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 2805 11 2015 - 2025 1 -0.203 1.6769 -0.0266 0.0253

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

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
5008 1585 2021 2025
479 1157 2016 2024
5002 82 2015 2024
514 19 2020 2024
540 7 2017 2019

Program names:

479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring1
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program2
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region5

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 3188 16 2005 - 2025 1 0.116 1.4438 0.0115 0.1892

Chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, showed no detectable trend between 2005 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
5008 1592 2021 2025
479 1494 2007 2022
5002 84 2015 2024
514 19 2020 2024
95 12 2003 2016
540 8 2017 2019
60 7 1993 2015
3 3 2024 2024
118 2 2005 2010
103 1 2005 2005

Program names:

3 - Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) South Florida Program Synoptic Shipboard Surveys6
60 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey7
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network8
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX9
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment10
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring1
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program2
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region5

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 No significant trend 6450 17 1999 - 2025 10.426 0.0728 10.8988 0.0229 0.2808

Colored dissolved organic matter showed no detectable trend between 1999 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Colored Dissolved Organic Matter
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
479 3653 1999 2024
5008 2803 2021 2025
5002 18 2024 2024
514 7 2020 2024
540 7 2017 2019

Program names:

479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring1
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program2
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region5

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 10418 36 1982 - 2025 7.2 0.0367 7.1788 0.0045 0.3497

Dissolved oxygen showed no detectable trend between 1982 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
479 5091 1996 2024
5008 2800 2021 2025
5002 1830 1995 2025
69 428 2003 2009
95 225 1982 2018
60 19 1993 2015
115 12 1991 1994
540 7 2017 2019
118 6 2005 2021

Program names:

60 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey7
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program11
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network8
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program12
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment10
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring1
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region5

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 3010 10 2014 - 2025 100.2 0.1354 93.9886 0.5214 0.4751

Dissolved oxygen saturation showed no detectable trend between 2014 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
5008 2744 2021 2025
479 178 2019 2024
5002 50 2015 2025
95 38 2014 2016

Program names:

95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network8
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region5

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 7734 35 1991 - 2025 8.15 -0.0446 8.1486 -0.0011 0.2415

pH showed no detectable trend between 1991 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
479 3373 2000 2024
5008 2688 2021 2025
5002 961 1995 2025
69 428 2003 2009
95 276 2003 2018
115 12 1991 1994
540 3 2017 2018

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program11
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network8
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program12
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring1
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region5

Salinity - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average salinity over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines are also shown. Discrete salinity values derived from grab samples analyzed in the field (circles) or the laboratory (triangles) are both included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average salinity over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines are also shown. Discrete salinity values derived from grab samples analyzed in the field (circles) or the laboratory (triangles) are both included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Salinity
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
All Significantly increasing trend 11396 42 1975 - 2025 24.2 0.1582 20.5198 0.0969 0

Monthly average salinity increased by 0.1 ppt per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
479 5120 1996 2024
5008 2854 2021 2025
5002 1977 1995 2025
560 580 2006 2024
69 428 2003 2009
95 403 1975 2018
60 16 1993 2015
115 12 1991 1994
540 7 2017 2019
118 5 2021 2021
3 3 2024 2024

Program names:

3 - Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) South Florida Program Synoptic Shipboard Surveys6
60 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey7
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program11
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network8
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program12
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment10
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring1
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program3
560 - Big Bend Seagrasses & Nature Coast Aquatic Preserves - Seagrass Monitoring13
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region5

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 Significantly decreasing trend 5226 23 1991 - 2025 -1.595 -0.3196 -1.0651 -0.0199 0

Monthly average Secchi depth became deeper by 0.02 m per year, indicating an increase in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
5008 2474 2021 2025
479 2256 2007 2024
69 428 2003 2009
5002 36 2015 2025
514 23 2019 2024
115 6 1991 1994
60 3 2004 2015

Program names:

