AN INTEGRATED SURFACE WATER QUALITY 

MONITORING PROGRAM FOR THE SOUTH 

FLORIDA COASTAL WATERS 

FY2002 Cumulative Report to the South Florida Water 

Management District (Contract No. C-10244-A2)

Which includes the waters of: 

FLORIDA BAY 

WHITEWATER BAY 

TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS 

BISCAYNE BAY 

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SHELF 

CAPE ROMANO-PINE ISLAND SOUND 

Prepared by: 

Joseph N. Boyer, Ph.D. 

Ronald D. Jones, Ph.D. 

Southeast Environmental Research Center 

Florida International University 

Miami, FL 33199 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/
2

AN INTEGRATED SURFACE WATER QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAM FOR 

THE SOUTH FLORIDA COASTAL WATERS 

FY2002 Cumulative Report to the South Florida Water Management District 

(Contract No. C-10244-A2) 

Joseph N. Boyer and Ronald D. Jones, Southeast Environmental Research Center, Florida 

International University, Miami, FL 33199 http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

 This report summarizes the existing data from the FIU South Florida Estuarine Water Quality 

Monitoring Network. This includes water quality data collected from 28 stations in Florida Bay, 

22 stations in Whitewater Bay, 25 stations in Ten Thousand Islands, 25 stations in Biscayne Bay, 

49 stations on the Southwest Florida Shelf (Shelf), and 28 stations in the Cape Romano-Pine 

Island Sound area. Each of the stations in Florida Bay were monitored on a monthly basis with 

monitoring beginning in March 1991; Whitewater Bay monitoring began in September 1992; 

Biscayne Bay monthly monitoring began September 1993; the SW Florida Shelf was sampled 

quarterly beginning in spring 1995; and monthly sampling in the Cape Romano-Pine Island 

Sound area started January 1999. 

 We have continued our systematic analysis and interpretation starting with the most 

extensive dataset: Florida Bay. We have analyzed the data for spatial trends, temporal trends, 

and for freshwater loading effects. Spatial analysis can be performed on data of relatively short 

period of record, however, time series analysis usually requires a minimum 5 years before 

significant trends can be recognized over the background noise of inter-annual variability. 

Therefore, the type of analysis performed on each estuary is determined by the length of the 

record. 

 Trend analysis is an ongoing process; ecosystems change with climate and management 

strategy, therefore, analytical results may change as more data is collected. It is also important 

to understand that trend analysis alone will not necessarily provide cause and effect 

relationships. One of the purposes of any monitoring program should be to use the data gained 

by routine sampling to extend our understanding of the system by developing new hypotheses as 

to the underlying driving processes. Much inference into the behavior of South Florida estuaries 

can be made from the observed magnitude and distribution of water quality parameters. This 

type of multivariate approach should prove useful to scientists and managers faced with the task 

of interpreting large water quality datasets. This monitoring program has been very useful in 

helping to define restoration targets and will be even more valuable in determining whether these 

goal are met. 

Florida Bay

 Most water quality variables during 2002 generally followed typical annual trends but there 

were a couple exceptions. Do to normal rainfall, most of the bay did not experience any 

prolonged periods of hypersalinity. The annual pattern in CHLA in Western Bay was 

unremarkable but there were periods of elevated CHLA (relative to annual median) during the 

summer in Eastern and Central Bays. TP values in Central and Western Bays were 
3

unremarkable but elevated concentrations were observed in Eastern Bay during both spring and 

fall. Baywide DIN concentrations were generally lower than the long term annual median. 

Turbidity continues fluctuate at post 1993 levels. 

Whitewater Bay-Ten Thousand Islands

 The influence of freshwater input from the Everglades is very significant to this region. 

Large salinity variations are the norm, being driven by both climactic events and water 

management practices. No hypersaline events were observed, as 2002 was a normal year of 

precipitation. Except for a small summer increase in Whitewater Bay and Gulf Islands CHLA, 

levels of TP and DIN were relatively unremarkable. Finally, TOC continued its slow, long term 

downward trend in the Mangrove Rivers. 

Biscayne Bay

 Salinity in Biscayne Bay is strongly influenced by its large tidal exchange with the ocean. 

Nevertheless, canal inputs have a significant impact as evidenced by the irregular salinity 

fluctuations. 2002 was an unremarkable year for salinity, DIN, and turbidity. However, 

increases in TP concentrations in all areas of the Bay are beginning to become discernable and 

with that are some increases in CHLA as well. Not only are TP concentrations increasing, but so 

is the variability. This is a trend we must watch closely to see if other impacts to the Biscayne 

Bay’s ecosystem become noticeable. 

Southwest Florida Shelf

 Since this component of the monitoring program began in 1995 and is only sampled 

quarterly, there is little trend data to analyze. Although these analyses are very preliminary (only 

26 sampling events) it is possible to speculate that the clusters are formed as a function of 

hydrology and circulation patterns. We believe that the inshore cluster clearly shows the input of 

freshwater from Shark River being transported south and east around the Cape. Water overlying 

the shoal stations probably originates somewhere in or north of the Ten Thousand Islands. Our 

level of resolution is very low due to the limited numbers of sampling events and by the 

relatively large spatial gap between coastal and Shelf sampling sites. A better understanding of 

local circulation patterns in addition to increased density and frequency of sampling in the 

nearshore region may help define the coupling between freshwater inflow and Shelf water 

quality 

 An important incident occurred on the Shelf in 2002: the “Blackwater” event. It was 

observed in early 2002 and was picked up by our January sampling trip. The effects are seen as 

a peak in CHLA and DIN at that time. Otherwise, 2002 was relatively unremarkable. One thing 

to look for in the future is the possible development of an increasing trend in TP on the SHELF. 

As of now it is not statistically significant. 

Cape Romano-Pine Island Sound

 As there are only four years of data in the record; we will reserve discussion of trends until 

we have a significant time series. Aside from the effects of freshwater release, particularly in 

Estero Bay, 2002 was unremarkable. 
4

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 

 We thank all of our many field personnel, laboratory technicians, and data support staff for 

their diligence and perseverance in this ongoing program. This project was possible due to the 

continued funding by the South Florida Water Management District (District Contract No. C10244-A2). We also thank Rookery Bay NERR/FDEP and the captains and crew of the R/V 

Bellows of the Florida Institute of Oceanography for their field support of the monitoring 

program. 

 This report is contribution #T-203 of the Southeast Environmental Research Center at 

Florida International University. 
5

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

1. Project Description 

1.1. Background 

1.2. Field and Analytical Methods 

1.3. References 

2. State of Water Quality in Florida Bay 

3. State of Water Quality in Whitewater Bay-Ten Thousand Islands Complex 

4. State of Water Quality in Biscayne Bay 

5. State of Water Quality on the Southwest Florida Shelf 

6. State of Water Quality in Cape Romano-Pine Island Sound Area 

7. Publications Derived from this Project 

8. Presentations Derived from this Project 

9. Tables 

9.1. List of fixed station location and sampling period of record. 

9.2. Statistical summary of Florida Bay water quality variables by zone. 

9.3. Statistical summary of Whitewater Bay-Ten Thousand Islands water quality by 

zone. 

