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: 2026-06-10

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
Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin ug/L - -
Dissolved Oxygen mg/L -0.000001 50
Dissolved Oxygen Saturation % -0.000001 500
Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter QSE - -
Salinity ppt -0.000001 70
Specific Conductivity mS/cm -0.000001 200
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 (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, inorganic 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 Ammonia (N) mg/L - -
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-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Chlorophyll_a_uncorrected_for_pheophytin-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Colored_dissolved_organic_matter_CDOM-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Dissolved_Oxygen-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_pH-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Salinity-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Secchi_Depth-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Nitrogen-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Phosphorus-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Total_Suspended_Solids_TSS-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Turbidity-2026-May-18.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_Water_Temperature-2026-May-18.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 No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Lab No detectable trend 2391 16 2002 - 2025 4.1 0.046 3.3559 0.02 0.4535

Chlorophyll a, corrected for pheophytin, showed no detectable trend between 2002 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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
354 2205 2012 2025
5002 226 2002 2025
303 3 2022 2023

Program names:

354 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network3

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 No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Lab Increasing trend 5487 32 1994 - 2025 4.4 0.3162 3.6337 0.09 0

Monthly average chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, increased by 0.09 µg/L per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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
509 2746 1994 2008
354 2205 2012 2025
514 413 2001 2017
5002 171 2001 2025
118 1 2010 2010
103 1 2015 2015

Program names:

509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network4
354 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program5
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment6
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7

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 No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Lab No detectable trend 193 12 2001 - 2017 8 0.3619 5.6154 0.2778 0.1533

Colored dissolved organic matter showed no detectable trend between 2001 and 2017.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Colored Dissolved Organic Matter
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
514 193 2001 2017

Program names:

514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program5

Dissolved Oxygen - Discrete

Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis

Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only dissolved oxygen values measured in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Scatter plot of monthly average dissolved oxygen over time. If the time series included ten or more years of discrete observations, a significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend line is also shown. Only dissolved oxygen values measured in the field (circles) are included in the plot.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis for Dissolved Oxygen
Activity Type Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Field Decreasing trend 14164 36 1989 - 2025 5.8 -0.1175 6.1538 -0.0151 0.0014

Monthly average dissolved oxygen decreased by 0.02 mg/L per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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
509 5473 1994 2008
5002 5217 1989 2025
4043 2972 1999 2020
95 442 1997 2018
354 406 2016 2023
572 27 1998 2005
69 22 2001 2001
118 10 2015 2021
103 2 2015 2015

Program names:

509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network4
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
4043 - RBNERR Fish Assessment8
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network9
354 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
572 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Seagrass Monitoring10
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program11
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment6
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7

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 No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Field Decreasing trend 348 20 1998 - 2025 80 -0.2404 98.9033 -0.8167 0.0201

Monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation decreased by 0.82% per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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
354 552 2016 2025
5002 269 2015 2025
572 27 1998 2005
303 1 2023 2023
95 1 2008 2008

Program names:

354 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
572 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Seagrass Monitoring10
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network3
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network9

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 No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Field Decreasing trend 6488 39 1955 - 2025 7.88 -0.2162 8.1106 -0.0054 0

Monthly average pH decreased by 0.01 pH units per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 4182 1989 2025
509 1718 2001 2008
354 602 2016 2025
95 514 1955 2018
69 22 2001 2001
103 4 2015 2015
303 1 2023 2023

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network4
354 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network9
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program11
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network3

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 No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
All Decreasing trend 15669 54 1954 - 2025 32.8 -0.1391 34.1917 -0.0386 0

Monthly average salinity decreased by 0.04 ppt per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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
509 5495 1994 2008
5002 5207 1989 2025
4043 3043 1999 2020
95 1890 1954 2018
354 648 2012 2025
572 31 1998 2005
69 22 2001 2001
303 1 2023 2023

Program names:

509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network4
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
4043 - RBNERR Fish Assessment8
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network9
354 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
572 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Seagrass Monitoring10
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program11
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network3

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 No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Lab No detectable trend 4746 35 1989 - 2025 0.3196 0.013 0.3911 0.0004 0.8067

