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 | No significant trend | 1073 | 25 | 1999 - 2025 | 3.2 | -0.0807 | 3.3306 | -0.02 | 0.0636 |
Chlorophyll a, uncorrected for pheophytin, showed no detectable trend between 1999 and 2025.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 1077 | 1999 | 2025 |
| 95 | 336 | 2004 | 2018 |
| 103 | 3 | 2000 | 2015 |
| 118 | 1 | 2010 | 2010 |
Program names:
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network1
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse
(STORET)/WQX2
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal
Condition Assessment3
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
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 | 25012 | 37 | 1989 - 2025 | 6.53 | -0.0291 | 6.6241 | -0.003 | 0.4097 |
Dissolved oxygen showed no detectable trend between 1989 and 2025.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 11492 | 1995 | 2025 |
| 69 | 10597 | 1989 | 2024 |
| 4067 | 1869 | 1993 | 2023 |
| 95 | 1260 | 1999 | 2018 |
| 118 | 19 | 2015 | 2020 |
| 103 | 3 | 2015 | 2015 |
Program names:
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program5
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network1
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse
(STORET)/WQX2
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal
Condition Assessment3
4067 - Tampa Bay Benthic Monitoring6
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
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 | 5126 | 33 | 1993 - 2025 | 90.2 | 0.0757 | 86.9585 | 0.0671 | 0.2626 |
Dissolved oxygen saturation showed no detectable trend between 1993 and 2025.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 3393 | 2004 | 2025 |
| 4067 | 1894 | 1993 | 2023 |
| 95 | 67 | 2014 | 2018 |
Program names:
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network1
4067 - Tampa Bay Benthic Monitoring6
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
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 | 23249 | 37 | 1989 - 2025 | 8 | -0.0805 | 8.0405 | -0.0014 | 0.0273 |
Monthly average pH decreased by less than 0.01 pH units per year.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 10503 | 1989 | 2024 |
| 5002 | 9962 | 1995 | 2025 |
| 4067 | 1596 | 1993 | 2023 |
| 95 | 1255 | 1999 | 2018 |
| 103 | 5 | 2015 | 2015 |
Program names:
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program5
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network1
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse
(STORET)/WQX2
4067 - Tampa Bay Benthic Monitoring6
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
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 | No significant trend | 25426 | 49 | 1966 - 2025 | 30.6 | -0.0513 | 30.9931 | -0.0146 | 0.1191 |
Salinity showed no detectable trend between 1966 and 2025.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 11184 | 1995 | 2025 |
| 69 | 10660 | 1989 | 2024 |
| 95 | 1976 | 1966 | 2018 |
| 4067 | 1609 | 1993 | 2023 |
| 118 | 30 | 2015 | 2020 |
Program names:
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program5
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network1
118 - National Aquatic Resource Surveys, National Coastal
Condition Assessment3
4067 - Tampa Bay Benthic Monitoring6
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
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 | 10340 | 31 | 1995 - 2025 | -1 | -0.334 | -0.9289 | -0.0225 | 0 |
Monthly average Secchi depth became deeper by 0.02 m per year, indicating an increase in water clarity.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | 9612 | 1995 | 2024 |
| 5002 | 727 | 2000 | 2025 |
| 103 | 1 | 2015 | 2015 |
Program names:
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program5
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse
(STORET)/WQX2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
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 | Significantly decreasing trend | 2388 | 31 | 1995 - 2025 | 0.379 | -0.2363 | 0.5768 | -0.0066 | 0 |
Monthly average total nitrogen decreased by 0.01 mg/L per year.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 2406 | 1995 | 2025 |
| 103 | 6 | 2000 | 2000 |
Program names:
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse
(STORET)/WQX2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
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 decreasing trend | 3088 | 31 | 1995 - 2025 | 0.1085 | -0.125 | 0.1531 | -0.0013 | 0.0009 |
Monthly average total phosphorus decreased by less than 0.01 mg/L per year.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 3201 | 1995 | 2025 |
| 103 | 5 | 2000 | 2015 |
Program names:
103 - EPA STOrage and RETrieval Data Warehouse
(STORET)/WQX2
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
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 decreasing trend | 1688 | 31 | 1995 - 2025 | 10.6 | -0.4216 | 19.0462 | -0.6042 | 0 |
Monthly average total suspended solids decreased by 0.6 mg/L per year, indicating an increase in water clarity.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 1702 | 1995 | 2025 |
Program names:
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
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 | 8075 | 31 | 1995 - 2025 | 1.9 | -0.0072 | 2.195 | -0.001 | 0.8628 |
Turbidity showed no detectable trend between 1995 and 2025.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 8140 | 1995 | 2025 |
| 95 | 8 | 2002 | 2004 |
Program names:
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network1
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
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 | 26174 | 51 | 1966 - 2025 | 26.7 | 0.0939 | 25.1534 | 0.014 | 0.0059 |
Monthly average water temperature increased by 0.01°C per year.