9.4. Statistical summary of Biscayne Bay water quality variables by zone. 

9.5. Statistical summary of Southwest Florida Shelf water quality variables by zone. 

9.6. Statistical summary of Cape Romano-Pine Island Sound area water quality 

variables by zone. 
6

1. PROJECT DESCRIPTION 

1.1. Background 

 One of the primary purposes for conducting long-term monitoring projects is to be able to 

detect trends in the measured parameters over time. These programs are usually initiated as a 

response to public perception (and possibly some scientific data) that “the river-bay-prairieforest-etc. is dying”. In the case of Florida Bay, the major impetus was the combination of a 

seagrass die-off, increased phytoplankton abundance, sponge mortality, and a perceived decline 

in fisheries beginning in 1987. In response to these phenomena, a network of water quality 

monitoring stations was established in 1989 to explicate both spatial patterns and temporal trends 

in water quality in an effort to elucidate mechanisms behind the recent ecological change. 

 This report summarizes the existing data from our South Florida Estuarine Water Quality 

Monitoring Network (Fig. 1.1). This network includes water quality data collected from 28 

stations in Florida Bay, 22 stations in Whitewater Bay to Lostmans River, 25 stations in Ten 

Thousand Islands, 25 stations in Biscayne Bay, 49 stations on the Southwest Florida Shelf 

(Shelf), and 28 stations in the Cape Romano-Pine Island Sound area. Each of the stations in 

Florida Bay were sampled on a monthly basis with monitoring beginning in March 1991 (except 

stations 14, 19, 22, and 23 which began April 1991). In July 1992, stations 25 through 28 were 

added in Florida Bay. Monthly sampling at stations #29-50 in Whitewater Bay were added to 

the monitoring program in September 1992. Biscayne Bay monthly monitoring began 

September 1993 for stations 100-125. In May 1996 an analysis of the data was performed to 

address the adequacy of spatial coverage. At that time, 10 station locations in the Biscayne Bay 

monitoring network were moved to provide coverage of North Biscayne Bay. The Ten 

Thousand Islands sites 51-75 were begun in Sept. 1994, the Shelf was sampled quarterly 

beginning in spring 1995, and the Cape Romano-Pine Island Sound area was started Jan. 1999. 

A summary of station locations and sampling period of record is shown in Table 1. 
7

Figure 1.1. Fixed station locations for the SFWMD funded portion of the FIU estuarine water 

quality monitoring network. 
8

1.2. Field and Analytical Methods 

 Water samples were collected and analyzed by SERC personnel using standard methodology 

outlined in the Quality Assurance Project Plan with prior approval from SFWMD and FDEP. 

Salinity and temperature (°C) were measured 10 cm below the surface and 10 cm above the 

bottom using a combination salinity-conductivity-temperature probe (Orion model 140). Surface 

and bottom dissolved oxygen (DO, mg l-1) was measured using an oxygen electrode (Orion 

model 840), corrected for both salinity and temperature. 

 Duplicate, unfiltered water samples were collected from 10 cm below the surface using 

sample rinsed, 120 ml HDPE bottles and kept at ambient temperature in the dark during 

transport. Duplicate water samples for dissolved nutrient analysis were collected using sample 

rinsed 150 ml syringes. These samples were filtered by hand (25 mm glass fiber GF/F) into 

acetone-washed and sample rinsed 60 ml HDPE bottles, which were then capped and 

immediately placed on ice in the dark for transport. The wet filters, used for chlorophyll a

analysis (CHLA), were placed in 2 ml plastic centrifuge tubes to which 1.5 ml of 90% acetone 

was added. They were then immediately capped and put into a dark bottle on ice for transport 

(APHA 1999). 

 Unfiltered water samples were analyzed for total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), 

total phosphorus (TP), alkaline phosphatase activity (APA), and turbidity (NTU). TOC was 

measured by direct injection onto hot platinum catalyst in a Shimadzu TOC-5000 after first 

acidifying to pH<2 and purging with CO2-free air. TN was measured using an ANTEK 7000N 

Nitrogen Analyzer using O2 as carrier gas instead of argon to promote complete recovery of the 

nitrogen in the water samples (Frankovich and Jones 1998). TP was determined using a dry 

ashing, acid hydrolysis technique (Solorzano and Sharp 1980). The APA assay measures the 

activity of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme used by bacteria to mineralize phosphate from 

organic compounds (Hashimoto et al. 1985). This assay is performed by adding a known 

concentration of an organic phosphate compound (o-methylfluorescein phosphate) to an 

unfiltered water sample. Alkaline phosphatase in the water sample cleaves the phosphate, 

leaving o-methylfluorescein, a highly fluorescent compound. The fluorescence of initial and 2 hr 

incubations were measured using a Gilford Fluoro IV spectrofluorometer (excitation = 430 nm, 

emission = 507 nm) and subtracted to give APA (μM h-1). Turbidity was measured using an HF 

Scientific model DRT-15C turbidimeter and reported in NTU. 

 Filtrates were analyzed for soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP), nitrate + nitrite (NOX

-

), nitrite 

(NO2

-

), ammonium (NH4

+

), and silicate (Si(OH)4) by flow injection analysis (Alpkem model 

RFA 300). Filters for CHLA content (μg l-1) were allowed to extract for a minimum of 2 days at 

-20° C before analysis. Extracts were analyzed using a Gilford Fluoro IV Spectrofluorometer 

(excitation = 435 nm, emission = 667 nm) and compared to a standard curve of pure CHLA 

(Sigma). 

 Some parameters were not measured directly, but were calculated by difference. Nitrate 

(NO3

-

) was calculated as NOX

-

 - NO2

-

. Dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) was calculated as 

NOX

-

 + NH4

+

. Total organic nitrogen (TON) was defined as TN - DIN. Concentrations for all of 

these water quality variables are reported in units of milligrams per liter (mg l-1) or the 

equivalent parts per million (ppm), except where noted. All nutrient concentrations are based on 

the atomic weight of primary nutrient species (ppm-N, ppm-P, and ppm-C), not the molecular 

weight. All N:P ratios discussed are calculated on a molar basis. 
9

1.3. References 

APHA. 1999. Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. 

EPA Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes, Revised March 1983. 

Frankovich, T. A., and R. D. Jones. 1998. A rapid, precise, and sensitive method for the 

determination of total nitrogen in natural waters. Marine Chemistry 60: 227-234. 

