanus griseus2 Sphoeroides spengleri2
Chaetomorpha linum1 Lutjanus jocu2 Sphoeroides testudineus2
Champia parvula1 Lutjanus mahogoni2 Sphyraena barracuda2
Chara spp.1 Lutjanus synagris2 Sphyraena guachancho
Chilomycterus antennatus2 Macroalgae Sphyraena picudilla
Chilomycterus reticulatus2 Madracis auretenra3 Sphyrna lewini
Chilomycterus schoepfii2 Madracis carmabi3 Sphyrna mokarran
Chloroscombrus chrysurus2 Madracis decactis3 Sphyrna tiburo
Chondria capillaris1 Madracis formosa3 Spirastrella coccinea
Chondria spp.1 Madracis myriaster3 Spirastrella mollis
Chondrilla nucula Madracis senaria3 Spongia sp.
Chondrosia sp. Madracis sp. Spyridia filamentosa1
Chriodorus atherinoides Madracis spp.3 Squirrelfish sp.2
Chromis enchrysurus2 Malacanthus plumieri Stegastes adustus2
Chromis insolata2 Malacoctenus aurolineatus2 Stegastes diencaeus2
Chromis multilineata2 Malacoctenus gilli2 Stegastes leucostictus2
Chromis scotti2 Malacoctenus macropus2 Stegastes partitus2
Cinachyra sp. Malacoctenus triangulatus2 Stegastes planifrons2
Cladocephalus1 Malacoctenus versicolor2 Stegastes sp.2
Cladocora arbuscula3 Manicina areolata3 Stegastes variabilis2
Cladophora1 Meandrina jacksoni Stephanocoenia intersepta3
Clathria (Thalysias) venosa Meandrina meandrites3 Stephanolepis hispida2
Clathria (Thalysias) virgultosa Megalops atlanticus Stichodactyla helianthus
Clathria sp. Melichthys niger2 Strongylacidon sp.
Clepticus parrae2 Menidia sp. Strongylura notata2
Cliona caribbaea Microgobius carri2 Strongylura timucu
Cliona delitrix Microgobius microlepis2 Stygnobrotula latebricola
Cliona sp. Microspathodon chrysurus2 Stypopodium spp.
Cliona spp. Millepora alcicornis3 Substrate
Cliona varians Millepora complanata3 Syacium micrurum2
Colpophyllia natans3 Millepora spp.3 Syngnathus scovelli2
Colpophyllia spp.3 Mobula birostris Syngnathus sp.2
Condylactis gigantea Monacanthus ciliatus2 Synodus foetens2
Corallimorpharians Monacanthus tuckeri2 Synodus intermedius2
Coralliophila erosa Monanchora arbuscula Synodus synodus2
Coryphopterus dicrus2 Montastraea cavernosa3 Syringodium filiforme1
Coryphopterus eidolon2 Mulloidichthys martinicus2 Tectitethya crypta
Coryphopterus glaucofraenum2 Muraena retifera2 Tedania (Tedania) ignis
Coryphopterus lipernes2 Muricea atlantica3 Tethya diploderma
Coryphopterus personatus2 Muricea elongata3 Thalassia testudinum1
Coryphopterus punctipectophorus2 Muricea laxa3 Thalassoma bifasciatum2
Coryphopterus sp.2 Muricea muricata3 Thick turf
Cribrochalina vasculum Muricea pinnata3 Tigrigobius macrodon2
Crustose coralline algae1 Muriceopsis flavida3 Tigrigobius saucrus2
Cryptotomus roseus2 Mussa angulosa3 Total brown algae1
Ctenogobius saepepallens2 Mycale (Mycale) laevis Total calcareous green algae1
Cyanobacteria Mycale sp. Total green algae1
Cyanophyta spp. Mycetophyllia aliciae3 Total macroalgae1
Dactylopterus volitans Mycetophyllia danaana3 Total other green algae1
Dasya sp.1 Mycetophyllia ferox3 Total other red algae1
Dasycladus1 Mycetophyllia lamarckiana3 Total SAV1
Decapterus macarellus2 Mycetophyllia sp. Total seagrass1
Decapterus punctatus2 Mycetophyllia spp.3 Trachinotus falcatus2
Decapterus sp.2 Mycteroperca acutirostris2 Trachinotus goodei2
Dendrogyra cylindrus3 Mycteroperca bonaci2 Trachurus lathami2
Derbesia1 Mycteroperca interstitialis2 Trachyteleia hispida
Dermatolepis inermis2 Mycteroperca microlepis2 Tunicata
Desmapsamma anchorata Mycteroperca phenax2 Turbinaria turbinata
Diadema antillarum Mycteroperca tigris2 Turf algae free of sediment