| ProgramID | N_Data | YearMin | YearMax |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5002 | 11785 | 1995 | 2025 |
| 69 | 10669 | 1989 | 2024 |
| 95 | 1971 | 1966 | 2018 |
| 4067 | 1775 | 1993 | 2023 |
Program names:
69 - Fisheries-Independent Monitoring (FIM) Program5
95 - Harmful Algal Bloom Marine Observation Network1
4067 - Tampa Bay Benthic Monitoring6
5002 - Florida STORET / WIN4
The following files were used in the continuous analysis:
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Dissolved_Oxygen_Saturation_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_pH_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Salinity_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Turbidity_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt
Combined_WQ_WC_NUT_cont_Water_Temperature_SW-2025-Sep-19.txt
Continuous monitoring locations in Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve
| ProgramID | ProgramLocationID | Years of Data | Use in Analysis | Parameters |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 023000825 | 2 | FALSE | Sal , TempW |
| 7 | 02300084 | 2 | FALSE | Sal , TempW |
| 7 | 023000842 | 2 | FALSE | Sal , TempW |
| 473 | TCBH | 2 | FALSE | DO , DOS , pH , Sal , Turb , TempW |
Program names:
7 - National Water Information System7
473 - Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve Continuous Water Quality
Monitoring8
| Station | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCBH | Insufficient data to calculate trend | 8153 | 2 | 2008 - 2009 | 4.2 | - | - | - | - |
There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.
| Station | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCBH | Insufficient data to calculate trend | 8153 | 2 | 2008 - 2009 | 59.5 | - | - | - | - |
There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.
| Station | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCBH | Insufficient data to calculate trend | 8306 | 2 | 2008 - 2009 | 8.1 | - | - | - | - |
There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.
| Station | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02300084 | Insufficient data to calculate trend | 696 | 2 | 2006 - 2007 | 11.0 | - | - | - | - |
| 023000842 | Insufficient data to calculate trend | 578 | 2 | 2006 - 2007 | 28.0 | - | - | - | - |
| 023000825 | Insufficient data to calculate trend | 645 | 2 | 2006 - 2007 | 12.0 | - | - | - | - |
| TCBH | Insufficient data to calculate trend | 8304 | 2 | 2008 - 2009 | 32.6 | - | - | - | - |
There was insufficient data to fit a model for four locations.
| Station | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCBH | Insufficient data to calculate trend | 8263 | 2 | 2008 - 2009 | 2 | - | - | - | - |
There was insufficient data to fit a model for one location.