Hashimoto, Kitao, and Keiichiro. 1985. Relationship between alkaline phosphatase activity and 

orthophosphate in the present Tokyo Bay. Environ. Sci. Health A20: 781-908) 

Solorzano, L., and J. H. Sharp. 1980. Determination of total dissolved phosphorus and 

particulate phosphorus in natural waters. Limnol. Oceanogr. 25: 754-758. 
10

2. STATE OF WATER QUALITY IN FLORIDA BAY 

Overall Period of Record

 A spatial analysis of data from our monitoring program resulted in the delineation of 3 

groups of stations, which have robust similarities in water quality (Fig. 2.1). We contend that 

these spatially contiguous groups of stations are the result of similar hydrodynamic forcing and 

processing of materials, hence we call them 'zones of similar influence'. The Eastern Bay zone 

acts most like a 'conventional' estuary in that it has a quasi-longitudinal salinity gradient caused 

by the mixing of freshwater runoff with seawater. In contrast, the Central Bay is a 

hydrographically isolated area with low and infrequent terrestrial freshwater input, a long water 

residence time, and high evaporative potential. The Western Bay zone is the most influenced by 

the Gulf of Mexico tides and is also isolated from direct overland freshwater sources. 

 Climactic changes occurring over the data collection period of record had major effects on 

the health of the bay. Precipitation rebounded from the drought during the late 80's being equal 

to or greater than the long term average (9.2 cm mo-1) for 11 of the last 12 years (Fig 2.2.). Early 

in the record, salinity and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations declined baywide while turbidity 

(cloudiness of the water) increased dramatically. The salinity decline in Eastern and Central 

Florida Bay was dramatic early on and has since stabilized into a regular seasonal cycle (Fig. 

2.3). The box-and-whisker plots presented in this and following figures show the range (boxes 

are quartiles; whiskers include 90% of data) and median (line in box) of the monthly data. Some 

of this decrease in Eastern Bay could be accounted for by increased freshwater flows from the 

Everglades but declines in other areas point to the climactic effect of increased rainfall during 

this period. The Central Bay continues to experience hypersaline conditions (>35) during the 

summer but the extent and duration of the events is much smaller. 

 Chlorophyll a concentrations (CHLA), a proxy for phytoplankton biomass, were particularly 

dynamic and spatially heterogeneous (Fig. 2.4). The Eastern Bay generally has the lowest 

CHLA while the Central Bay is highest. In the Eastern Bay, which makes up roughly half of the 

surface area of Florida Bay, CHLA has declined by 0.9 μg l-1 or 63%. Most of this decline 

occurred over a few months in the spring/summer of 1994 and has remained relatively stable. 

The isolated Central Bay zone underwent a 5-fold increase in CHLA from 1989-94 then rapidly 

declined to previous levels by 1996. In Western Florida Bay, there was a significant increase in 

CHLA, yet median concentrations remained modest (2 μg l-1) by most estuarine standards. 

There were significant blooms in Central and Western Bay immediately following Hurricanes 

Georges (Nov. 1998) but it was Hurricane Irene’s large rainfall input (Oct. 1999) which spiked 

the largest blooms all throughout the bay. It is important to note that these changes in CHLA 

(and turbidity) happened years after the poorly-understood seagrass die-off in 1987. It is 

possible that the death and decomposition of large amounts of seagrass biomass might partially 

explain some of the changes in water quality of Florida Bay but the connections are temporally 

disjoint and the processes indirect and not well understood. 

 As mentioned previously, TP concentrations have declined baywide over the 12 year period 

of record (Fig. 2.5). As with salinity, most of these declines occurred in the early record. Unlike 

most other estuaries, increased terrestrial runoff may have been partially responsible for the 

decrease in TP concentrations in the Eastern Bay. This is because the TP concentrations of the 

runoff are at or below ambient levels in the bay. The elevated TP in the Central Bay is mostly 

due to concentration effect of high evaporation. Recently, there have been significant peaks 

during the fall season in both Eastern and Western Bays. It is important to understand that 
11

almost all the phosphorus measured as TP is in the form of organic matter which is less 

accessible to plants and algae than inorganic phosphate. 

 The dissolved inorganic nitrogen pool (DIN) is made up of ammonium (NH4

+

), nitrate (NO3

-

), and nitrate (NO2

-

). The Western Bay is lowest in DIN; phytoplankton in this region may be 

limited by N availability on a regular basis (Fig. 2.6). DIN in the Eastern Bay is a little higher 

and is mostly in the form of NO3

-

 while highest levels are found in the Central Bay as NH4

+

. 

 Turbidity in the Central and Western Bays have increased tremendously since 1991 (Fig. 

2.7). Turbidity in Eastern Bay increased 2-fold from 1991-93, while Central and Western Bays 

increased by factors of 20 and 4, respectively. Turbidity across the bay has since stabilized and 

possibly declined but certainly not to previous levels. In general, the Eastern Bay has the 

clearest water, which is due to a combination of factors such as high seagrass cover, more 

protected basins, low tidal energy, and shallow sediment coverage. We are unsure as to the 

cause but the loss of seagrass coverage may have destabilized the bottom so that it is more easily 

disturbed by wind events. 

2002 Alone

 Most water quality variables during 2002 generally followed typical annual trends but there 

were a couple exceptions. Do to normal rainfall, most of the bay did not experience any 

prolonged periods of hypersalinity. The annual pattern in CHLA in Western Bay was 

unremarkable but there were periods of elevated CHLA (relative to annual median) during the 

summer in Eastern and Central Bays. TP values in Central and Western Bays were 

unremarkable but elevated concentrations were observed in Eastern Bay during both spring and 

fall. Baywide DIN concentrations were generally lower than the long term annual median. 

Turbidity continues fluctuate at post 1993 levels. 

Data, Graphs, and Figures

All data for the period of record are available at: 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/SFWMD-CD/DataDL.htm

Monthly time series graphs for all measured variables for each station are available at: 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/SFWMD-CD/FB.htm

Contour maps showing spatial distributions of all measured variables (quarterly) are available at: 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/SFWMD-CD/ContourMaps.htm
12

Figure 2.1. Zones of similar water quality in Florida Bay 

Average Monthly Rainfall 

0

10

20

30

40

50

1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003

cm mo-1

Figure 2.2. Monthly average rainfall in the Florida Bay area. 

