Funding & Acknowledgements

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

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

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

Published: 2025-10-08

Threshold Filtering

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

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

Value Qualifiers

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

STORET and WIN value qualifier codes

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

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

Discrete Water Quality Value Qualifiers

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

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

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

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

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

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

Systemwide Monitoring Program (SWMP) value qualifier codes

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

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

Water Column

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


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

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Analysis

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

Water Quality - Discrete

The following files were used in the discrete analysis:

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Chlorophyll_a_corrected_for_pheophytin-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Chlorophyll_a_uncorrected_for_pheophytin-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Colored_dissolved_organic_matter_CDOM-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Dissolved_Oxygen-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_pH-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Salinity-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Secchi_Depth-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Nitrogen-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Phosphorus-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Suspended_Solids_TSS-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Turbidity-2025-Sep-04.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Water_Temperature-2025-Sep-04.txt

Chlorophyll a, Corrected for Pheophytin - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average levels of chlorophyll a, corrected for pheophytin, over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only laboratory-analyzed chlorophyll a (triangles) is included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average levels of chlorophyll a, corrected for pheophytin, over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only laboratory-analyzed chlorophyll a (triangles) is included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Chlorophyll a, Corrected for Pheophytin
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab Significantly decreasing trend 1403 20 2005 - 2025 3.3 -0.1916 5.0449 -0.1054 0.0001

Monthly average chlorophyll a, corrected for pheophytin, decreased by 0.11 µg/L per year, indicating an increase in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Chlorophyll a, Corrected for Pheophytin
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5028 688 2007 2025
5002 273 2005 2025
476 266 2008 2024
513 180 2017 2024
303 9 2019 2025

Program names:

303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network1
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program5

Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average levels of chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only laboratory-analyzed chlorophyll a (triangles) is included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average levels of chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only laboratory-analyzed chlorophyll a (triangles) is included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab Significantly increasing trend 558 20 1998 - 2025 4.8 0.1879 3.9527 0.0725 0.0006

Monthly average chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, increased by 0.07 µg/L per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5028 298 2017 2025
476 289 1998 2024
5002 6 2005 2005
103 3 2001 2005
118 2 2001 2005
95 1 2013 2013
115 1 2001 2001

Program names:

95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network6
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment9
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program5

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 10837 36 1989 - 2025 6.6 -0.0271 6.783 -0.0032 0.4646

Dissolved oxygen showed no detectable trend between 1989 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Dissolved Oxygen
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
69 5862 1989 2024
5002 3164 1995 2025
513 663 2017 2024
95 499 1996 2018
476 465 1998 2024
5028 182 2007 2025
303 64 2018 2025
115 5 2001 2001
118 2 2001 2005

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program10
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network6
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment9
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network1
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program5

Dissolved Oxygen Saturation - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only dissolved oxygen saturation values measured in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only dissolved oxygen saturation values measured in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Dissolved Oxygen Saturation
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Field No significant trend 1341 15 2007 - 2025 90.1286 0.0543 84.0878 0.1508 0.3647

Dissolved oxygen saturation showed no detectable trend between 2007 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Dissolved Oxygen Saturation
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
513 648 2017 2024
5002 256 2018 2025
5028 189 2007 2025
95 120 2008 2018
476 84 2017 2024
303 60 2019 2025

Program names:

95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network6
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network1
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program5

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 No significant trend 10175 36 1989 - 2025 7.93 0.0102 7.9519 0.0004 0.6587

pH showed no detectable trend between 1989 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for pH
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
69 5799 1989 2024
5002 2482 1995 2025
513 656 2017 2024
95 501 1996 2018
476 467 1998 2024
5028 229 2007 2025
303 47 2024 2025
115 5 2001 2001
103 5 2004 2005

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program10
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network6
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network1
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program5

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 11101 43 1954 - 2025 25.9 -0.0591 29.3334 -0.0419 0.0913

Salinity showed no detectable trend between 1954 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Salinity
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
69 5904 1989 2024
5002 2263 1995 2017
513 1599 2002 2024
95 559 1954 2018
476 483 1998 2024
5028 230 2007 2025
303 65 2018 2025
115 5 2001 2001

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program10
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network6
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network1
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program5

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 6608 32 1994 - 2025 -0.9 -0.0299 -1.1055 -0.0014 0.4111

Secchi depth showed no detectable trend between 1994 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Secchi Depth
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
69 5694 1994 2024
476 395 1998 2024
513 353 2017 2024
5028 121 2007 2025
103 20 1998 2020
5002 19 2005 2005
303 5 2018 2019
115 1 2001 2001

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program10
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network1
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program5

Total Nitrogen - Discrete

Total Nitrogen Calculation:

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

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

Additional Information:

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

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average total nitrogen over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only nitrogen values obtained from laboratory analyses (triangles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average total nitrogen over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only nitrogen values obtained from laboratory analyses (triangles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Total Nitrogen
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab Significantly increasing trend 2076 30 1996 - 2025 0.705 0.1469 0.6426 0.0048 0.0002

