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 No significant trend 3654 23 2000 - 2025 5.8 -0.0221 10.1175 -0.0575 0.6058

Chlorophyll a, corrected for pheophytin, showed no detectable trend between 2000 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Chlorophyll a, Corrected for Pheophytin
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 3365 2000 2025
514 292 2018 2024
5008 56 2023 2025

Program names:

514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region3

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 7065 27 1999 - 2025 6.4 0.2328 4.6625 0.1493 0

Monthly average chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, increased by 0.15 µg/L per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County 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
5002 6254 1999 2025
95 1495 2000 2018
514 784 2001 2024
3 189 2018 2024
5008 56 2023 2025
103 26 2000 2015
115 9 2000 2004
60 9 2008 2013
118 8 2000 2010

Program names:

3 - Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) South Florida Program Synoptic Shipboard Surveys4
60 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey5
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
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region3

Colored Dissolved Organic Matter - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only laboratory-analyzed CDOM (triangles) is included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only laboratory-analyzed CDOM (triangles) is included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Colored Dissolved Organic Matter
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab Significantly increasing trend 1317 22 2001 - 2025 10.502 0.0708 24.8044 0.2112 0.0422

Monthly average colored dissolved organic matter increased by 0.21 PCU per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Colored Dissolved Organic Matter
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 949 2017 2025
514 262 2001 2024
5008 100 2021 2025
479 13 2016 2024

Program names:

479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring10
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region3

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 97011 40 1974 - 2025 6.6 0.0237 6.8557 0.0014 0.5698

Dissolved oxygen showed no detectable trend between 1974 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Dissolved Oxygen
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 52306 1995 2025
69 31262 1989 2024
4067 11610 1993 2023
95 2371 1974 2018
5008 100 2021 2025
118 32 2000 2020
115 29 2000 2004
60 23 2008 2013
103 10 2015 2015
479 10 2016 2024

Program names:

60 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey5
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program11
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
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring10
4067 - Tampa Bay Benthic Monitoring12
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region3

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 31568 34 1992 - 2025 90.9 0.0304 91.5008 0.0298 0.5976

Dissolved oxygen saturation showed no detectable trend between 1992 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Dissolved Oxygen Saturation
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 20252 2004 2025
4067 11046 1993 2023
95 638 2002 2018
5008 98 2021 2025
102 66 1992 1992
479 1 2024 2024

Program names:

95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network6
102 - National Status and Trends Mussel Watch13
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring10
4067 - Tampa Bay Benthic Monitoring12
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region3

pH - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average pH over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only pH values measured in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average pH over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only pH values measured in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for pH
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Field Significantly decreasing trend 92229 41 1955 - 2025 8.1 -0.2089 8.1797 -0.0022 0

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

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for pH
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 50265 1995 2025
69 30883 1989 2024
4067 9050 1993 2023
95 2304 1955 2018
5008 96 2021 2025
115 29 2000 2004
479 10 2016 2024
103 6 2015 2015

Program names:

69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program11
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network6
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring10
4067 - Tampa Bay Benthic Monitoring12
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region3

Salinity - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average salinity over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines are also shown. Discrete salinity values derived from grab samples analyzed in the field (circles) or the laboratory (triangles) are both included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average salinity over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines are also shown. Discrete salinity values derived from grab samples analyzed in the field (circles) or the laboratory (triangles) are both included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Salinity
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
All Significantly decreasing trend 96492 65 1954 - 2025 28.96 -0.377 32.7958 -0.1001 0

Monthly average salinity decreased by 0.1 ppt per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County 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
5002 50154 1995 2025
69 31552 1989 2024
4067 7290 1993 2023
95 7197 1954 2018
3 241 2018 2024
5008 102 2021 2025
102 66 1992 1992
560 32 2021 2024
115 29 2000 2004
118 24 2015 2020
60 16 2008 2013

Program names:

3 - Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) South Florida Program Synoptic Shipboard Surveys4
60 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey5
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program11
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network6
102 - National Status and Trends Mussel Watch13
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment9
560 - Big Bend Seagrasses & Nature Coast Aquatic Preserves - Seagrass Monitoring14
4067 - Tampa Bay Benthic Monitoring12
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region3

