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 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).
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 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.
| 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.
| 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 |
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.
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.
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
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
| Activity Type | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lab | Significantly increasing trend | 601 | 14 | 2012 - 2025 | 1.63 | 0.2806 | 1.5972 | 0.0766 | 0.0001 |
Monthly average chlorophyll a, corrected for pheophytin, increased by 0.08 µg/L per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 479 | 245 | 2016 | 2024 |
| 5008 | 224 | 2023 | 2025 |
| 5002 | 116 | 2012 | 2021 |
| 540 | 21 | 2017 | 2019 |
Program names:
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water
Quality Monitoring1
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast
Ecosystem Region4
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
| Activity Type | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lab | No significant trend | 572 | 19 | 2000 - 2025 | 2 | 0.0984 | 2.4324 | 0.0293 | 0.1777 |
Chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, showed no detectable trend between 2000 and 2025.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 479 | 259 | 2005 | 2024 |
| 5008 | 228 | 2022 | 2025 |
| 5002 | 62 | 2015 | 2021 |
| 540 | 21 | 2017 | 2019 |
| 514 | 6 | 2000 | 2000 |
| 103 | 2 | 2004 | 2015 |
| 115 | 1 | 2004 | 2004 |
| 118 | 1 | 2010 | 2010 |
Program names:
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse
(STORET)/WQX5
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal
Condition Assessment7
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water
Quality Monitoring1
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program8
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast
Ecosystem Region4
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
| Activity Type | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lab | Significantly increasing trend | 1157 | 26 | 1999 - 2025 | 13 | 0.1805 | 13.2197 | 0.1326 | 0.0006 |
Monthly average colored dissolved organic matter increased by 0.13 PCU per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 479 | 736 | 1999 | 2024 |
| 5008 | 400 | 2021 | 2025 |
| 540 | 21 | 2017 | 2019 |
Program names:
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water
Quality Monitoring1
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast
Ecosystem Region4
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
| Activity Type | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field | Significantly decreasing trend | 8683 | 32 | 1991 - 2025 | 7.3 | -0.1559 | 7.9637 | -0.0307 | 0.0001 |
Monthly average dissolved oxygen decreased by 0.03 mg/L per year.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 6897 | 1995 | 2021 |
| 479 | 1070 | 1996 | 2024 |
| 5008 | 400 | 2021 | 2025 |
| 69 | 221 | 2003 | 2008 |
| 95 | 72 | 2011 | 2018 |
| 540 | 21 | 2017 | 2019 |
| 118 | 9 | 2015 | 2020 |
| 115 | 5 | 1991 | 2004 |
| 103 | 3 | 2015 | 2015 |
Program names:
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program9
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network10
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse
(STORET)/WQX5
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal
Condition Assessment7
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water
Quality Monitoring1
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast
Ecosystem Region4
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
| Activity Type | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field | Significantly decreasing trend | 4776 | 32 | 1991 - 2025 | 8.06 | -0.1551 | 8.1034 | -0.0046 | 0.0001 |
Monthly average pH decreased by less than 0.01 pH units per year.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 3487 | 1995 | 2021 |
| 479 | 619 | 2003 | 2024 |
| 5008 | 383 | 2021 | 2025 |
| 69 | 221 | 2003 | 2008 |
| 95 | 70 | 2011 | 2018 |
| 540 | 9 | 2017 | 2018 |
| 115 | 5 | 1991 | 2004 |
| 103 | 2 | 2015 | 2015 |
Program names:
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program9
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network10
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse
(STORET)/WQX5
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water
Quality Monitoring1
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast
Ecosystem Region4
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
| Activity Type | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All | Significantly increasing trend | 9617 | 34 | 1980 - 2025 | 18.4 | 0.2514 | 15.1312 | 0.146 | 0 |
Monthly average salinity increased by 0.15 ppt per year.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 7536 | 1995 | 2021 |
| 479 | 1064 | 1996 | 2024 |
| 5008 | 405 | 2021 | 2025 |
| 560 | 310 | 2006 | 2024 |
| 69 | 221 | 2003 | 2008 |
| 95 | 77 | 1980 | 2018 |
| 540 | 21 | 2017 | 2019 |
| 118 | 8 | 2015 | 2020 |
| 115 | 5 | 1991 | 2004 |
Program names:
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program9
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network10
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal
Condition Assessment7
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water
Quality Monitoring1
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program2
560 - Big Bend Seagrasses & Nature Coast Aquatic Preserves
- Seagrass Monitoring11
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast
Ecosystem Region4
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
| Activity Type | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field | No significant trend | 992 | 22 | 1991 - 2025 | -0.9 | 0.018 | -0.9705 | 0.0006 | 0.7963 |
Secchi depth showed no detectable trend between 1991 and 2025.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 479 | 408 | 2006 | 2024 |
| 5008 | 352 | 2021 | 2025 |
| 69 | 221 | 2003 | 2008 |
| 514 | 6 | 2000 | 2000 |
| 115 | 3 | 1991 | 2004 |
| 103 | 1 | 2015 | 2015 |
| 5002 | 1 | 2015 | 2015 |
Program names:
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program9
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse
(STORET)/WQX5
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water
Quality Monitoring1
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program8
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast
Ecosystem Region4
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.