Total nitrogen showed no detectable trend between 1989 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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
509 2758 1994 2008
5002 1190 1989 2025
514 605 2001 2017
354 197 2012 2017
303 3 2022 2023
103 1 2015 2015

Program names:

509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network4
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program5
354 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network3
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7

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 No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Lab No detectable trend 4881 36 1989 - 2025 0.04 0.0093 0.0477 0 0.8776

Total phosphorus showed no detectable trend between 1989 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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
509 2735 1994 2008
5002 836 1989 2025
354 737 2012 2025
514 597 2001 2017
303 3 2022 2023
103 1 2015 2015

Program names:

509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network4
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
354 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program5
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network3
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX7

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 No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Lab Increasing trend 6438 33 1989 - 2025 4.3975 0.2068 4.3599 0.0849 0

Monthly average turbidity increased by 0.08 NTU per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 3707 1989 2025
509 2746 1994 2008
354 734 2002 2006
572 4 2000 2003
95 3 2003 2011
303 1 2023 2023

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network4
354 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
572 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Seagrass Monitoring10
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network9
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network3

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 No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
Field Increasing trend 15682 51 1954 - 2025 26.63 0.1066 25.4348 0.0126 0.0012

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

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 5710 1989 2025
509 5498 1994 2008
4043 3036 1999 2020
95 1336 1954 2018
354 615 2012 2025
572 30 1998 2005
69 22 2001 2001
303 1 2023 2023

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN2
509 - SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network4
4043 - RBNERR Fish Assessment8
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network9
354 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1
572 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Seagrass Monitoring10
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program11
303 - River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network3

Water Quality - Continuous

The following files were used in the continuous analysis:

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Chlorophyll_a_Uncorrected_for_Pheophytin-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Fluorescent_Dissolved_Organic_Matter-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_pH-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Salinity-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Specific_Conductivity-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Turbidity-2026-Mar-06.txt

  • Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Water_Temperature-2026-Mar-06.txt

Continuous monitoring locations in Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

Station overview for Continuous parameters by Program
ProgramID ProgramLocationID Years of Data Use in Analysis Parameters
7 02291330 4 FALSE Water Temperature, Salinity
7 255123081321300 8 TRUE Specific Conductivity
7 255123081321300 11 TRUE Water Temperature, Salinity
7 255138081321701 10 TRUE Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
7 255432081303900 17 TRUE Specific Conductivity
7 255432081303900 21 TRUE Water Temperature, Salinity
7 255443081314700 5 FALSE Water Temperature, Salinity
7 255532081314300 3 FALSE Water Temperature, Salinity
7 255534081324000 17 TRUE Specific Conductivity
7 255534081324000 20 TRUE Water Temperature, Salinity
7 255654081350200 17 TRUE Specific Conductivity
7 255654081350200 20 TRUE Water Temperature, Salinity
7 255732081363700 5 TRUE Water Temperature, Salinity
354 rkbbmwq 2 FALSE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
354 rkbfbwq 25 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
354 rkbfuwq 25 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
354 rkblhwq 26 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
354 rkbmbwq 27 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
354 rkbpbwq 11 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity
354 rkbuhwq 5 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity

Program names:

7 - National Water Information System12
354 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program1

Map showing continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Sites marked as Use In Analysis (green) are featured in this report.
Map showing continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Sites marked as Use In Analysis (green) are featured in this report.

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
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
rkbfbwq No significant trend 670684 25 2002 - 2026 7.8 0.05 7.83 0 0.21
rkbfuwq No significant trend 689115 25 2002 - 2026 7.7 0.02 7.72 0 0.61
rkbmbwq Significantly decreasing trend 727383 27 2000 - 2026 7.7 -0.1 7.7 0 0.02
rkbpbwq No significant trend 328113 11 2016 - 2026 7.8 0.13 7.8 0 0.08
rkbbmwq Insufficient data to calculate trend 12610 2 1997 - 1998 8.0 - - - -
rkblhwq Significantly increasing trend 672354 26 2001 - 2026 7.9 0.15 7.83 0 0
rkbuhwq Significantly increasing trend 65814 5 1996 - 2000 7.2 0.37 7.05 0.07 0.01