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

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Total Nitrogen
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 885 1996 2025
5028 723 2005 2025
476 420 1998 2024
303 28 2018 2025
513 18 2018 2024
103 6 2001 2005
115 1 2001 2001

Program names:

103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network1
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program5

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 1921 28 1998 - 2025 0.06 -0.0558 0.0606 -0.0003 0.182

Total phosphorus showed no detectable trend between 1998 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Total Phosphorus
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5028 742 2005 2025
476 479 1998 2024
513 425 2017 2024
5002 279 2005 2025
303 28 2018 2025
103 5 2001 2005
115 1 2001 2001

Program names:

103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network1
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program5

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 increasing trend 1105 21 2003 - 2025 10.4 0.1101 10.5984 0.18 0.0225

Monthly average total suspended solids increased by 0.18 mg/L per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Total Suspended Solids
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
513 1164 2002 2024
5002 689 2003 2025

Program names:

513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4

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 2745 31 1995 - 2025 1.8 -0.0562 2.0496 -0.0111 0.0955

Turbidity showed no detectable trend between 1995 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Turbidity
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 2559 1995 2025
513 1080 2002 2024
476 491 1998 2024
303 65 2018 2025
95 31 2012 2013
103 5 2004 2005

Program names:

95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network6
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network1
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4

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 11054 42 1954 - 2025 26.2 0.0987 24.6399 0.0199 0.0044

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

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Water Temperature
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
69 5908 1989 2024
5002 3137 1995 2025
513 664 2017 2024
95 566 1954 2018
476 485 1998 2024
5028 221 2007 2025
303 65 2018 2025
103 6 2004 2005
115 5 2001 2001

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program10
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network6
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network1
476 - Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network2
513 - Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5028 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program5

Water Quality - Continuous

The following files were used in the continuous analysis:

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_pH_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Salinity_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Turbidity_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Water_Temperature_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt

Continuous monitoring locations in Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve

Station overview for Continuous parameters by Program
ProgramID ProgramLocationID Years of Data Use in Analysis Parameters
512 MP1A 21 TRUE DO , DOS , pH , Sal , Turb , TempW
512 MP2B 21 TRUE DO , DOS , pH , Sal , Turb , TempW
512 MP3C 17 TRUE DO , DOS , pH , Sal , Turb , TempW

Program names:

512 - Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring11

Map showing continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. Sites marked as Use In Analysis (green) are featured in this report.
Map showing continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. Sites marked as Use In Analysis (green) are featured in this report.

Dissolved Oxygen - Continuous

Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for Dissolved Oxygen - All Stations
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
MP1A No significant trend 559697 20 2005 - 2025 6.3 -0.08 6.32 -0.01 0.13
MP2B Significantly increasing trend 582130 20 2005 - 2025 6.7 0.09 6.23 0.01 0.05
MP3C Significantly increasing trend 503147 17 2009 - 2025 5.9 0.30 5.19 0.09 0.00

At two program locations, monthly average dissolved oxygen increased by 0.01 mg/L per year at one site and by 0.09 mg/L per year at the other. No detectable change in monthly average dissolved oxygen was observed at one location.

Map showing location of dissolved oxygen continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of dissolved oxygen continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Dissolved Oxygen Saturation - Continuous

Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for Dissolved Oxygen Saturation - All Stations
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
MP1A Significantly decreasing trend 557055 20 2005 - 2025 88.1 -0.13 90.51 -0.18 0.01
MP2B No significant trend 582431 20 2005 - 2025 91.6 0.05 89.74 0.11 0.31
MP3C Significantly increasing trend 504488 17 2009 - 2025 81.8 0.29 71.22 1.21 0.00

At one program location, monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation increased by 1.21% per year. At one program location, monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation decreased by 0.18% per year. No detectable change in monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation was observed at one location.

Map showing location of dissolved oxygen saturation continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of dissolved oxygen saturation continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

pH - Continuous

Scatter plot of monthly average pH over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average pH over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for pH - All Stations
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
MP1A Significantly decreasing trend 539976 20 2005 - 2025 8 -0.19 8.06 -0.01 0.00
MP2B No significant trend 556906 20 2005 - 2025 8 0.06 7.98 0.00 0.21
MP3C Significantly increasing trend 479444 17 2009 - 2025 8 0.15 7.90 0.01 0.01

At one program location, monthly average pH increased by 0.01 pH units per year. At one program location, monthly average pH decreased by 0.01 pH units per year. No detectable change in monthly average pH was observed at one location.

Map showing location of ph continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of ph continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Salinity - Continuous

Scatter plot of monthly average salinity over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average salinity over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for Salinity - All Stations
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
MP1A Significantly decreasing trend 591536 20 2005 - 2025 27.1 -0.33 30.85 -0.30 0
MP2B Significantly decreasing trend 608901 20 2005 - 2025 24.4 -0.32 29.53 -0.36 0
MP3C Significantly decreasing trend 536089 17 2009 - 2025 23.8 -0.17 27.01 -0.21 0

At three program locations, monthly average salinity decreased between 0.21 and 0.36 ppt per year.