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 32436 32 1994 - 2025 -1.2 -0.3454 -1.0895 -0.0129 0

Monthly average Secchi depth became deeper by 0.01 m per year, indicating an increase in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County 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 28045 1994 2024
5002 3444 1999 2025
514 846 2001 2024
5008 88 2021 2025
115 8 2000 2004
60 5 2008 2013
103 1 2015 2015

Program names:

60 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey5
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program11
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region3

Total Nitrogen - Discrete

Total Nitrogen Calculation:

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

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

Additional Information:

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

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average total nitrogen over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only nitrogen values obtained from laboratory analyses (triangles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average total nitrogen over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only nitrogen values obtained from laboratory analyses (triangles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Total Nitrogen
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab Significantly decreasing trend 16687 27 1999 - 2025 0.59 -0.2715 0.8123 -0.0104 0

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

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County 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 15748 1999 2025
514 871 2001 2024
103 59 2000 2006
5008 58 2023 2025
479 13 2016 2024
115 9 2000 2004

Program names:

103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring10
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region3

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 15915 27 1999 - 2025 0.082 -0.2138 0.1058 -0.0011 0

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

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Total Phosphorus
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 15086 1999 2025
514 876 2001 2024
5008 56 2023 2025
103 47 2000 2015
479 13 2016 2024
115 9 2000 2004

Program names:

103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring10
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region3

Total Suspended Solids - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average total suspended solids (TSS) over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only TSS values obtained from laboratory analyses (triangles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average total suspended solids (TSS) over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only TSS values obtained from laboratory analyses (triangles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Total Suspended Solids
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab Significantly decreasing trend 12662 25 2000 - 2025 10 -0.4018 16.2184 -0.3848 0

Monthly average total suspended solids decreased by 0.38 mg/L per year, indicating an increase in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Total Suspended Solids
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 12792 1999 2025

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

Turbidity - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average turbidity over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only turbidity values measured in the laboratory (triangles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average turbidity over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only turbidity values measured in the laboratory (triangles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Turbidity
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Lab No significant trend 21742 31 1995 - 2025 2.5 -0.0563 3.481 -0.0162 0.1399

Turbidity showed no detectable trend between 1995 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County 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 22525 1995 2025
95 323 2000 2016
479 13 2016 2024
103 4 2006 2006

Program names:

95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network6
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring10
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2

Water Temperature - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average water temperature over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only water temperature measurements taken in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average water temperature over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only water temperature measurements taken in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Water Temperature
Activity Type Statistical Trend Sample Count Years with Data Period of Record Median tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope p
Field Significantly increasing trend 102905 68 1954 - 2025 26.55 0.0908 24.4676 0.0082 0.0015

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

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Water Temperature
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 52771 1995 2025
69 31611 1989 2024
4067 10489 1993 2023
95 7597 1954 2018
3 233 2018 2024
5008 98 2021 2025
102 66 1992 1992
115 29 2000 2004
60 19 2008 2013
479 10 2016 2024

Program names:

3 - Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) South Florida Program Synoptic Shipboard Surveys4
60 - Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey5
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program11
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network6
102 - National Status and Trends Mussel Watch13
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring10
4067 - Tampa Bay Benthic Monitoring12
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region3

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 Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve

Station overview for Continuous parameters by Program
ProgramID ProgramLocationID Years of Data Use in Analysis Parameters
5 CWBF1 21 TRUE TempW
5 FHPF1 4 FALSE TempW
7 02310175 4 FALSE TempW
7 02310207 3 FALSE TempW

Program names:

5 - National Data Buoy Center15
7 - National Water Information System16

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

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
CWBF1 Significantly increasing trend 1399911 21 2005 - 2025 25.40 0.19 24.84 0.07 0
FHPF1 Insufficient data to calculate trend 12636 2 2013 - 2016 27.90 - - - -
02310207 Insufficient data to calculate trend 1424 3 2004 - 2006 27.55 - - - -
02310175 Insufficient data to calculate trend 1421 4 2003 - 2006 26.50 - - - -

At one program location, monthly average water temperature increased by 0.07°C per year. There was insufficient data to fit a model for three locations.