-81.2 -81.0 -80.8 -80.6 -80.4 -80.2 24.8

25.0

25.2

25.4

Florida Bay Water Quality Zones

Eastern Bay ( ), Central Bay, ( ), Western Bay ( )
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

1989-061990-011990-061990-111991-041991-101992-031992-081993-011993-061993-111994-041994-091995-031995-081996-011996-061996-111997-041997-091998-021998-071999-011999-061999-112000-042000-092001-022001-072001-122002-052002-10

Eastern

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

1989-061990-011990-061990-111991-041991-101992-031992-081993-011993-061993-111994-041994-091995-031995-081996-011996-061996-111997-041997-091998-021998-071999-011999-061999-112000-042000-092001-022001-072001-122002-052002-10

Central

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

1989-061990-011990-061990-111991-041991-101992-031992-081993-011993-061993-111994-041994-091995-031995-081996-011996-061996-111997-041997-091998-021998-071999-011999-061999-112000-042000-092001-022001-072001-122002-052002-10

Western

Figure 2.3. Monthly median and range of salinity in the three Florida Bay zones. 
0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

μg/l

1989-061990-011990-061990-111991-041991-101992-031992-081993-011993-061993-111994-041994-091995-031995-081996-011996-061996-111997-041997-091998-021998-071999-011999-061999-112000-042000-092001-022001-072001-122002-052002-10

Eastern

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

μg/l

1989-061990-011990-061990-111991-041991-101992-031992-081993-011993-061993-111994-041994-091995-031995-081996-011996-061996-111997-041997-091998-021998-071999-011999-061999-112000-042000-092001-022001-072001-122002-052002-10

Central

Figure 2.4. Monthly median and range of CHLA in the three Florida Bay zones. 

0

5

10

15

20

25

μg/l

1989-061990-011990-061990-111991-041991-101992-031992-081993-011993-061993-111994-041994-091995-031995-081996-011996-061996-111997-041997-091998-021998-071999-011999-061999-112000-042000-092001-022001-072001-122002-052002-10

Western
0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

ppm

1989-061990-011990-061990-111991-041991-101992-031992-081993-011993-061993-111994-041994-091995-031995-081996-011996-061996-111997-041997-091998-021998-071999-011999-061999-112000-042000-092001-022001-072001-122002-052002-10

Eastern

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

ppm

1989-061990-011990-061990-111991-041991-101992-031992-081993-011993-061993-111994-041994-091995-031995-081996-011996-061996-111997-041997-091998-021998-071999-011999-061999-112000-042000-092001-022001-072001-122002-052002-10

Central

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

ppm

1989-061990-011990-061990-111991-041991-101992-031992-081993-011993-061993-111994-041994-091995-031995-081996-011996-061996-111997-041997-091998-021998-071999-011999-061999-112000-042000-092001-022001-072001-122002-052002-10

Western

Figure 2.5. Monthly median and range of TP in the three Florida Bay zones. 
0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

ppm

1989-061990-011990-061990-111991-041991-101992-031992-081993-011993-061993-111994-041994-091995-031995-081996-011996-061996-111997-041997-091998-021998-071999-011999-061999-112000-042000-092001-022001-072001-122002-052002-10

Eastern

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

1.0

ppm

1989-061990-011990-061990-111991-041991-101992-031992-081993-011993-061993-111994-041994-091995-031995-081996-011996-061996-111997-041997-091998-021998-071999-011999-061999-112000-042000-092001-022001-072001-122002-052002-10

Central

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

ppm

1989-061990-011990-061990-111991-041991-101992-031992-081993-011993-061993-111994-041994-091995-031995-081996-011996-061996-111997-041997-091998-021998-071999-011999-061999-112000-042000-092001-022001-072001-122002-052002-10

Western

Figure 2.6. Monthly median and range of DIN in the three Florida Bay zones. 
0.1

1.0

10.0

100.0

NTU

1989-061990-011990-061990-111991-041991-101992-031992-081993-011993-061993-111994-041994-091995-031995-081996-011996-061996-111997-041997-091998-021998-071999-011999-061999-112000-042000-092001-022001-072001-122002-052002-10

Eastern

0.1

1.0

10.0

100.0

NTU

1989-061990-011990-061990-111991-041991-101992-031992-081993-011993-061993-111994-041994-091995-031995-081996-011996-061996-111997-041997-091998-021998-071999-011999-061999-112000-042000-092001-022001-072001-122002-052002-10

Central

0.1

1.0

10.0

100.0

NTU

1989-061990-011990-061990-111991-041991-101992-031992-081993-011993-061993-111994-041994-091995-031995-081996-011996-061996-111997-041997-091998-021998-071999-011999-061999-112000-042000-092001-022001-072001-122002-052002-10

Western

Figure 2.7. Monthly median and range of turbidity in the three Florida Bay zones. 
3. STATE OF WATER QUALITY IN WHITEWATER BAY - TEN 

THOUSAND ISLANDS COMPLEX 

Overall Period of Record

 A spatial analysis of data from our monitoring program resulted in the delineation of 6 

groups of stations, which have robust similarities in water quality (Fig. 3.1). We contend that 

these spatially contiguous groups of stations are the result of similar hydrodynamic forcing and 

processing of materials, hence we call them 'zones of similar influence'. The first cluster was 

composed of 13 stations in and around the Shark, Harney, Broad, and Lostmans Rivers and is 

called the Mangrove River (MR) group. This cluster also included a sampling station just off the 

Faka Union Canal. The second cluster was made up of the 8 stations enclosed within 

Whitewater Bay proper (WWB). Twelve stations situated mostly in and around the coastal 

islands of TTI-WWB formed the Gulf Island group (GI). The water quality characteristics at the 

Coot Bay site (COOT) were sufficiently different so as to be a cluster of its own. The next 

cluster contained the northernmost 2 stations in the Blackwater River estuary (BLK). Finally, 

the Inland Wilderness Waterway zone (IWW) included 11 stations distributed throughout the 

inside passage as well as the Chatham River and the station off Everglades City. 

 Marked differences in physical, chemical, and biological characteristics among zones were 

illustrated by this technique. The general spatial trend is one of highly variable salinity as a 

result of Shark Slough inputs in the south (Fig. 3.2). Salinity in the Gulf Islands zone was more 

consistent due to Gulf of Mexico influence but also is affected by Caloosahatchee River outputs. 

CHLA concentrations were relatively high in this region compared to Florida Bay and the Shelf 

(Fig 3.3). Highest CHLA were observed in the semi-enclosed areas such as Whitewater Bay and 

the Inner Wilderness Waterway. It is possible that the longer water residence times exhibited in 

these areas promoted the intensification of algal biomass. TP tended to be lowest in Whitewater 

Bay and Mangrove Rivers but increased northward along the coast (Fig. 3.4). The spatial 

distribution of DIN was generally opposite to that of TP (Fig. 3.5). The net effect was the 

formation of a gradient with strong phosphorus limitation occurring in the southern region which 

shifted to a more balanced N:P ratio in the northern area around the Blackwater River. The 

Mangrove Rivers were a significant source of TOC to the Shelf (Fig. 3.6). TOC was highest in 

the south and declined northward along the coast. 