Dichocoenia stokesii3 Mycteroperca venenosa2 Turf algae with sediment
Dictyosphaeria1 Myrichthys breviceps Tylosurus crocodilus
Dictyota spp.1 Myrichthys ocellatus Udotea1
Diodon holocanthus2 Myripristis jacobus2 Udotea spp.1
Diodon hystrix2 Narcine bancroftii Ulaema lefroyi
Diodon sp.2 Needlefish sp. Ulva sp.1
Diplastrella megastellata Negaprion brevirostris Umbrina coroides2
Diplectrum formosum2 Neofibularia nolitangere Undaria sp.
Diplodus argenteus2 Neomeris1 Unidentified mangrove
Diplodus holbrookii2 Neoniphon marianus2 Unidentified species
Diploria labyrinthiformis3 Neopetrosia carbonaria Unknown barrel sponge
Diploria sp. Nes longus2 Unknown black smooth encrusting sponge
Diploria spp.3 Nicholsina usta2 Unknown bowling ball sponge
Discosoma carlgreni Niphates amorpha Unknown brown encrusting sponge
Doratonotus megalepis2 Niphates digitalis Unknown brown smooth sponge
Dragmacidon lunaecharta Niphates erecta Unknown brown tube sponge
Drift red algae1 Oceanapia peltata Unknown brown vein sponge
Dysidea etheria Octocorallia3 Unknown encrusting sponge
Dysidea fragilis Oculina diffusa3 Unknown finger/branching sponge
Dysidea janiae Oculina robusta3 Unknown green encrusting sponge
Echeneis naucrates Oculina sp. Unknown olive sponge
Echeneis neucratoides Ocyurus chrysurus2 Unknown orange encrusting sponge
Echinoidea Odontoscion dentex2 Unknown orange massive sponge
Ectyoplasia ferox Ogcocephalus nasutus2 Unknown pink lumpy sponge
Elacatinus dilepis2 Ogcocephalus sp. Unknown red encrusting sponge
Elacatinus evelynae2 Oligoplites saurus2 Unknown red lumpy tube sponge
Elacatinus horsti2 Ophioblennius macclurei2 Unknown red squishy sponge
Elacatinus oceanops2 Opistognathus aurifrons Unknown tube sponge
Elacatinus randalli2 Opistognathus macrognathus Upeneus parvus2
Elacatinus xanthiprora2 Opistognathus sp. Urobatis jamaicensis
Elagatis bipinnulata2 Opistognathus whitehursti Valonia1
Elops saurus Opsanus tau2 Verongula gigantea
Emblemaria pandionis2 Orbicella annularis3 Verongula reiswigi
Emblemariopsis bahamensis2 Orbicella faveolata3 Verongula rigida
Emmelichthyops atlanticus2 Orbicella franksi3 Wrightiella1
Enchelycore carychroa2 Orbicella sp. Xestospongia muta
Enchelycore nigricans2 Orthopristis chrysoptera2 Xyrichtys martinicensis2
Encrusting gorgonian3 Other calcareous macroalgae Xyrichtys novacula2
Enneanectes altivelis Other coral Xyrichtys splendens2
Enneanectes boehlkei Other fleshy macroalgae Zanclus cornutus
Epinephelus adscensionis2 Other green algae1 Zoanthidae
Epinephelus drummondhayi2 Other red algae1 Zoanthids
Epinephelus guttatus2 Oxyurichthys stigmalophius2 Abudefduf saxatilis2

1 - Submerged Aquatic Vegetation, 2 - Coral Reef - Species Richness, 3 - Coral Reef - Percent Cover

References

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Mote Marine Laboratory. Florida Keys Bleach Watch. (2023).
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Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commision (FWC); Florida Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Water Temperature on Coral Reefs in the Florida Keys. (2022).
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Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Florida Keys Aquatic Preserves. Florida Keys Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring. (2024).
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Miami-Dade County Division of Environmental Resources Management (DERM). Miami-Dade County DERM Benthic Habitat Monitoring Program. (2023).