At two program locations, monthly average pH increased by less than 0.01 pH units per year at one site and by 0.07 pH units per year at the other. At one program location, monthly average pH decreased by less than 0.01 pH units per year. No detectable change in monthly average pH was observed at three locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

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
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
rkbfbwq No significant trend 608215 23 2002 - 2026 79.0 0.04 78.81 0.04 0.43
rkbfuwq Significantly decreasing trend 636774 22 2002 - 2026 72.6 -0.2 76.84 -0.17 0
rkbmbwq Significantly decreasing trend 663443 24 2000 - 2026 65.3 -0.21 73.13 -0.24 0
rkbpbwq No significant trend 336249 11 2016 - 2026 72.7 -0.13 77.96 -0.28 0.08
rkbbmwq Insufficient data to calculate trend 10441 2 1997 - 1998 102.4 - - - -
rkblhwq No significant trend 625534 23 2001 - 2026 82.1 0.07 80.86 0.07 0.13
rkbuhwq No significant trend 58164 5 1996 - 2000 49.7 0 50.53 -0.02 1

At two program locations, monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation decreased by 0.17% per year at one site and by 0.24% per year at the other. No detectable change in monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation was observed at four locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

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
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
rkbfbwq No significant trend 603909 23 2002 - 2026 5.4 -0.02 5.19 0 0.62
rkbfuwq Significantly decreasing trend 636515 22 2002 - 2026 5.1 -0.29 5.26 -0.02 0
rkbmbwq Significantly decreasing trend 657119 24 2000 - 2026 4.4 -0.24 4.9 -0.02 0
rkbpbwq No significant trend 332812 11 2016 - 2026 4.9 -0.14 5.22 -0.02 0.08
rkbbmwq Insufficient data to calculate trend 10441 2 1997 - 1998 7.2 - - - -
rkblhwq No significant trend 613216 23 2001 - 2026 5.6 0.03 5.46 0 0.52
rkbuhwq No significant trend 58164 5 1996 - 2000 3.6 0.01 3.9 -0.02 1

At two program locations, monthly average dissolved oxygen decreased by 0.02 mg/L per year. No detectable change in monthly average dissolved oxygen was observed at four locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

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
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
rkbfbwq Significantly decreasing trend 682915 25 2002 - 2026 7 -0.4 11.3 -0.23 0
rkbfuwq Significantly decreasing trend 657778 25 2002 - 2026 6 -0.19 8.57 -0.08 0
rkbmbwq Significantly decreasing trend 714237 27 2000 - 2026 9 -0.24 12.56 -0.14 0
rkbpbwq Significantly decreasing trend 331299 11 2016 - 2026 9 -0.31 13.47 -0.37 0
rkbbmwq Insufficient data to calculate trend 10654 2 1997 - 1998 11 - - - -
rkblhwq Significantly decreasing trend 647527 26 2001 - 2026 8 -0.28 12.22 -0.19 0
rkbuhwq No significant trend 61608 5 1996 - 2000 5 -0.11 8.57 -0.7 0.52

At five program locations, monthly average turbidity decreased between 0.08 and 0.37 NTU per year. No detectable change in monthly average turbidity was observed at one location. There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

Water Temperature - Continuous - Program 7

Scatter plot of monthly average water temperature over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average water temperature over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for Water Temperature - Program 7
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
255123081321300 No significant trend 1818 8 2007 - 2017 27.3 0.1 26.46 0.03 0.38
255138081321701 No significant trend 3005 10 2017 - 2026 27.0 0.02 26.85 0.01 0.92
255432081303900 Significantly increasing trend 6527 20 2006 - 2026 27.0 0.17 26.18 0.05 0
255443081314700 Insufficient data to calculate trend 2011 4 2007 - 2011 29.3 - - - -
255532081314300 Insufficient data to calculate trend 906 3 2009 - 2011 29.3 - - - -
255534081324000 Significantly increasing trend 6225 19 2007 - 2026 26.6 0.14 25.55 0.03 0.01
255654081350200 Significantly increasing trend 6222 19 2007 - 2026 26.7 0.11 26.33 0.03 0.03
255732081363700 No significant trend 1435 5 2011 - 2015 28.4 0.24 27.3 0.23 0.11
02291330 Insufficient data to calculate trend 1901 4 2011 - 2014 28.3 - - - -

At seven program locations, monthly average water temperature increased between 0.03 and 0.06°C per year. No detectable change in monthly average water temperature was observed at five locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for four locations.