 We believe these gradients are the result of coastal geomorphology and watershed 

characteristics in the region (Boyer and Jones, in review). The width of the mangrove forest is 

widest in the south (15 km) but grades to only 4 km wide in the northern TTI; this being a 

function of elevation and sediment type. Whitewater Bay is a semi-enclosed body of water with 

a relatively long residence time, which receives overland freshwater input from the Everglades 

marsh. The long water residence time may explain the very low P concentrations (from 

biological uptake), while the high evaporation rate would tend to concentrate dissolved organic 

matter (DOM). The Mangrove Rivers are directly connected to the Shark River Slough and 

therefore have a huge watershed relative to their volume. Freshwater inputs from this source are 

very low in P while the extensive mangrove forest contributes much DOM. The Inner Waterway 

is an intermediate zone in all respects; having extensive channelization but low freshwater input. 

The Gulf Island zone has very low freshwater input due to the poorly drained watershed of the 

Big Cypress Basin. Instead of mangrove river channels there are many mangrove islands set in 

low tidal energy environment situated behind the Cape Romano Shoals. Finally there is the 
Blackwater River cluster with highest TP concentrations. There is considerable agriculture 

(tomatoes, etc.) in the Blackwater River watershed, which may contribute significant amounts of 

P to the system via drainage ditches. Further analysis of this relationship is planned. 

2002 Alone

 The influence of freshwater input from the Everglades is very significant to this region. 

Large salinity variations are the norm, being driven by both climactic events and water 

management practices. No hypersaline events were observed, as 2002 was a normal year of 

precipitation. Except for a small summer increase in Whitewater Bay and Gulf Islands CHLA, 

levels of TP and DIN were relatively unremarkable. Finally, TOC continued its slow, long term 

downward trend in the Mangrove Rivers. 

Data, Graphs, and Figures

All data for the period of record are available at: 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/SFWMD-CD/DataDL.htm

Monthly time series graphs for all measured variables for each station are available at: 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/SFWMD-CD/WWB.htm

Contour maps showing spatial distributions of all measured variables (quarterly) are available at: 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/SFWMD-CD/ContourMaps.htm
Figure 3.1. Zones of similar water quality in Whitewater Bay-Ten Thousand Islands complex: 

-81.5 -81.0

25.0

25.5

26.0

42

43

44

45 46 47

4849

29

30 31

32

33 34 35

36

37 38

39

63

70

40 41

51

52

65

66

67 68 71 69

72 73

50

7475

535455

56

57 58 59

60 61

62

64

Faka Union Canal

Everglades City

Blackwater River

Gulf Islands

Inner Waterway

Mangrove

Rivers

Coot Bay

Whitewater

Bay

Mangrove Rivers, Whitewater Bay, Gulf Islands,

Coot Bay, Blackwater River, Inner Waterway
0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1992-091993-011993-051993-091994-011994-051994-091995-011995-051995-091996-011996-051996-091997-011997-051997-091998-011998-051998-101999-021999-061999-102000-022000-062000-102001-022001-062001-102002-022002-062002-10

Mangrove Rivers

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1992-091993-011993-051993-091994-011994-051994-091995-011995-051995-091996-011996-051996-091997-021997-061997-101998-021998-061998-111999-031999-071999-112000-032000-072000-112001-032001-092002-012002-052002-09

Whitewater Bay

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1992-091993-011993-051993-091994-011994-051994-091995-011995-051995-091996-011996-051996-091997-011997-051997-091998-011998-051998-101999-021999-061999-102000-022000-062000-102001-022001-062001-102002-022002-062002-10

Gulf Islands

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1994-091995-011995-051995-091996-041996-091997-011997-051997-091998-011998-051998-101999-021999-061999-102000-022000-062000-102001-022001-062001-102002-022002-062002-10

Blackwater River

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1994-091995-011995-051995-091996-021996-081996-121997-041997-081997-121998-041998-081999-011999-051999-092000-012000-052000-092001-012001-052001-092002-012002-052002-09

Inner Waterway

Figure 3.2. Monthly median and range of salinity in the five WWB-TTI zones. 
0

3

5

8

10

13

15

18

20

μg/l

1992-091993-011993-051993-091994-011994-051994-091995-011995-051995-091996-011996-051996-091997-011997-051997-091998-011998-051998-101999-021999-061999-102000-022000-062000-102001-022001-062001-102002-022002-062002-10

Mangrove Rivers

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

μg/l

1992-091993-011993-051993-091994-011994-051994-091995-011995-051995-091996-011996-051996-091997-021997-061997-101998-021998-061998-111999-031999-071999-112000-032000-072000-112001-032001-092002-012002-052002-09

Whitewater Bay

0

5

10

15

20

μg/l

1992-091993-011993-051993-091994-011994-051994-091995-011995-051995-091996-011996-051996-091997-011997-051997-091998-011998-051998-101999-021999-061999-102000-022000-062000-102001-022001-062001-102002-022002-062002-10

Gulf Islands

0

5

10

15

20

μg/l

1994-091995-011995-051995-091996-041996-091997-011997-051997-091998-011998-051998-101999-021999-061999-102000-022000-062000-102001-022001-062001-102002-022002-062002-10

Blackwater River

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

μg/l

1994-091995-011995-051995-091996-021996-081996-121997-041997-081997-121998-041998-081999-011999-051999-092000-012000-052000-092001-012001-052001-092002-012002-052002-09

Inland Wilderness Waterway

Figure 3.3. Monthly median and range of chlorophyll a in the five WWB-TTI zones. 
0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

ppm

1992-091993-011993-051993-091994-011994-051994-091995-011995-051995-091996-011996-051996-091997-011997-051997-091998-011998-051998-101999-021999-061999-102000-022000-062000-102001-022001-062001-102002-022002-062002-10

Mangrove Rivers

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

ppm

1992-091993-011993-051993-091994-011994-051994-091995-011995-051995-091996-011996-051996-091997-021997-061997-101998-021998-061998-111999-031999-071999-112000-032000-072000-112001-032001-092002-012002-052002-09

Whitewater Bay

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

ppm

1992-091993-011993-051993-091994-011994-051994-091995-011995-051995-091996-011996-051996-091997-011997-051997-091998-011998-051998-101999-021999-061999-102000-022000-062000-102001-022001-062001-102002-022002-062002-10

Gulf Islands

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

ppm

1994-091995-011995-051995-091996-041996-091997-011997-051997-091998-011998-051998-101999-021999-061999-102000-022000-062000-102001-022001-062001-102002-022002-062002-10

Blackwater River

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

ppm

1994-091995-011995-051995-091996-021996-081996-121997-041997-081997-121998-041998-081999-011999-051999-092000-012000-052000-092001-012001-052001-092002-012002-052002-09