Additional Information:
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
| Activity Type | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lab | No significant trend | 1501 | 30 | 1996 - 2025 | 0.364 | 0.0439 | 0.3576 | 0.0004 | 0.5076 |
Total nitrogen showed no detectable trend between 1996 and 2025.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 479 | 1129 | 1996 | 2024 |
| 5008 | 236 | 2022 | 2025 |
| 5002 | 118 | 2000 | 2021 |
| 540 | 21 | 2017 | 2019 |
| 514 | 6 | 2000 | 2000 |
Program names:
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water
Quality Monitoring1
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program8
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast
Ecosystem Region4
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
| Activity Type | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lab | Significantly increasing trend | 1491 | 30 | 1996 - 2025 | 0.015 | 0.1039 | 0.0151 | 0.0001 | 0.0402 |
Monthly average total phosphorus increased by less than 0.01 mg/L per year.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 479 | 1127 | 1996 | 2024 |
| 5008 | 228 | 2022 | 2025 |
| 5002 | 112 | 2012 | 2021 |
| 540 | 21 | 2017 | 2019 |
| 514 | 6 | 2000 | 2000 |
| 103 | 1 | 2015 | 2015 |
Program names:
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse
(STORET)/WQX5
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water
Quality Monitoring1
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program8
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast
Ecosystem Region4
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
| Activity Type | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lab | No significant trend | 327 | 20 | 2005 - 2024 | 4.64 | 0.0103 | 4.8572 | -0.0172 | 0.7413 |
Total suspended solids showed no detectable trend between 2005 and 2024.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 479 | 331 | 2005 | 2024 |
| 5002 | 1 | 2015 | 2015 |
Program names:
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water
Quality Monitoring1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
| Activity Type | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lab | Significantly increasing trend | 3155 | 30 | 1995 - 2024 | 1.1 | 0.1022 | 1.2706 | 0.0133 | 0.027 |
Monthly average turbidity increased by 0.01 NTU per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 2819 | 1995 | 2021 |
| 479 | 338 | 2005 | 2024 |
Program names:
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water
Quality Monitoring1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Trend Analysis
| Activity Type | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field | Significantly increasing trend | 9122 | 33 | 1980 - 2025 | 22.7 | 0.1296 | 21.7227 | 0.0336 | 0.001 |
Monthly average water temperature increased by 0.03°C per year.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 7535 | 1995 | 2021 |
| 479 | 877 | 1996 | 2024 |
| 5008 | 392 | 2021 | 2025 |
| 69 | 221 | 2003 | 2008 |
| 95 | 72 | 1980 | 2018 |
| 540 | 21 | 2017 | 2019 |
| 115 | 5 | 1991 | 2004 |
Program names:
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program9
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network10
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program6
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water
Quality Monitoring1
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast
Ecosystem Region4
The following files were used in the continuous analysis:
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_NW-2025-Sep-19.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation_NW-2025-Sep-19.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_pH_NW-2025-Sep-19.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Salinity_NW-2025-Sep-19.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Turbidity_NW-2025-Sep-19.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Water_Temperature_NW-2025-Sep-19.txt
Continuous monitoring locations in St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve
| ProgramID | ProgramLocationID | Years of Data | Use in Analysis | Parameters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 471 | BBSCH | 8 | TRUE | DO , DOS , pH , Sal , Turb , TempW |
Program names:
471 - Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring12
| Station | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBSCH | Significantly decreasing trend | 219193 | 8 | 2018 - 2025 | 7.3 | -0.22 | 7.46 | -0.07 | 0.02 |
At one program location, monthly average dissolved oxygen decreased by 0.07 mg/L per year.
| Station | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBSCH | Significantly decreasing trend | 219193 | 8 | 2018 - 2025 | 98.1 | -0.3 | 103.54 | -0.64 | 0 |
At one program location, monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation decreased by 0.64% per year.
| Station | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBSCH | No significant trend | 220676 | 8 | 2018 - 2025 | 8.2 | -0.14 | 8.25 | -0.01 | 0.12 |
No detectable change in monthly average pH was observed at one location.
| Station | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBSCH | Significantly increasing trend | 227034 | 8 | 2018 - 2025 | 25.1 | 0.24 | 23.55 | 0.33 | 0.01 |
At one program location, monthly average salinity increased by 0.33 ppt per year.
| Station | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBSCH | Significantly increasing trend | 195633 | 8 | 2018 - 2025 | 1 | 0.2 | 1.21 | 0.08 | 0.03 |
At one program location, monthly average turbidity increased by 0.08 NTU per year.
| Station | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BBSCH | No significant trend | 229094 | 8 | 2018 - 2025 | 25 | 0.04 | 25.31 | 0.06 | 0.61 |
No detectable change in monthly average water temperature was observed at one location.