60 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey7
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program11
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program12
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring1
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region5

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 No significant trend 7068 24 1996 - 2025 0.39 -0.0488 0.4121 -0.0007 0.2353

Total nitrogen showed no detectable trend between 1996 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
479 5349 1996 2024
5008 1659 2021 2025
5002 79 2015 2024
514 21 2019 2024
540 6 2017 2019
103 2 2005 2005

Program names:

103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX9
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring1
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program2
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region5

Total Phosphorus - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average total phosphorus over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only phosphorus values obtained from laboratory analyses (triangles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average total phosphorus over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only phosphorus values obtained from laboratory analyses (triangles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Total Phosphorus
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab Significantly decreasing trend 7060 24 1996 - 2025 0.009 -0.1563 0.0119 -0.0001 0.0007

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

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
479 5351 1996 2024
5008 1603 2021 2025
5002 79 2015 2024
514 21 2019 2024
540 7 2017 2019
103 2 2005 2005

Program names:

103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX9
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring1
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program2
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region5

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 Significantly decreasing trend 2071 27 1995 - 2024 0.97 -0.1281 1.3072 -0.009 0.0204

Monthly average turbidity decreased by 0.01 NTU per year, indicating an increase in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
479 1310 2015 2024
5002 761 1995 2024
95 4 2003 2003
103 1 2005 2005

Program names:

95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network8
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX9
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring1
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 9393 42 1974 - 2025 24.2 0.085 23.1253 0.0191 0.0271

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

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
479 3789 1996 2024
5008 2744 2021 2025
5002 1985 1995 2025
69 428 2003 2009
95 408 1974 2018
60 17 1993 2015
115 12 1991 1994
540 7 2017 2019
3 3 2024 2024

Program names:

3 - Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) South Florida Program Synoptic Shipboard Surveys6
60 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey7
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program11
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network8
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program12
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring1
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region5

Water Quality - Continuous

The following files were used in the continuous analysis:

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_NW-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation_NW-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_pH_NW-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Salinity_NW-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Turbidity_NW-2025-Sep-19.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Water_Temperature_NW-2025-Sep-19.txt

Continuous monitoring locations in Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve

Station overview for Continuous parameters by Program
ProgramID ProgramLocationID Years of Data Use in Analysis Parameters
7 283925082441201 2 FALSE TempW
7 284506082435801 2 FALSE TempW
471 BBSHS 1 FALSE DO , DOS , pH , Turb
471 BBSHS 13 TRUE Sal , TempW

Program names:

7 - National Water Information System14
471 - Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring15

Map showing continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
BBSHS Insufficient data to calculate trend 6555 1 2016 - 2016 5.7 - - - -

There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

Map showing location of dissolved oxygen continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
BBSHS Insufficient data to calculate trend 6555 1 2016 - 2016 82.6 - - - -

There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

Map showing location of dissolved oxygen saturation continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
BBSHS Insufficient data to calculate trend 6555 1 2016 - 2016 8 - - - -

There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

Map showing location of ph continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
BBSHS Significantly decreasing trend 235670 12 2004 - 2016 18.4 -0.22 21.33 -0.38 0

At one program location, monthly average salinity decreased by 0.38 ppt per year.

Map showing location of salinity continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
BBSHS Insufficient data to calculate trend 6368 1 2016 - 2016 2 - - - -

There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

Map showing location of turbidity continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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
283925082441201 Insufficient data to calculate trend 461 2 2024 - 2025 23.9 - - - -
284506082435801 Insufficient data to calculate trend 480 2 2024 - 2025 24.4 - - - -
BBSHS No significant trend 244110 12 2004 - 2016 24.5 0.05 23.77 0.03 0.52

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

Map showing location of water temperature continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve by Program name.
Maps showing the temporal scope of SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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 Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. The point size reflects the number of samples at a given sampling site.
Map showing SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Nature Coast 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
560 9545 1997 2024 Modified Braun Blanquet 129
560 6417 2021 2024 Percent Cover 129