Water Temperature - Continuous - Program 354

Scatter plot of monthly average water temperature over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average water temperature over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for Water Temperature - Program 354
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
rkbfbwq Significantly increasing trend 719021 25 2002 - 2026 27.0 0.22 26.16 0.04 0
rkbfuwq Significantly increasing trend 727501 25 2002 - 2026 26.9 0.26 26.03 0.06 0
rkbmbwq Significantly increasing trend 762033 27 2000 - 2026 26.8 0.25 26.04 0.04 0
rkbpbwq No significant trend 337833 11 2016 - 2026 27.4 0.05 26.96 0.02 0.55
rkbbmwq Insufficient data to calculate trend 12610 2 1997 - 1998 23.8 - - - -
rkblhwq Significantly increasing trend 731519 26 2001 - 2026 26.9 0.24 26.16 0.05 0
rkbuhwq No significant trend 68971 5 1996 - 2000 26.8 -0.01 26.3 -0.01 1

At seven program locations, monthly average water temperature increased between 0.03 and 0.06°C per year. No detectable change in monthly average water temperature was observed at five locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for four locations.

Map showing location of water temperature continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Salinity - Continuous - Program 7

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 - Program 7
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
255123081321300 Significantly decreasing trend 1809 8 2007 - 2017 32 -0.23 35.11 -0.44 0.02
255138081321701 Significantly increasing trend 2986 10 2017 - 2026 32 0.17 29.33 0.31 0.03
255432081303900 No significant trend 6468 20 2006 - 2026 22 -0.08 26.67 -0.1 0.11
255443081314700 Insufficient data to calculate trend 1465 4 2007 - 2011 32 - - - -
255532081314300 Insufficient data to calculate trend 902 3 2009 - 2011 31 - - - -
255534081324000 No significant trend 6162 19 2007 - 2026 32 -0.04 33.56 -0.06 0.36
255654081350200 No significant trend 6183 19 2007 - 2026 32 -0.04 33.07 -0.04 0.36
255732081363700 No significant trend 1434 5 2011 - 2015 34 0.25 32.15 0.52 0.1
02291330 Insufficient data to calculate trend 1697 4 2011 - 2014 35 - - - -

At two program locations, monthly average salinity increased by 0.31 ppt per year at one site and by 2.06 ppt per year at the other. At three program locations, monthly average salinity decreased between 0.06 and 0.44 ppt per year. No detectable change in monthly average salinity was observed at seven locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for four locations.

Salinity - Continuous - Program 354

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 - Program 354
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
rkbfbwq No significant trend 703182 25 2002 - 2026 29.9 0.04 30.8 0.03 0.34
rkbfuwq No significant trend 717069 25 2002 - 2026 26.3 0.01 27.82 0.01 0.79
rkbmbwq Significantly decreasing trend 736129 27 2000 - 2026 33.3 -0.1 34.78 -0.06 0.02
rkbpbwq No significant trend 333127 11 2016 - 2026 30.5 0.14 29.94 0.23 0.06
rkbbmwq Insufficient data to calculate trend 12256 2 1997 - 1998 34.5 - - - -
rkblhwq Significantly decreasing trend 700367 26 2001 - 2026 33.2 -0.13 34.36 -0.08 0
rkbuhwq Significantly increasing trend 68446 5 1996 - 2000 21.1 0.31 16.74 2.06 0.04

At two program locations, monthly average salinity increased by 0.31 ppt per year at one site and by 2.06 ppt per year at the other. At three program locations, monthly average salinity decreased between 0.06 and 0.44 ppt per year. No detectable change in monthly average salinity was observed at seven locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for four locations.