Inland Wilderness Waterway

Figure 3.4. Monthly median and range of total phosphorus in the five WWB-TTI zones.
0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

ppm

1992-091993-011993-051993-091994-011994-051994-091995-011995-051995-091996-011996-051996-091997-011997-051997-091998-011998-051998-101999-021999-061999-102000-022000-062000-102001-022001-062001-102002-022002-062002-10

Mangrove Rivers

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

ppm

1992-091993-011993-051993-091994-011994-051994-091995-011995-051995-091996-011996-051996-091997-021997-061997-101998-021998-061998-111999-031999-071999-112000-032000-072000-112001-032001-092002-012002-052002-09

Whitewater Bay

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

ppm

1992-091993-011993-051993-091994-011994-051994-091995-011995-051995-091996-011996-051996-091997-011997-051997-091998-011998-051998-101999-021999-061999-102000-022000-062000-102001-022001-062001-102002-022002-062002-10

Gulf Islands

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

ppm

1994-091995-011995-051995-091996-041996-091997-011997-051997-091998-011998-051998-101999-021999-061999-102000-022000-062000-102001-022001-062001-102002-022002-062002-10

Blackwater River

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

0.35

ppm

1994-091995-011995-051995-091996-021996-081996-121997-041997-081997-121998-041998-081999-011999-051999-092000-012000-052000-092001-012001-052001-092002-012002-052002-09

Inner Wilderness Waterway

Figure 3.5. Monthly median and range of dissolved inorganic nitrogen in the five zones.
0

10

20

30

40

50

60

ppm

1992-091993-011993-051993-091994-011994-051994-091995-011995-051995-091996-011996-051996-091997-011997-051997-091998-011998-051998-101999-021999-061999-102000-022000-062000-102001-022001-062001-102002-022002-062002-10

Mangrove Rivers

0

10

20

30

40

ppm

1992-091993-011993-051993-091994-011994-051994-091995-011995-051995-091996-011996-051996-091997-021997-061997-101998-021998-061998-111999-031999-071999-112000-032000-072000-112001-032001-092002-012002-052002-09

Whitewater Bay

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

ppm

1992-091993-011993-051993-091994-011994-051994-091995-011995-051995-091996-011996-051996-091997-011997-051997-091998-011998-051998-101999-021999-061999-102000-022000-062000-102001-022001-062001-102002-022002-062002-10

Gulf Islands

0

5

10

15

20

25

ppm

1994-091995-011995-051995-091996-041996-091997-011997-051997-091998-011998-051998-101999-021999-061999-102000-022000-062000-102001-022001-062001-102002-022002-062002-10

Blackwater River

0

5

10

15

20

25

ppm

1994-091995-011995-051995-091996-021996-081996-121997-041997-081997-121998-041998-081999-011999-051999-092000-012000-052000-092001-012001-052001-092002-012002-052002-09

Inland Wilderness Waterway

Figure 3.6. Monthly median and range of total organic carbon in the five WWB-TTI zones.
4. STATE OF WATER QUALITY IN BISCAYNE BAY 

Overall Period of Record

 A spatial analysis of data from our monitoring program resulted in the delineation of 6 

groups of stations, which have robust similarities in water quality (Fig. 4.1). We contend that 

these spatially contiguous groups of stations are the result of similar hydrodynamic forcing and 

processing of materials, hence we call them 'zones of similar influence'. The first cluster was 

composed of 2 stations closest to the shore in the south Bay and was called the Alongshore 

group (AS). These are stations most influenced by the Goulds, Military and Mowry Canals. The 

second cluster was made up of the 5 stations farther from the coast called Inshore (IS). Thirteen 

stations situated mostly in the bay proper were called the main Bay (MAIN) group. The next 

cluster contained 3 stations situated in areas of great tidal exchange (ocean channel, not shown). 

Two stations in Card Sound grouped together SCARD. Finally, the Turkey Point station 

comprised its own cluster (not shown). As mentioned previously, 10 stations were selected for 

their status as being either redundant (as in some of the Main Bay stations) or as outliers (Turkey 

Point and the ocean channel sites) and redistributed throughout the Bay to provide us with more 

complete coverage. For purposes of this report, the stations added to the area north of the 

Rickenbacker Causeway are defined, a priori, as a distinct cluster, North Bay (NBAY). 

 There was a gradient of increasing salinity with distance from the west coast of the Bay (AS 

<IS <MAIN clusters Fig. 4.2). Opposite to the salinity gradient, highest concentrations of 

CHLA, DIN, and TP were observed near the coast (Fig. 4.3, 4.4, & 4.5). These type of gradients 

are indicative of anthropogenic inputs. NBAY showed DIN levels comparable to the high 

concentrations seen AS but had a higher median salinity. In addition, NBAY had the highest 

median TP concentration of any zone. SCARD had relatively high DIN concentrations relative 

to the other nutrients. Some of this may be attributed to the long water residence time of this 

basin as evidence by near ocean salinities. TOC concentrations were highest in AS > IS > 

MAIN, denoting a freshwater source (not shown). 

2002 Alone

 Salinity in Biscayne Bay is strongly influenced by its large tidal exchange with the ocean. 

Nevertheless, canal inputs have a significant impact as evidenced by the irregular salinity 

fluctuations. 2002 was an unremarkable year for salinity, DIN, and turbidity. However, 

increases in TP concentrations in all areas of the Bay are beginning to become discernable and 

with that are some increases in CHLA as well. Not only are TP concentrations increasing, but so 

is the variability. This is a trend we must watch closely to see if other impacts to the Biscayne 

Bay’s ecosystem become noticeable. 

Data, Graphs, and Figures

All data for the period of record are available at: 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/SFWMD-CD/DataDL.htm

Monthly time series graphs for all measured variables for each station are available at: 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/SFWMD-CD/BB.htm

Contour maps showing spatial distributions of all measured variables (quarterly) are available at: 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/SFWMD-CD/ContourMaps.htm
Figure 4.1. Zones of similar water quality in Biscayne Bay. 