Map showing location of water temperature continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve by Program name.
Maps showing the temporal scope of SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve. The point size reflects the number of samples at a given sampling site.
Map showing SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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
565 15964 1998 2024 Braun Blanquet 27
560 347 2021 2024 Modified Braun Blanquet 8
560 325 2021 2024 Percent Cover 8
564 8342 2011 2019 Percent Cover 441

Program names:

560 - Big Bend Seagrasses & Nature Coast Aquatic Preserves - Seagrass Monitoring14
560 - Big Bend Seagrasses & Nature Coast Aquatic Preserves - Seagrass Monitoring14
564 - Western Pinellas County Seagrass Monitoring17
565 - Tampa Bay Seagrass Monitoring18

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 Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve - simplified
Trends in median percent cover for various seagrass species in Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve - simplified
Percent Cover Trend Analysis for Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve
CommonName Trend Significance (0.05) Period of Record LME-Intercept LME-Slope p
Attached algae No significant trend 2000 - 2021 1.346545 -0.0087296 0.9563238
Drift algae Significantly increasing trend 2012 - 2024 -49.592080 2.6618673 0.0000024
Shoal grass No significant trend 1998 - 2024 23.417077 0.2142411 0.1299620
Star grass Insufficient data to calculate trend - - - -
No grass in quadrat Model did not fit the available data 1998 - 2024 - - -
Widgeon grass No significant trend 1998 - 2024 -20.718546 1.1603810 0.3683506
Manatee grass No significant trend 1998 - 2024 19.304537 0.3571287 0.0782791
Turtle grass No significant trend 1998 - 2024 41.868898 -0.1951292 0.2324670
Total SAV No significant trend 2011 - 2019 35.605420 0.4199156 0.5741276
Halophila, unk. No significant trend 1999 - 2022 -1.636662 0.1093134 0.6581637

An annual increase in percent cover was observed for drift algae (2.7%). Total SAV, unknown Halophila, manatee grass, shoal grass, turtle grass, widgeon grass, and attached algae showed no detectable change in percent cover. Trends in percent cover could not be evaluated for star grass due to insufficient data.

Frequency of occurrence for various seagrass species in Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve
Frequency of occurrence for various seagrass species in Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve

SAV Water Column Analysis

The following parameters are available for Pinellas County Aquatic Preserve within the SAV_WC_Report:

  • Colored Disolved Organic Matter

  • Chlorophyll a

  • Dissolved Oxygen

  • Dissolved Oxygen Saturation

  • pH

  • Salinity

  • Secchi Depth

  • Water Temperature

  • Total Nitrogen

  • Total Suspended Solids

  • Turbidity

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

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) 5561 36 1989 - 2024 0.3 0.57
Seine (183) 4691 29 1996 - 2024 0.1 0.15

The median annual number of taxa was 0.10 based on 4,691 observations collected by 183-meter seine between 1996 and 2024, and the median annual number of taxa was 0.30 based on 5,561 observations collected by 6.1-meter trawl between 1989 and 2024.

Map showing location of nekton sampling locations within the boundaries of Pinellas County 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 Pinellas County 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 1 1 2014 - 2014 3 3
Marsh 1 1 2014 - 2014 5 5
Marsh succulents 1 1 2014 - 2014 3 3

In the year 2014, 3 species were observed for mangroves and associates based on 1 observation. In the year 2014, 5 species were observed for marsh based on 1 observation. In the year 2014, 3 species were observed for marsh succulents based on 1 observation.