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.
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.”
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.
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
Click here to view spatio-temporal plots on GitHub.
Sampling locations by Program:
| ProgramID | N-Data | YearMin | YearMax | method | Sample Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 560 | 5773 | 1997 | 2024 | Modified Braun Blanquet | 29 |
| 560 | 1437 | 2021 | 2024 | Percent Cover | 29 |
Program names:
560 - Big Bend Seagrasses & Nature Coast Aquatic
Preserves - Seagrass Monitoring11
560 - Big Bend Seagrasses & Nature Coast Aquatic Preserves
- Seagrass Monitoring11
| CommonName | Trend Significance (0.05) | Period of Record | LME-Intercept | LME-Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drift algae | No significant trend | 1997 - 2024 | 17.60014 | -0.1772421 | 0.2145055 |
| Shoal grass | No significant trend | 1997 - 2024 | 24.31522 | -0.1078244 | 0.5543870 |
| Star grass | No significant trend | 1997 - 2024 | 63.88912 | -1.7563888 | 0.0916264 |
| No grass in quadrat | Model did not fit the available data | 1997 - 2021 | - | - | - |
| Widgeon grass | No significant trend | 1997 - 2024 | 23.38676 | -0.1340091 | 0.7244582 |
| Manatee grass | No significant trend | 1997 - 2024 | 17.22415 | -0.0625766 | 0.7445197 |
| Turtle grass | No significant trend | 1997 - 2024 | 34.98360 | -0.1117915 | 0.4684771 |
Manatee grass, shoal grass, star grass, turtle grass, widgeon grass, and drift algae showed no detectable change in percent cover.
The following parameters are available for St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve within the SAV_WC_Report:
Colored Disolved Organic Matter
Chlorophyll a
Dissolved Oxygen
pH
Salinity
Secchi Depth
Water Temperature
Total Nitrogen
Total Suspended Solids
Turbidity
Access the reports here: DRAFT_SAV_WC_Report_2024-11-20.pdf
The data file used is: All_NEKTON_Parameters-2025-Sep-04.txt
| Gear Type | Sample Count | Number of Years | Period of Record | Median N of Taxa | Mean N of Taxa |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trawl (6.1) | 2 | 1 | 2003 - 2003 | 0.67 | 0.67 |
The median annual number of taxa was 0.67 based on 2 observations collected by 6.1-meter trawl between 2003 and 2003.
| Acetabularia crenulata1 | Digenea simplex1 | Opsanus beta2 |
| Achirus lineatus2 | Drift algae1 | Penaeus duorarum2 |
| Anadyomene stellata1 | Echeneis neucratoides2 | Penicillus capitatus1 |
| Anchoa hepsetus2 | Etropus crossotus2 | Penicillus dumetosus1 |
| Anchoa mitchilli2 | Eucinostomus gula2 | Penicillus spp.1 |
| Ariopsis felis2 | Eucinostomus harengulus2 | Prionotus scitulus2 |
| Avrainvillea levis1 | Eucinostomus spp.2 | Prionotus tribulus2 |
| Bairdiella chrysoura2 | Gobiosoma bosc2 | Ruppia maritima1 |
| Batophora oerstedii1 | Gobiosoma robustum2 | Sargassum sp.1 |
| Callinectes sapidus2 | Gobiosoma spp.2 | Sphoeroides nephelus2 |
| Caulerpa ashmeadii1 | Halimeda incrassata1 | Symphurus plagiusa2 |
| Caulerpa cupressoides1 | Halodule wrightii1 | Syngnathus louisianae2 |
| Caulerpa mexicana1 | Halophila engelmannii1 | Syngnathus scovelli2 |
| Caulerpa paspaloides1 | Lagodon rhomboides2 | Synodus foetens2 |
| Caulerpa prolifera1 | Leiostomus xanthurus2 | Syringodium filiforme1 |
| Caulerpa sertularioides1 | Lepisosteus osseus2 | Thalassia testudinum1 |
| Chaetodipterus faber2 | Lucania parva2 | Trinectes maculatus2 |
| Chilomycterus schoepfii2 | Lutjanus griseus2 | Udotea flabellum1 |
| Cliona caribbaea | Microgobius gulosus2 | Udotea spp.1 |
| Codium isthmocladum1 | No grass in quadrat1 | Ulva sp.1 |
| Cynoscion nebulosus2 | Ogcocephalus cubifrons2 | Unidentified species |
1 - Submerged Aquatic Vegetation, 2 - Nekton