-80.4 -80.3 -80.2 -80.1

25.5

26.0

101

102

103

110

122

127

128

104

108 109

111

112

113

116

123

124

126

129

121

135

130

131

132

133

134

Miami

Alongshore, Inshore, Main Bay, 

North Bay, South Card Sound
0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1993-091993-121994-031994-061994-091994-121995-031995-061995-091995-121996-031996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

Alongshore

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1993-091993-121994-031994-061994-091994-121995-031995-061995-091995-121996-031996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

Inshore

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1993-091993-121994-031994-061994-091994-121995-031995-061995-091995-121996-031996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

Main Bay

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1993-101994-011994-041994-071994-101995-011995-041995-071995-101996-011996-041996-071996-101997-011997-041997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-111999-021999-051999-081999-112000-022000-052000-082000-112001-032001-062001-092001-122002-032002-062002-092002-12

South Card Sound

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

1996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

North Bay

Figure 4.2. Monthly median and range of salinity in the five Biscayne Bay zones. 
0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

μg/l

1993-091993-121994-031994-061994-091994-121995-031995-061995-091995-121996-031996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

Alongshore

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

μg/l

1993-091993-121994-031994-061994-091994-121995-031995-061995-091995-121996-031996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

Inshore

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

μg/l

1993-091993-121994-031994-061994-091994-121995-031995-061995-091995-121996-031996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

Main Bay

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

3.5

4.0

μg/l

1993-101994-011994-041994-071994-101995-011995-041995-071995-101996-011996-041996-071996-101997-011997-041997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-111999-021999-051999-081999-112000-022000-052000-082000-112001-032001-062001-092001-122002-032002-062002-092002-12

South Card Sound

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

10.0

μg/l

1996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

North Bay

Figure 4.3. Monthly median and range of chlorophyll a in the five Biscayne Bay zones. 
0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

ppm

1993-091993-121994-031994-061994-091994-121995-031995-061995-091995-121996-031996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

Alongshore

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

ppm

1993-091993-121994-031994-061994-091994-121995-031995-061995-091995-121996-031996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

Inshore

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

ppm

1993-091993-121994-031994-061994-091994-121995-031995-061995-091995-121996-031996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

Main Bay

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

ppm

1993-101994-011994-041994-071994-101995-011995-041995-071995-101996-011996-041996-071996-101997-011997-041997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-111999-021999-051999-081999-112000-022000-052000-082000-112001-032001-062001-092001-122002-032002-062002-092002-12

South Card Sound

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

ppm

1996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

North Bay

Figure 4.4. Monthly median and range of total phosphorus in the five Biscayne Bay zones. 
0.0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1.0

1.2

ppm

1993-091993-121994-031994-061994-091994-121995-031995-061995-091995-121996-031996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

Alongshore

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

ppm

1993-091993-121994-031994-061994-091994-121995-031995-061995-091995-121996-031996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

Inshore

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

ppm

1993-091993-121994-031994-061994-091994-121995-031995-061995-091995-121996-031996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

Main Bay

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

ppm

1993-101994-011994-041994-071994-101995-011995-041995-071995-101996-011996-041996-071996-101997-011997-041997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-111999-021999-051999-081999-112000-022000-052000-082000-112001-032001-062001-092001-122002-032002-062002-092002-12

South Card Sound

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

ppm

1996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

North Bay

Figure 4.5. Monthly median and range of dissolved inorganic N in the Biscayne Bay zones. 
0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

NTU

1993-091993-121994-031994-061994-091994-121995-031995-061995-091995-121996-031996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

Alongshore

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

NTU

1993-091993-121994-031994-061994-091994-121995-031995-061995-091995-121996-031996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

Inshore

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

NTU

1993-091993-121994-031994-061994-091994-121995-031995-061995-091995-121996-031996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

Main Bay

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

NTU

1993-101994-011994-041994-071994-101995-011995-041995-071995-101996-011996-041996-071996-101997-011997-041997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-111999-021999-051999-081999-112000-022000-052000-082000-112001-032001-062001-092001-122002-032002-062002-092002-12

South Card Sound

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

10.0

11.0

12.0

NTU

1996-061996-091996-121997-031997-061997-091997-121998-031998-061998-101999-011999-041999-071999-102000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-082001-112002-022002-052002-082002-11

North Bay

Figure 4.6. Monthly median and range of turbidity in the five Biscayne Bay zones. 
5. STATE OF WATER QUALITY ON THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA 

SHELF 

Overall Period of Record

 A spatial analysis of data from our monitoring program resulted in the delineation of 3 

groups of stations, which have robust similarities in water quality (Fig. 5.1). We have argued 

that these spatially contiguous groups of stations are the result of similar hydrodynamic forcing 

and processing of materials, hence we call them 'zones of similar influence'. The first cluster 

was composed of only 2 stations, which were closest to the shore off Cape Sable; they were 

called the SHARK group after the Shark River, the main source of freshwater to the region. The 

second cluster was made up of the 7 more northerly stations nearest the coast and called 

SHOAL. The remaining stations were called the SHELF group. 

 Salinity was lowest in the SHARK zone as a result of the Shark River, Everglades influence 

(Fig. 5.2). There is a decreasing concentration gradient of SHARK>SHOAL>SHELF for 

CHLA, TP, and TOC (Fig. 5.3, 5.4, & 5.6). It is clear that the SHARK stations have higher DIN 

concentrations while the SHOAL and SHELF stations were similar (Fig. 5.5). 

 Although these analyses are very preliminary (only 38 sampling events) it is possible to 

speculate that the clusters are formed as a function of hydrology and circulation patterns. We 

believe that the SHARK stations clearly show the input of freshwater from Shark River being 

transported south and east around the Cape. Water overlying the SHOAL stations probably 

originates somewhere in or north of the Ten Thousand Islands. Our level of resolution is very 

low due to the limited numbers of sampling events and by the relatively large spatial gap 

between coastal and Shelf sampling sites. A better understanding of local circulation patterns in 

addition to increased density and frequency of sampling in the nearshore region may help define 

the coupling between freshwater inflow and Shelf water quality. This is a preliminary analysis 

and will be repeated after a few more years of data have been collected. 

2002 Alone

 Since this component of the monitoring program began in 1995 and is only sampled 

quarterly, there is little trend data to analyze. However, the “Blackwater” event occurred in 

early 2002 and was picked up my the January sampling trip. The effects are seen as a peak in 

CHLA and DIN at that time. Otherwise, 2002 was relatively unremarkable. One thing to look 

for in the future is the possible development of an increasing trend in TP on the SHELF. As of 

now it is not statistically significant. 

Data, Graphs, and Figures

All data for the period of record are available at: 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/SFWMD-CD/DataDL.htm

Monthly time series graphs for all measured variables for each station are available at: 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/SFWMD-CD/Shelf.htm

Contour maps showing spatial distributions of all measured variables (quarterly) are available at: 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/SFWMD-CD/ContourMaps.htm
-82.0 -81.5 -81.0

24.5

25.0

25.5

26.0

364

384

385

386

387

388

389

390

399

351

352

353

354

355

356

357

358

359

360

361

362

363

365

366

367

368

369

370

371

372

373

374

375

376

377

378

379

380

381

382

383

391

392

393

394

395

396

397

398

Shark, Shoal, Shelf

Figure 5.1. Zones of similar water quality on the SW Shelf. 
0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1995-051995-081995-121996-031996-071996-101997-021997-051997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-101999-011999-051999-071999-112000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-072001-112002-012002-042002-082002-10

Shark

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1995-051995-081995-121996-031996-071996-101997-021997-051997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-101999-011999-051999-071999-112000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-072001-112002-012002-042002-082002-10