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

Species list

Acanthophora sp.1 Engraulidae spp.3 Ogcocephalus cubifrons3
Acanthostracion quadricornis3 Epinephelus itajara3 Ogcocephalus spp.3
Achirus lineatus3 Epinephelus morio3 Oligoplites saurus3
Acrostichum danaeifolium Etropus crossotus3 Ophichthus gomesii3
Aetobatus narinari3 Eucinostomus argenteus3 Ophidion grayi3
Albula goreensis3 Eucinostomus gula3 Ophidion holbrookii3
Albula spp.3 Eucinostomus harengulus3 Ophidion josephi3
Albula vulpes3 Eucinostomus spp.3 Opisthonema oglinum3
Alpheidae spp.3 Eugerres plumieri3 Opistognathus robinsi3
Aluterus schoepfii3 Eupatorium capillifolium Opsanus beta3
Aluterus scriptus3 Ficus aurea Oreochromis aureus3
Anarchopterus criniger3 Floridichthys carpio3 Orthopristis chrysoptera3
Anchoa cubana3 Fundulus grandis3 Ostraciidae spp.3
Anchoa hepsetus3 Fundulus similis3 Other green algae1
Anchoa lyolepis3 Gerres cinereus3 Paraclinus fasciatus3
Anchoa mitchilli3 Gobiesox strumosus3 Paraclinus marmoratus3
Anchoa spp.3 Gobiidae spp.3 Paralichthys albigutta3
Ancylopsetta quadrocellata3 Gobionellus oceanicus3 Penaeidae spp.3
Anguilla rostrata3 Gobiosoma bosc3 Penaeus duorarum3
Anguilliformes spp.3 Gobiosoma longipala3 Penicillus spp.1
Archosargus probatocephalus3 Gobiosoma robustum3 Peprilus burti3
Argopecten irradians Gobiosoma spp.3 Peprilus paru3
Argopecten spp. Gracilaria sp.1 Phoenix reclinata
Ariopsis felis3 Gymnothorax saxicola3 Pinus elliottii
Aster subulatus Haemulon aurolineatum3 Pluchea baccharis
Astrapogon alutus3 Haemulon plumierii3 Poecilia latipinna3
Astroscopus ygraecum3 Haemulon spp.3 Pogonias cromis3
Attached algae1 Halichoeres bivittatus3 Pomatomus saltatrix3
Avicennia germinans2 Halimeda incrassata1 Portunus spp.3
Baccharis angustifolia Halodule wrightii1 Prionotus rubio3
Baccharis halimifolia Halophila engelmannii1 Prionotus scitulus3
Bacopa monnieri Halophila sp.1 Prionotus spp.3
Bagre marinus3 Harengula jaguana3 Prionotus tribulus3
Bairdiella chrysoura3 Hemicaranx amblyrhynchus3 Pseudocrenilabrinae3
Balistidae spp.3 Hemiramphus brasiliensis3 Quercus virginiana
Bascanichthys scuticaris3 Hemiramphus spp.3 Rachycentron canadum3
Bathygobius soporator3 Hippocampus erectus3 Rhinoptera bonasus3
Batis maritima2 Hippocampus spp.3 Rhizophora mangle2
Bidens pilosa Hippocampus zosterae3 Rhizophytic algae1
Borrichia frutescens Hypleurochilus caudovittatus3 Rhizoprionodon terraenovae3
Bothidae spp.3 Hypleurochilus geminatus3 Rimapenaeus constrictus3
Brevoortia spp.3 Hypnea1 Rimapenaeus spp.3
Calamus arctifrons3 Hyporhamphus meeki3 Ruppia maritima1
Calamus penna3 Hyporhamphus spp.3 Sabal palmetto
Calamus proridens3 Hyporhamphus unifasciatus3 Salicornia bigelovii2
Calamus spp.3 Hypsoblennius hentz3 Sardinella aurita3
Callinectes ornatus3 Ilex cassine Sarotherodon melanotheron3
Callinectes sapidus3 Iva frutescens Schinus terebinthifolia
Callinectes similis3 Juncus roemerianus2 Sciaenidae spp.3
Callinectes spp.3 Kyphosus sectatrix3 Sciaenops ocellatus3
Carangidae spp.3 Kyphosus spp.3 Scomberomorus maculatus3
Caranx bartholomaei3 Lachnolaimus maximus3 Scorpaena brasiliensis3
Caranx crysos3 Lactophrys trigonus3 Selene vomer3
Caranx hippos3 Lagodon rhomboides3 Serenoa repens
Caranx latus3 Laguncularia racemosa2 Serraniculus pumilio3
Caranx spp.3 Leiostomus xanthurus3 Serranidae spp.3
Carcharhinus acronotus3 Lepisosteus osseus3 Serranus subligarius3
Carcharhinus leucas3 Limulus polyphemus Sesuvium portulacastrum2
Carcharhinus limbatus3 Lobotes surinamensis3 Sicyonia brevirostris3
Caulerpa1 Lophogobius cyprinoides3 Sicyonia laevigata3
Caulerpa mexicana1 Lucania parva3 Sicyonia spp.3
Caulerpa prolifera1 Lutjanus analis3 Sicyonia typica3
Caulerpa sertularioides1 Lutjanus apodus3 Smilax auriculata
Caulerpa spp.1 Lutjanus griseus3 Solidago sempervirens