Program names:

560 - Big Bend Seagrasses & Nature Coast Aquatic Preserves - Seagrass Monitoring13
560 - Big Bend Seagrasses & Nature Coast Aquatic Preserves - Seagrass Monitoring13

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 Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve - simplified
Trends in median percent cover for various seagrass species in Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve - simplified
Percent Cover Trend Analysis for Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve
CommonName Trend Significance (0.05) Period of Record LME-Intercept LME-Slope p
Drift algae Significantly decreasing trend 1997 - 2024 19.149971 -0.3161658 0.0160055
Shoal grass No significant trend 1997 - 2024 10.224288 -0.0105454 0.8700755
Star grass No significant trend 1997 - 2024 8.345836 0.1223518 0.2948394
No grass in quadrat Model did not fit the available data 1998 - 2024 - - -
Widgeon grass No significant trend 1997 - 2024 -9.225165 0.7048255 0.7467311
Manatee grass Significantly decreasing trend 1997 - 2024 44.073208 -1.0522525 0.0095644
Turtle grass Significantly decreasing trend 1997 - 2024 108.013733 -2.5697397 0.0000000

Annual decreases in percent cover were observed for manatee grass (-1.0%), turtle grass (-2.6%), and drift algae (-0.3%). Shoal grass, star grass, and widgeon grass showed no detectable change in percent cover.

Frequency of occurrence for various seagrass species in Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve
Frequency of occurrence for various seagrass species in Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve

SAV Water Column Analysis

The following parameters are available for Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve within the SAV_WC_Report:

  • Colored Disolved Organic Matter

  • Chlorophyll a

  • Dissolved Oxygen

  • Dissolved Oxygen Saturation

  • pH

  • Salinity

  • Secchi Depth

  • Water Temperature

  • Total Nitrogen

  • Turbidity

Access the reports here: DRAFT_SAV_WC_Report_2024-11-20.pdf

Nekton

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

Bar graph(s) of annual average nekton richness over time for species groups occurring in at least 1% of samples. The bar colors represent species groups including bony fishes, cartilaginous fishes, decapod crustaceans (e.g., shrimps, crabs, and lobsters), and cephalopods (e.g., squid). Gear types and sizes are indicated in the panel label.
Bar graph(s) of annual average nekton richness over time for species groups occurring in at least 1% of samples. The bar colors represent species groups including bony fishes, cartilaginous fishes, decapod crustaceans (e.g., shrimps, crabs, and lobsters), and cephalopods (e.g., squid). Gear types and sizes are indicated in the panel label.
Nekton Species Richness
Gear Type Sample Count Number of Years Period of Record Median N of Taxa Mean N of Taxa
Trawl (6.1) 2 1 2003 - 2003 0.47 0.47

The median annual number of taxa was 0.47 based on 2 observations collected by 6.1-meter trawl between 2003 and 2003.

Map showing location of nekton sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of nekton sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Coastal Wetlands

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

Line graph of annual average coastal wetlands species richness over time for mangroves and associates (triangles), marsh (squares), and marsh succulents (circles). If the time series by species group included more than one year of observations, a line connects data points for visualization.
Line graph of annual average coastal wetlands species richness over time for mangroves and associates (triangles), marsh (squares), and marsh succulents (circles). If the time series by species group included more than one year of observations, a line connects data points for visualization.
Coastal Wetlands Species Richness
Species Group Sample Count Number of Years Period of Record Median N of Taxa Mean N of Taxa
Mangroves and associates 8 1 2020 - 2020 1 1.38
Marsh 14 1 2020 - 2020 1 1.29

In the year 2020, 1 species were observed for mangroves and associates based on 8 observations. In the year 2020, 1 species were observed for marsh based on 14 observations.