| Station | Statistical Trend | Sample Count | Years with Data | Period of Record | Median | tau | Sen Intercept | Sen Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 023000842 | Insufficient data to calculate trend | 571 | 2 | 2006 - 2007 | 27.7 | - | - | - | - |
| 02300084 | Insufficient data to calculate trend | 717 | 2 | 2006 - 2007 | 27.5 | - | - | - | - |
| 023000825 | Insufficient data to calculate trend | 659 | 2 | 2006 - 2007 | 26.6 | - | - | - | - |
| TCBH | Insufficient data to calculate trend | 8305 | 2 | 2008 - 2009 | 20.0 | - | - | - | - |
There was insufficient data to fit a model for four locations.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 565 | 4017 | 1999 | 2024 | Braun Blanquet | 8 |
Program names:
565 - Tampa Bay Seagrass Monitoring9
| CommonName | Trend Significance (0.05) | Period of Record | LME-Intercept | LME-Slope | p |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drift algae | Insufficient data to calculate trend | - | - | - | - |
| Shoal grass | Significantly increasing trend | 1999 - 2024 | 25.73515 | 0.862849 | 0.0041757 |
| No grass in quadrat | Model did not fit the available data | 1999 - 2024 | - | - | - |
| Widgeon grass | Insufficient data to calculate trend | - | - | - | - |
| Manatee grass | No significant trend | 1999 - 2023 | 36.53748 | 0.141925 | 0.7081145 |
| Turtle grass | No significant trend | 1999 - 2024 | 34.43132 | 0.229663 | 0.4469083 |
| Halophila, unk. | Insufficient data to calculate trend | - | - | - | - |
An annual increase in percent cover was observed for shoal grass (0.9%). No detectable change in percent cover was observed for manatee grass and turtle grass. Trends in percent cover could not be evaluated for unknown Halophila, widgeon grass, and drift algae due to insufficient data.
The following parameters are available for Terra Ceia Aquatic Preserve within the SAV_WC_Report:
Chlorophyll a
Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved Oxygen Saturation
pH
Salinity
Secchi Depth
Water Temperature
Total Nitrogen
Total Suspended Solids
Turbidity
Access the reports here: DRAFT_SAV_WC_Report_2024-11-20.pdf
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) | 1382 | 36 | 1989 - 2024 | 0.32 | 0.65 |
| Seine (183) | 1543 | 29 | 1996 - 2024 | 0.17 | 0.17 |
The median annual number of taxa was 0.17 based on 1,543 observations collected by 183-meter seine between 1996 and 2024, and the median annual number of taxa was 0.32 based on 1,382 observations collected by 6.1-meter trawl between 1989 and 2024.
| Acanthophora sp.1 | Eucinostomus argenteus2 | No grass in quadrat1 |
| Acanthostracion quadricornis2 | Eucinostomus gula2 | Ocyurus chrysurus2 |
| Achirus lineatus2 | Eucinostomus harengulus2 | Ogcocephalus cubifrons2 |
| Aetobatus narinari2 | Eucinostomus spp.2 | Oligoplites saurus2 |
| Albula vulpes2 | Eugerres plumieri2 | Ophidiidae spp.2 |
| Alpheidae spp.2 | Floridichthys carpio2 | Opisthonema oglinum2 |
| Aluterus schoepfii2 | Fundulus grandis2 | Opistognathus spp.2 |
| Aluterus scriptus2 | Fundulus similis2 | Opsanus beta2 |
| Anarchopterus criniger2 | Gerres cinereus2 | Oreochromis aureus2 |
| Anchoa cubana2 | Gobiosoma bosc2 | Oreochromis niloticus2 |
| Anchoa hepsetus2 | Gobiosoma longipala2 | Orthopristis chrysoptera2 |
| Anchoa mitchilli2 | Gobiosoma robustum2 | Ostraciidae spp.2 |
| Anchoa spp.2 | Gobiosoma spp.2 | Other green algae1 |
| Ancylopsetta quadrocellata2 | Gracilaria sp.1 | Paraclinus marmoratus2 |
