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 Increasing trend 635 14 2012 - 2025 1.8 0.2774 1.5416 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.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Chlorophyll a, Corrected for Pheophytin
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5008 256 2023 2025
479 247 2016 2025
5002 116 2012 2021
540 21 2017 2019

Program names:

5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region1
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program4

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 No detectable trend 604 19 2000 - 2025 2.05 0.1176 2.4324 0.0323 0.1048

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

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Chlorophyll a, Uncorrected for Pheophytin
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5008 260 2022 2025
479 259 2005 2024
5002 60 2015 2021
540 21 2017 2019
514 6 2000 2000
103 2 2004 2015
118 1 2010 2010
115 1 2004 2004

Program names:

5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region1
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program4
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program5
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX6
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment7
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8

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 Increasing trend 1203 26 1999 - 2025 13 0.1644 13.2338 0.1157 0.0014

Monthly average colored dissolved organic matter increased by 0.12 PCU per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Colored Dissolved Organic Matter
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
479 738 1999 2025
5008 448 2021 2025
540 21 2017 2019

Program names:

479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region1
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program4

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 8732 32 1991 - 2025 7.25 -0.1606 7.9637 -0.03 0

Monthly average dissolved oxygen decreased by 0.03 mg/L per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Dissolved Oxygen
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 6897 1995 2021
479 1072 1996 2025
5008 448 2021 2025
69 220 2003 2008
95 72 2011 2018
540 21 2017 2019
118 9 2015 2020
115 5 1991 2004
103 3 2015 2015

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region1
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program9
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network10
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program4
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal Condition Assessment7
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX6

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 4817 32 1991 - 2025 8.06 -0.1512 8.1007 -0.0044 0.0001

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

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for pH
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 3487 1995 2021
479 621 2003 2025
5008 423 2021 2025
69 220 2003 2008
95 70 2011 2018
540 9 2017 2018
115 5 1991 2004
103 2 2015 2015

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region1
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program9
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network10
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program4
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX6

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 Increasing trend 9658 34 1980 - 2025 18.4 0.2592 15.158 0.1486 0

Monthly average salinity increased by 0.15 ppt per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Salinity
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 7536 1995 2021
479 1066 1996 2025
5008 437 2021 2025
560 326 2006 2025
69 220 2003 2008
95 77 1980 2018
540 21 2017 2019
115 5 1991 2004

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region1
560 - Big Bend Seagrasses & Nature Coast Aquatic Preserves - Seagrass Monitoring11
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program9
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network10
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program4
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8

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 1537 30 1996 - 2025 0.36 0.0247 0.3635 0.0001 0.8288

Total nitrogen showed no detectable trend between 1996 and 2025.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Total Nitrogen
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
479 1131 1996 2025
5008 268 2022 2025
5002 119 2000 2021
540 21 2017 2019
514 6 2000 2000
103 1 2015 2015

Program names:

479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program4
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program5
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX6

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 Increasing trend 1526 30 1996 - 2025 0.015 0.1046 0.0152 0.0001 0.0375

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

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Total Phosphorus
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
479 1129 1996 2025
5008 260 2022 2025
5002 113 2012 2021
540 21 2017 2019
514 6 2000 2000
103 1 2015 2015

Program names:

479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program4
514 - Florida LAKEWATCH Program5
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX6

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 3157 31 1995 - 2025 1.1 0.1158 1.2625 0.0156 0.0101

Monthly average turbidity increased by 0.02 NTU per year, indicating a decrease in water clarity.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Turbidity
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 2819 1995 2021
479 340 2005 2025

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring2

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 9155 33 1980 - 2025 22.7 0.1244 21.8356 0.0333 0.0013

Monthly average water temperature increased by 0.03°C per year.

Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of discrete water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Programs contributing data for Water Temperature
ProgramID N_Data YearMin YearMax
5002 7535 1995 2021
479 879 1996 2025
5008 424 2021 2025
69 220 2003 2008
95 72 1980 2018
540 21 2017 2019
115 5 1991 2004

Program names:

5002 - Florida STORET / WIN3
479 - Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring2
5008 - Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region1
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program9
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network10
540 - Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program4
115 - Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program8

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 St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve

Station overview for Continuous parameters by Program
ProgramID ProgramLocationID Years of Data Use in Analysis Parameters
471 BBSCH 8 TRUE pH , Dissolved Oxygen Saturation, Dissolved Oxygen , Turbidity , Water Temperature , Salinity , Specific Conductivity

Program names:

471 - Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring12

Map showing continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. Sites marked as Use In Analysis (green) are featured in this report.
Map showing continuous water quality sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. 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
BBSCH No significant trend 229419 8 2018 - 2025 8.2 -0.1 8.25 -0.01 0.29

No detectable change in monthly average pH was observed at 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
BBSCH Significantly decreasing trend 227936 8 2018 - 2025 97.7 -0.26 103.2 -0.48 0

At one program location, monthly average dissolved oxygen saturation decreased by 0.48% per year.

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
BBSCH Significantly decreasing trend 227936 8 2018 - 2025 7.2 -0.21 7.49 -0.04 0.02

At one program location, monthly average dissolved oxygen decreased by 0.04 mg/L per year.

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
BBSCH Significantly increasing trend 204374 8 2018 - 2025 1 0.19 1.21 0.09 0.03

At one program location, monthly average turbidity increased by 0.09 NTU per year.

Water Temperature - Continuous

Scatter plot of monthly average water temperature over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average water temperature over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for Water Temperature - All Stations
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
BBSCH No significant trend 237837 8 2018 - 2025 25.3 0.06 25.06 0.06 0.49

No detectable change in monthly average water temperature was observed at one location.

Salinity - Continuous

Scatter plot of monthly average salinity over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Scatter plot of monthly average salinity over time at continuously monitored program locations. Each location is analyzed separately, with significant (blue) or non-significant (magenta) trend lines shown for time series that included five or more years of observations.
Seasonal Kendall-Tau Results for Salinity - All Stations
Program Location Statistical Trend No. of Samples No. Years with Data Period of Record Median Result Value Tau Sen Intercept Sen Slope P
BBSCH Significantly increasing trend 235777 8 2018 - 2025 25.2 0.29 23.55 0.35 0

At one program location, monthly average salinity increased by 0.35 ppt per year.

Specific Conductivity - Continuous

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 - 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
BBSCH Significantly increasing trend 234051 8 2018 - 2025 39.55 0.27 37.35 0.49 0

At one program location, monthly average specific conductivity increased by 0.49 mS/cm per year.

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 St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve by program name.
Maps showing the temporal scope of SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve by program name.

Click here to view spatio-temporal plots on GitHub.

Sampling locations by Program:

Map showing SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The point size reflects the number of samples at a given sampling site.
Map showing SAV sampling sites within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The point size reflects the number of samples at a given sampling site.
Program Information for Submerged Aquatic Vegetation
ProgramID N-Data YearMin YearMax method Sample Locations
560 5968 1997 2025 Modified Braun Blanquet 29
560 1676 2021 2025 Percent Cover 29

Program names:

560 - Big Bend Seagrasses & Nature Coast Aquatic Preserves - Seagrass Monitoring11

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 St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve
Species Statistical Trend Period of Record LME Intercept LME Slope P
Drift algae No detectable trend 1997 - 2025 18.42305 -0.2240032 0.1034290
Shoal grass No detectable trend 1997 - 2025 27.13598 -0.2614241 0.1437117
Star grass Decreasing trend 1997 - 2025 75.14317 -2.1621449 0.0447030
Widgeon grass No detectable trend 1997 - 2025 23.54146 -0.1630198 0.6640937
Manatee grass No detectable trend 1997 - 2025 18.49436 -0.1341244 0.5112513
Turtle grass No detectable trend 1997 - 2025 36.16267 -0.1835963 0.2490882

An annual decrease in percent cover was observed for star grass (-2.16%). Manatee grass, shoal grass, turtle grass, widgeon grass, and drift algae 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 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.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) 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.