Centropomus undecimalis3 Lutjanus spp.3 Spartina bakeri2
Centropristis philadelphica3 Lutjanus synagris3 Spartina patens2
Centropristis striata3 Lycium carolinianum Sphoeroides nephelus3
Chaetodipterus faber3 Lyngbya sp. Sphoeroides spengleri3
Chaetodon capistratus3 Malaclemys terrapin3 Sphyraena barracuda3
Chaetodon ocellatus3 Maytenus phyllanthoides Sphyraena borealis3
Chasmodes saburrae3 Menidia spp.3 Sphyraena guachancho3
Chelonia mydas3 Menippe mercenaria3 Sphyrna tiburo3
Chilomycterus schoepfii3 Menippe spp.3 Sporobolus virginicus2
Chloroscombrus chrysurus3 Menticirrhus americanus3 Stephanolepis setifer3
Citharichthys macrops3 Menticirrhus littoralis3 Strongylura marina3
Cladium mariscus Menticirrhus saxatilis3 Strongylura notata3
Conocarpus erectus2 Menticirrhus spp.3 Strongylura timucu3
Cyanobacteria Microgobius gulosus3 Syacium papillosum3
Cynoscion arenarius3 Microgobius spp.3 Symphurus plagiusa3
Cynoscion nebulosus3 Microgobius thalassinus3 Syngnathus floridae3
Cyperus odoratus Micropogonias undulatus3 Syngnathus louisianae3
Cyprinodon variegatus3 Mikania scandens Syngnathus scovelli3
Diapterus auratus3 Monacanthus ciliatus3 Syngnathus springeri3
Digenea simplex1 Monacanthus spp.3 Synodus foetens3
Diodon holocanthus3 Mugil cephalus3 Syringodium filiforme1
Diplectrum formosum3 Mugil curema3 Taxodium distichum
Diplectrum spp.3 Mugil spp.3 Telmatoblechnum serrulatum
Diplodus holbrookii3 Mugil trichodon3 Thalassia testudinum1
Distichlis littoralis2 Mycteroperca bonaci3 Total SAV1
Dorosoma cepedianum3 Mycteroperca microlepis3 Toxicodendron radicans
Dorosoma petenense3 Myrica cerifera Trachinotus carolinus3
Drift algae1 Myrophis punctatus3 Trachinotus falcatus3
Drift red algae1 Narcine bancroftii3 Trinectes maculatus3
Echeneis naucrates3 Negaprion brevirostris3 Tylosurus crocodilus3
Echeneis neucratoides3 Nicholsina usta3 Unidentified species
Echeneis spp.3 No fish Urophycis floridana3
Eleocharis interstincta No gear set Vaucheria1
Elopiformes spp.3 No grass in quadrat1 Vigna luteola
Elops saurus3 Ocyurus chrysurus3 Acanthophora sp.1

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

References

1.
University of Florida (UF); Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Florida LAKEWATCH Program. (2024).
2.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Florida STORET / WIN. (2024).
3.
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).
4.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); Atlantic Oceanographic and Meterological Laboratory. Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) South Florida Program Synoptic Shipboard Surveys. (2024).
5.
Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. Southeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (SEAMAP) - Gulf of Mexico Fall & Summer Shrimp/Groundfish Survey. (2016).
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.
Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring. (2024).
11.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program. (2022).
12.
Tampa Bay Estuary Program. Tampa Bay Benthic Monitoring. (2022).
13.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment. National Status and Trends Mussel Watch. (2000).
14.
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).
15.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); National Data Buoy Center. National Data Buoy Center. (2024).
16.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). National Water Information System. (2024).
17.
Pinellas County (Florida); Department of Environmental Management; Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP). Western Pinellas County Seagrass Monitoring. (2019).
18.
Tampa Bay Interagency Seagrass Monitoring Program; Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP). Tampa Bay Seagrass Monitoring. (2023).