Map showing location of coastal wetlands sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of coastal wetlands sampling locations within the boundaries of Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Species list

Acanthostracion quadricornis3 Eucinostomus gula3 Padina gymnospora1
Acetabularia crenulata1 Eucinostomus harengulus3 Paraclinus fasciatus3
Achirus lineatus3 Eucinostomus spp.3 Paralichthys albigutta3
Acrostichum danaeifolium Forestiera segregata Penicillus capitatus1
Anadyomene stellata1 Gobiosoma bosc3 Penicillus dumetosus1
Anarchopterus criniger3 Gobiosoma robustum3 Penicillus spp.1
Anchoa mitchilli3 Gobiosoma spp.3 Pneumatophore
Ancylopsetta quadrocellata3 Haemulon plumierii3 Pogonias cromis3
Archosargus probatocephalus3 Halimeda incrassata1 Prionotus scitulus3
Ariopsis felis3 Halodule wrightii1 Prionotus tribulus3
Avicennia germinans2 Halophila engelmannii1 Quercus virginiana
Avrainvillea levis1 Harengula jaguana3 Rhipocephalus phoenix1
Bairdiella chrysoura3 Hypleurochilus caudovittatus3 Rhizophora mangle2
Batophora oerstedii1 Ilex vomitoria Ruppia maritima1
Callinectes sapidus3 Juncus roemerianus2 Sabal palmetto
Caulerpa ashmeadii1 Lachnolaimus maximus3 Sargassum sp.1
Caulerpa cupressoides1 Lactophrys spp.3 Schinus terebinthifolia
Caulerpa mexicana1 Lagodon rhomboides3 Scorpaena brasiliensis3
Caulerpa paspaloides1 Laguncularia racemosa2 Smilax bona-nox
Caulerpa prolifera1 Leiostomus xanthurus3 Spartina alterniflora2
Caulerpa racemosa1 Lepisosteus osseus3 Sphoeroides nephelus3
Caulerpa sertularioides1 Lucania parva3 Stenotaphrum secundatum
Centropristis striata3 Lutjanus griseus3 Symphurus plagiusa3
Chaetodipterus faber3 Lutjanus synagris3 Syngnathus floridae3
Chasmodes saburrae3 Lycium carolinianum Syngnathus louisianae3
Chilomycterus schoepfii3 Menidia spp.3 Syngnathus scovelli3
Chloroscombrus chrysurus3 Microgobius gulosus3 Synodus foetens3
Cladium mariscus Microgobius thalassinus3 Syringodium filiforme1
Cliona caribbaea Monacanthus ciliatus3 Thalassia testudinum1
Codium isthmocladum1 Nicholsina usta3 Trinectes maculatus3
Cynoscion nebulosus3 No fish Udotea flabellum1
Digenea simplex1 No grass in quadrat1 Udotea spp.1
Diplectrum formosum3 Ocyurus chrysurus3 Ulva sp.1
Diplodus holbrookii3 Ogcocephalus cubifrons3 Unidentified species
Distichlis spicata2 Ogcocephalus spp.3 Urophycis floridana3
Drift algae1 Opsanus beta3 Woody debris
Elops saurus3 Orthopristis chrysoptera3 Yucca aloifolia
Etropus crossotus3 Padina1 Acanthostracion quadricornis3

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

References

1.
Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring. (2024).
2.
University of Florida (UF); Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Florida LAKEWATCH Program. (2024).
3.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) - Division of Aquaculture. Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program. (2022).
4.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Florida STORET / WIN. (2024).
5.
University of Florida (UF); Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserves / Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region. (2024).
6.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); Atlantic Oceanographic and Meterological Laboratory. Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) South Florida Program Synoptic Shipboard Surveys. (2024).
7.
Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey. (2016).
8.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC); Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network. (2018).
9.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX. (2023).
10.
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).
11.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program. (2022).
12.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Office of Research and Development. Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program. (2004).
13.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserves; University of Florida - Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. Big Bend Seagrasses & Nature Coast Aquatic Preserves - Seagrass Monitoring. (2024).
14.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). National Water Information System. (2024).
15.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserves. Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring. (2024).