Map showing location of salinity continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Specific Conductivity - Continuous - Program 7

Scatter plot of monthly average specific conductivity 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 specific conductivity 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 Specific Conductivity - Program 7
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
255123081321300 No significant trend 1295 6 2010 - 2017 49.1 -0.20 53.63 -1.03 0.20
255138081321701 Significantly increasing trend 2986 10 2017 - 2026 48.3 0.18 45.21 0.36 0.02
255432081303900 No significant trend 5512 17 2010 - 2026 34.4 -0.03 31.28 -0.08 0.61
255534081324000 No significant trend 5509 17 2010 - 2026 48.6 0.04 48.14 0.08 0.43
255654081350200 No significant trend 5547 17 2010 - 2026 48.6 0.03 47.21 0.03 0.56

At one program location, monthly average specific conductivity increased by 0.36 mS/cm per year. At two program locations, monthly average specific conductivity decreased by 0.08 mS/cm per year at one site and by 0.1 mS/cm per year at the other. No detectable change in monthly average specific conductivity was observed at eight locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

Specific Conductivity - Continuous - Program 354

Scatter plot of monthly average specific conductivity 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 specific conductivity 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 Specific Conductivity - Program 354
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
rkbfbwq No significant trend 703174 25 2002 - 2026 46.07 0.04 47.3 0.05 0.33
rkbfuwq No significant trend 717061 25 2002 - 2026 41.17 0.01 43.06 0.02 0.77
rkbmbwq Significantly decreasing trend 736129 27 2000 - 2026 50.83 -0.09 52.37 -0.08 0.02
rkbpbwq No significant trend 333114 11 2016 - 2026 47.03 0.13 46.12 0.31 0.07
rkbbmwq Insufficient data to calculate trend 12256 2 1997 - 1998 52.41 - - - -
rkblhwq Significantly decreasing trend 700390 26 2001 - 2026 50.59 -0.12 52.11 -0.1 0
rkbuhwq No significant trend 68971 5 1996 - 2000 33.92 0.29 27.67 2.88 0.06

At one program location, monthly average specific conductivity increased by 0.36 mS/cm per year. At two program locations, monthly average specific conductivity decreased by 0.08 mS/cm per year at one site and by 0.1 mS/cm per year at the other. No detectable change in monthly average specific conductivity was observed at eight locations. There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.

Map showing location of specific conductivity continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of specific conductivity continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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-2026-Jun-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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve by program name.
Maps showing the temporal scope of SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve 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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The point size reflects the number of samples at a given sampling site.
Map showing SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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
572 1220 1998 2005 Percent Cover 6

Program names:

572 - Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Seagrass Monitoring10

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.
Trend lines of median percent cover of submerged aquatic vegetation over time for species that had five or more years of observations. Line type represents significance (solid) or non-significance (dashed) of the trends.
Trend lines of median percent cover of submerged aquatic vegetation over time for species that had five or more years of observations. Line type represents significance (solid) or non-significance (dashed) of the trends.
Percent Cover Trend Analysis for Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Species Statistical Trend Period of Record LME Intercept LME Slope P
Shoal grass No detectable trend 1998 - 2005 33.6286656 -1.7090982 0.2546051
Paddle grass No detectable trend 1998 - 2005 -0.4445673 0.0784252 0.3562621
Star grass No detectable trend 1998 - 2005 3.5304851 -0.2323267 0.4437117
Manatee grass No detectable trend 1998 - 2005 16.1047805 -1.1343837 0.4000856
Turtle grass No detectable trend 1998 - 2005 36.9900160 -3.1381459 0.0666593
Total seagrass Decreasing trend 1998 - 2005 68.3692745 -4.5209435 0.0166191

An annual decrease in percent cover was observed for total seagrass (-4.52%). Manatee grass, paddle grass, shoal grass, star grass, and turtle grass showed no detectable change in percent cover.

Bar plot of submerged aquatic vegetation species occurrence frequency over time by group.
Bar plot of submerged aquatic vegetation species occurrence frequency over time by group.

SAV Water Column Analysis

The following parameters are available for Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve 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.pdf

Nekton

The data file used is: All_NEKTON_Parameters-2026-Jun-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 No. of Samples No. of Years with Data Period of Record Median No. of Taxa Mean No. of Taxa
Trawl (6.1 m) 6071 20 1999 - 2020 0.27 0.63

The median annual number of taxa was 0.27 based on 6,071 observations collected by 6.1-meter trawl between 1999 and 2020.