| Archosargus probatocephalus2 | Haemulon aurolineatum2 | Paralichthys albigutta2 |
| Archosargus rhomboidalis2 | Haemulon plumierii2 | Penaeus duorarum2 |
| Argopecten irradians | Halichoeres bivittatus2 | Poecilia latipinna2 |
| Argopecten spp. | Halodule wrightii1 | Pogonias cromis2 |
| Ariopsis felis2 | Halophila sp.1 | Pomatomus saltatrix2 |
| Astroscopus ygraecum2 | Harengula jaguana2 | Portunidae spp.2 |
| Bagre marinus2 | Hemiramphidae spp.2 | Portunus spp.2 |
| Bairdiella chrysoura2 | Hemiramphus brasiliensis2 | Prionotus scitulus2 |
| Brevoortia spp.2 | Hippocampus erectus2 | Prionotus tribulus2 |
| Calamus arctifrons2 | Hippocampus zosterae2 | Pseudocrenilabrinae2 |
| Calamus bajonado2 | Hypleurochilus caudovittatus2 | Rachycentron canadum2 |
| Calamus penna2 | Hypleurochilus geminatus2 | Rhinoptera bonasus2 |
| Calamus spp.2 | Hypnea1 | Rimapenaeus constrictus2 |
| Callinectes ornatus2 | Hyporhamphus meeki2 | Rimapenaeus spp.2 |
| Callinectes sapidus2 | Hyporhamphus spp.2 | Ruppia maritima1 |
| Callinectes spp.2 | Hyporhamphus unifasciatus2 | Sardinella aurita2 |
| Caranx crysos2 | Hypsoblennius hentz2 | Sarotherodon melanotheron2 |
| Caranx hippos2 | Lachnolaimus maximus2 | Sciaenops ocellatus2 |
| Caranx latus2 | Lactophrys trigonus2 | Scomberomorus maculatus2 |
| Caranx spp.2 | Lagocephalus laevigatus2 | Scorpaena brasiliensis2 |
| Carcharhinus limbatus2 | Lagodon rhomboides2 | Selene vomer2 |
| Caulerpa mexicana1 | Leiostomus xanthurus2 | Serraniculus pumilio2 |
| Caulerpa prolifera1 | Lepisosteus osseus2 | Serranus subligarius2 |
| Caulerpa sertularioides1 | Limulus polyphemus | Sicyonia brevirostris2 |
| Centropomus undecimalis2 | Lucania parva2 | Sicyonia laevigata2 |
| Centropristis striata2 | Lutjanus analis2 | Sicyonia typica2 |
| Chaetodipterus faber2 | Lutjanus griseus2 | Sphoeroides nephelus2 |
| Chasmodes saburrae2 | Lutjanus synagris2 | Sphoeroides spengleri2 |
| Chelonia mydas2 | Lyngbya sp. | Sphyraena barracuda2 |
| Chilomycterus schoepfii2 | Malaclemys terrapin2 | Sphyraena borealis2 |
| Chloroscombrus chrysurus2 | Menidia spp.2 | Sphyrna tiburo2 |
| Citharichthys macrops2 | Menippe mercenaria2 | Stomolophus meleagris |
| Cynoscion arenarius2 | Menippe spp.2 | Strongylura marina2 |
| Cynoscion nebulosus2 | Menticirrhus americanus2 | Strongylura notata2 |
| Cyprinodon variegatus2 | Menticirrhus saxatilis2 | Strongylura timucu2 |
| Decapterus punctatus2 | Menticirrhus spp.2 | Syacium papillosum2 |
| Diapterus auratus2 | Microgobius gulosus2 | Symphurus plagiusa2 |
| Diodon spp.2 | Microgobius thalassinus2 | Syngnathus floridae2 |
| Diplectrum formosum2 | Micropogonias undulatus2 | Syngnathus louisianae2 |
| Diplectrum spp.2 | Monacanthus ciliatus2 | Syngnathus scovelli2 |
| Diplodus holbrookii2 | Monacanthus spp.2 | Syngnathus spp.2 |
| Dorosoma petenense2 | Mugil cephalus2 | Synodus foetens2 |
| Drift algae1 | Mugil curema2 | Syringodium filiforme1 |
| Drift red algae1 | Mugil spp.2 | Thalassia testudinum1 |
| Echeneis naucrates2 | Mugil trichodon2 | Trachinotus carolinus2 |
| Echeneis neucratoides2 | Mycteroperca microlepis2 | Trachinotus falcatus2 |
| Elops saurus2 | Myrophis punctatus2 | Trinectes maculatus2 |
| Epinephelus itajara2 | Negaprion brevirostris2 | Tylosurus crocodilus2 |
| Epinephelus morio2 | Nicholsina usta2 | Urophycis floridana2 |
| Etropus crossotus2 | No fish | Acanthophora sp.1 |
1 - Submerged Aquatic Vegetation, 2 - Nekton