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

Oyster

The data file used is: All_OYSTER_Parameters-2026-Jun-04.txt

Maps showing the temporal scope of oyster sampling sites within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve by program name.
Maps showing the temporal scope of oyster sampling sites within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve by program name.

Click here to view spatio-temporal plots on GitHub.

Density

For natural reefs, there was insufficient data to calculate a trend for density.

Natural

Scatter plot of oyster density over time. If the time series included five or more years with observations, an estimated trend (blue line) and a 95% credible interval (purple band) may also be plotted. Data points are jittered horizontally to reduce overlap.
Scatter plot of oyster density over time. If the time series included five or more years with observations, an estimated trend (blue line) and a 95% credible interval (purple band) may also be plotted. Data points are jittered horizontally to reduce overlap.
Model results for Oyster Density - Natural
Habitat Type Shell Type Statistical Trend Period of Record Estimate Standard Error Credible Interval
Natural Live Oysters Insufficient data 2018 - 2018 - - -
Map showing location of oyster density sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of oyster density sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Percent Live

For natural reefs, there was insufficient data to calculate a trend for percent live cover.

Natural

Scatter plot of percent live oysters over time. If the time series included five or more years with observations, an estimated trend (blue line) and a 95% credible interval (purple band) may also be plotted. Estimation method is represented as percent (circles), point-intercept (triangle), or estimated percent (square), with data points jittered horizontally to reduce overlap.
Scatter plot of percent live oysters over time. If the time series included five or more years with observations, an estimated trend (blue line) and a 95% credible interval (purple band) may also be plotted. Estimation method is represented as percent (circles), point-intercept (triangle), or estimated percent (square), with data points jittered horizontally to reduce overlap.
Model results for Oyster Percent Live - Natural
Habitat Type Shell Type Statistical Trend Period of Record Estimate Standard Error Credible Interval
Natural Live Oysters Insufficient data 2018 - 2018 - - -
Map showing location of oyster percent live sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of oyster percent live sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Shell Height

For natural reefs, there was insufficient data to calculate a trend for live oysters in either the 25-75mm or the ≥75mm size class.

Natural

Model results for Oyster Shell Height - Natural
Habitat Type Shell Type SizeClass Statistical Trend Period of Record No. of Samples Estimate Standard Error Credible Interval
Natural Live Oysters >75mm Insufficient data 2016 - 2018 304 - - -
Natural Live Oysters 25-75mm Insufficient data 2016 - 2018 2679 - - -
Map showing location of oyster shell height sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.
Map showing location of oyster shell height sampling locations within the boundaries of St. Martins Marsh Aquatic Preserve. The bubble size on the maps above reflect the amount of data available at each sampling site.

Species list

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

References

1.
University of Florida (UF); Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserves / Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. Project COAST (Coastal Assessment Team) - Springs Coast Ecosystem Region. (2024).
2.
Southwest Florida Water Management District (SWFWMD). Southwest Florida Water Management District - Water Quality Monitoring. (2024).
3.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Florida STORET / WIN. (2024).
4.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) - Division of Aquaculture. Shellfish Harvest Area Classification Program. (2022).
5.
University of Florida (UF); Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. Florida LAKEWATCH Program. (2024).
6.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse (STORET)/WQX. (2023).
7.
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).
8.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); Office of Research and Development. Environmental Monitoring Assessment Program. (2004).
9.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program. (2022).
10.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC); Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI). Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network. (2018).
11.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserves; University of Florida - Nature Coast Aquatic Preserve. Big Bend Seagrasses & Nature Coast Aquatic Preserves - Seagrass Monitoring. (2024).
12.
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP); Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection (RCP); Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserves. Big Bend Seagrasses Aquatic Preserves Continuous Water Quality Monitoring. (2024).