Map showing location of nekton sampling locations within the boundaries of Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. 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 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Species list

Acanthostracion quadricornis2 Eugerres plumieri2 Mugil spp.2
Achirus lineatus2 Floridichthys carpio2 Mycteroperca microlepis2
Albula vulpes2 Ginglymostoma cirratum2 Myrophis punctatus2
Aluterus schoepfii2 Gobiesox strumosus2 Nicholsina usta2
Anarchopterus criniger2 Gobionellus oceanicus2 Ogcocephalus cubifrons2
Anchoa spp.2 Gobiosoma bosc2 Ogilbia cayorum2
Ancylopsetta quadrocellata2 Gobiosoma robustum2 Oligoplites saurus2
Archosargus probatocephalus2 Gunterichthys longipenis2 Opisthonema oglinum2
Archosargus rhomboidalis2 Gymnura micrura2 Opsanus beta2
Ariopsis felis2 Halodule wrightii1 Orthopristis chrysoptera2
Bagre marinus2 Halophila decipiens1 Paralichthys albigutta2
Bairdiella chrysoura2 Halophila engelmannii1 Penaeus spp.2
Brevoortia smithi2 Harengula jaguana2 Pogonias cromis2
Brevoortia spp.2 Hippocampus erectus2 Prionotus scitulus2
Calamus arctifrons2 Hippocampus zosterae2 Prionotus tribulus2
Callinectes sapidus2 Hoplosternum littorale2 Rachycentron canadum2
Caranx spp.2 Hypanus americanus2 Rhinoptera bonasus2
Caulerpa spp.1 Hypanus sabinus2 Sciaenops ocellatus2
Centropomus undecimalis2 Hyporhamphus unifasciatus2 Scorpaena brasiliensis2
Chaetodipterus faber2 Hypostomus plecostomus2 Selene vomer2
Chasmodes saburrae2 Hypsoblennius hentz2 Serraniculus pumilio2
Chilomycterus schoepfii2 Lagodon rhomboides2 Sphoeroides nephelus2
Chloroscombrus chrysurus2 Leiostomus xanthurus2 Sphoeroides spengleri2
Cichlidae spp.2 Lepomis spp.2 Sphyraena guachancho2
Citharichthys macrops2 Leptocephalus larvae2 Stephanolepis hispida2
Citharichthys spilopterus2 Lophogobius cyprinoides2 Symphurus plagiusa2
Clupeidae2 Lucania parva2 Syngnathus louisianae2
Ctenogobius boleosoma2 Lutjanus analis2 Syngnathus scovelli2
Ctenogobius smaragdus2 Lutjanus griseus2 Synodus foetens2
Cynoscion arenarius2 Lutjanus synagris2 Syringodium filiforme1
Cynoscion nebulosus2 Menippe mercenaria2 Thalassia testudinum1
Diplectrum formosum2 Menticirrhus spp.2 Total seagrass1
Echeneis neucratoides2 Microgobius gulosus2 Trachinotus falcatus2
Elops saurus2 Microgobius thalassinus2 Trinectes maculatus2
Epinephelus itajara2 Micropterus salmoides2 Urophycis floridana2
Etropus crossotus2 Monacanthus ciliatus2 Acanthostracion quadricornis2
Eucinostomus spp.2 Mugil cephalus2 Achirus lineatus2

1 - Submerged Aquatic Vegetation, 2 - Nekton

References

1.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve System-Wide Monitoring Program. (2024).
2.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Florida STORET / WIN. (2024).
3.
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF). River, Estuary and Coastal Observing Network. (2024).
4.
Florida International University (FIU); Southeastern Environmental Research Program. SERC Water Quality Monitoring Network. (2008).
5.
University of Florida (UF); Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Florida LAKEWATCH Program. (2024).
6.
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).
7.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX. (2023).
8.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. RBNERR Fish Assessment. (2023).
9.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC); Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network. (2018).
10.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve Seagrass Monitoring. (2005).
11.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program. (2022).
12.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). National Water Information System. (2024).