Map showing location of salinity continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of salinity continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Turbidity - Continuous

Scatter plot of monthly average turbidity over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average turbidity over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for Turbidity - All Stations
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
MP1A Significantly decreasing trend 470354 20 2005 - 2025 2 -0.18 10.22 -0.20 0.00
MP2B Significantly decreasing trend 524449 20 2005 - 2025 1 -0.19 2.50 -0.11 0.00
MP3C No significant trend 462236 17 2009 - 2025 2 -0.08 2.44 -0.04 0.14

At two program locations, monthly average turbidity decreased by 0.11 NTU per year at one site and by 0.2 NTU per year at the other. No detectable change in monthly average turbidity was observed at one location.

Map showing location of turbidity continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of turbidity continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Water Temperature - Continuous

Scatter plot of monthly average water temperature over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average water temperature over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for Water Temperature - All Stations
Station Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
MP1A Significantly increasing trend 627420 20 2005 - 2025 26.4 0.25 25.50 0.06 0
MP2B Significantly increasing trend 622886 20 2005 - 2025 26.2 0.20 25.64 0.05 0
MP3C Significantly increasing trend 541428 17 2009 - 2025 26.6 0.19 25.80 0.06 0

At three program locations, monthly average water temperature increased between 0.05 and 0.06°C per year.

Map showing location of water temperature continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of water temperature continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

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

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

Parameters

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

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

Species

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

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

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

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

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

Notes

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

  • Banana River Aquatic Preserve

  • Indian River-Malabar to Vero Beach Aquatic Preserve

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

  • Jensen Beach to Jupiter Inlet Aquatic Preserve

  • Loxahatchee River-Lake Worth Creek Aquatic Preserve

  • Mosquito Lagoon Aquatic Preserve

  • Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve

  • Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary

Maps showing the temporal scope of SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve by Program name.
Maps showing the temporal scope of SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve by Program name.

Click here to view spatio-temporal plots on GitHub.

Sampling locations by Program:

Map showing SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The point size reflects the number of samples at a given sampling site.
Map showing SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. The point size reflects the number of samples at a given sampling site.
Program Information for Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
ProgramID N-Data YearMin YearMax method Sample Locations
570 1835 2000 2024 Braun Blanquet 4
3015 776 2024 2024 Percent Occurrence 23

Program names:

570 - Charlotte Harbor Seagrass Monitoring12
3015 - SCCF Seagrass Surveys13

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 Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve - simplified
Trends in median percent cover for various seagrass species in Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve - simplified
Percent Cover Trend Analysis for Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve
CommonName Trend Significance (0.05) Period of Record LME-Intercept LME-Slope p
Attached algae Insufficient data to calculate trend - - - -
Drift algae No significant trend 2000 - 2024 -5.871222 1.1007911 0.1047490
Shoal grass No significant trend 2000 - 2024 19.631143 0.0765228 0.8805057
Paddle grass Insufficient data to calculate trend - - - -
Star grass No significant trend 2010 - 2023 2.642281 0.0681648 0.7808875
No grass in quadrat Model did not fit the available data 2000 - 2024 - - -
Widgeon grass Insufficient data to calculate trend - - - -
Manatee grass Insufficient data to calculate trend - - - -
Turtle grass No significant trend 2000 - 2024 26.603566 -0.4765102 0.1583320
Total seagrass No significant trend 2002 - 2024 33.446649 -0.5262715 0.1342507
Halophila, unk. Insufficient data to calculate trend - - - -

Total seagrass, shoal grass, star grass, turtle grass, and drift algae showed no detectable change in percent cover. Trends in percent cover could not be evaluated for unknown Halophila, manatee grass, paddle grass, widgeon grass, and attached algae due to insufficient data.

Frequency of occurrence for various seagrass species in Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve
Frequency of occurrence for various seagrass species in Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve

SAV Water Column Analysis

The following parameters are available for Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve within the SAV_WC_Report:

  • 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

Species list

Drift algae1 Halophila sp.1 Sargassum buxifolium1
Halodule wrightii1 Macroalgae1 Syringodium filiforme1
Halophila decipiens1 No grass in quadrat1 Thalassia testudinum1
Halophila engelmannii1 Ruppia maritima1 Total seagrass1

1 - Submerged Aquatic Vegetation

References

1.
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF). River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network. (2024).
2.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves. Charlotte Harbor Estuaries Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring Network. (2024).
3.
Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program (CHNEP). Coastal Charlotte Harbor Monitoring Network. (2024).
4.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Florida STORET / WIN. (2024).
5.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves. Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Monthly Water Quality Program. (2024).
6.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC); Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network. (2018).
7.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX. (2023).
8.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Office of Research and Development. Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program. (2004).
9.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Office of Water; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); U.S. Geological Survey (USGS); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); National Estuary Program (NEP); coastal states. National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment. (2021).
10.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program. (2022).
11.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves. Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring. (2024).
12.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserves. Charlotte Harbor Seagrass Monitoring. (2023).
13.
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF). SCCF Seagrass Surveys . (2022).