Shoal

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

1995-051995-081995-121996-031996-071996-101997-021997-051997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-101999-011999-051999-071999-112000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-072001-112002-012002-042002-082002-10

Shelf

Figure 5.2. Quarterly median and range of salinity in the three SW Shelf zones. 
0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

μg/l

1995-051995-081995-121996-031996-071996-101997-021997-051997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-101999-011999-051999-071999-112000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-072001-112002-012002-042002-082002-10

Shark

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

μg/l

1995-051995-081995-121996-031996-071996-101997-021997-051997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-101999-011999-051999-071999-112000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-072001-112002-012002-042002-082002-10

Shoal

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

μg/l

1995-051995-081995-121996-031996-071996-101997-021997-051997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-101999-011999-051999-071999-112000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-072001-112002-012002-042002-082002-10

Shelf

Figure 5.3. Quarterly median and range of chlorophyll a in the three SW Shelf zones. 
0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

0.06

0.07

0.08

ppm

1995-051995-081995-121996-031996-071996-101997-021997-051997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-101999-011999-051999-071999-112000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-072001-112002-012002-042002-082002-10

Shark

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

ppm

1995-051995-081995-121996-031996-071996-101997-021997-051997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-101999-011999-051999-071999-112000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-072001-112002-012002-042002-082002-10

Shoal

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

ppm

1995-051995-081995-121996-031996-071996-101997-021997-051997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-101999-011999-051999-071999-112000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-072001-112002-012002-042002-082002-10

Shelf

Figure 5.4. Quarterly median and range of total phosphorus in the three SW Shelf zones. 
0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

ppm

1995-051995-081995-121996-031996-071996-101997-021997-051997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-101999-011999-051999-071999-112000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-072001-112002-012002-042002-082002-10

Shark

0.00

0.01

0.02

0.03

0.04

0.05

0.06

0.07

ppm

1995-051995-081995-121996-031996-071996-101997-021997-051997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-101999-011999-051999-071999-112000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-072001-112002-012002-042002-082002-10

Shoal

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

ppm

1995-051995-081995-121996-031996-071996-101997-021997-051997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-101999-011999-051999-071999-112000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-072001-112002-012002-042002-082002-10

Shelf

Figure 5.5. Quarterly median and range of dissolved inorganic N in the three SW Shelf 

zones. 
0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

ppm

1995-051995-081995-121996-031996-071996-101997-021997-051997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-101999-011999-051999-071999-112000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-072001-112002-012002-042002-082002-10

Shark

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

ppm

1995-051995-081995-121996-031996-071996-101997-021997-051997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-101999-011999-051999-071999-112000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-072001-112002-012002-042002-082002-10

Shoal

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

ppm

1995-051995-081995-121996-031996-071996-101997-021997-051997-071997-101998-011998-041998-071998-101999-011999-051999-071999-112000-012000-042000-072000-102001-012001-052001-072001-112002-012002-042002-082002-10

Shelf

Figure 5.6. Quarterly median and range of total organic carbon in the three SW Shelf zones. 
6. STATE OF WATER QUALITY IN THE CAPE ROMANO - PINE 

ISLAND SOUND AREA

Overall Period of Record

 Sampling in this area began Jan. 1999 so there are only four years of data available for 

analysis. This makes it unfeasible to perform a spatial analysis at this time, therefore we will use 

generally accepted geomorphological characteristics to group the stations (Fig. 6.1). These 

groupings are the Cocohatchee River at Wiggins Pass (COCO), Estero Bay (EST), Cape 

Romano-Marco Island (MARC), Naples Bay (NPL), Pine Island Sound (PIS), Rookery Bay 

(RB), and San Carlos Bay (SCB). San Carlos Bay is located at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee 

River, a major managed outlet for freshwater from Lake Okeechobee. 

 All zones experienced low salinity during the beginning of the wet season with the opening 

of the Caloosahatchee structure (Fig. 6.2). CHLA is elevated in this area (Fig. 6.3) but not 

excessive when compared to the Ten Thousand Islands. SCB being the most directly affected by 

the releases also had highest concentrations of TP, DIN, and TOC (Fig. 6.4, 6.5 & 6.6). Estero 

Bay also exhibited lower salinities than the other areas, most probably as a result of freshwater 

input from the Estero and Imperial Rivers as well as Hendry Creek. EST is relatively enclosed, 

has a long water residence time, and is bordered on the north by the city of Ft. Meyers. These 

facts may account for the elevated CHLA, DIN and TP. 

 Overall, this area has significantly higher concentrations of CHLA, TP, and DIN than the 

bulk of the Ten Thousand Islands stations. Much of this is due to geological changes from 

carbonates to silicates, which facilitates transport of phosphorus, and to major land use changes 

from the Big Cypress National Preserve to suburban and agricultural. 

2002 Alone

 As there are only four years of data in the record; we will reserve discussion of trends until 

we have a significant time series. Aside from the freshwater release, particularly in Estero Bay, 

2002 was unremarkable. 

Data, Graphs, and Figures

All data for the period of record are available at: 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/SFWMD-CD/DataDL.htm

Monthly time series graphs for all measured variables for each station are available at: 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/SFWMD-CD/RB.htm

Contour maps showing spatial distributions of all measured variables (quarterly) are available at: 

http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/SFWMD-CD/ContourMaps.htm
Figure 6.1. Map of station locations in Cape Romano-Pine Island Sound area. 
0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

3 0

3 5

4 0

4 5

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

Estero Bay

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

3 0

3 5

4 0

4 5

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

M arco Islan d

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

3 0

3 5

4 0

4 5

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

Naples Bay

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

3 0

3 5

4 0

4 5

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

P in e Islan d S ou n d

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

3 0

3 5

4 0

4 5

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

Rookery Bay

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

3 0

3 5

4 0

4 5

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

San Carlos Bay

Figure 6.2. Monthly median and range of salinity in the Cape Romano-PIS area. 
0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

μg/l

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

Estero Bay

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

μg/l

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

M arco Islan d

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

μg/l

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

Naples Bay

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

μg/l

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

P in e Islan d S ou n d

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

μg/l

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

Rookery Bay

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

2 5

μg/l

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

San Carlos Bay

Figure 6.3. Monthly median and range of chlorophyll a in the Cape Romano-PIS area. 
0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

0.14

0.16

0.18

0.20

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

Estero Bay

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

0.14

0.16

0.18

0.20

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

M arco Islan d

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

0.14

0.16

0.18

0.20

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

Naples Bay

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

0.14

0.16

0.18

0.20

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

P in e Islan d S ou n d

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

0.14

0.16

0.18

0.20

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

Rookery Bay

0.00

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.10

0.12

0.14

0.16

0.18

0.20

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

San Carlos Bay

Figure 6.4. Monthly median and range of total phosphorus in the Cape Romano-PIS area. 
0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

Estero Bay

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

M arco Islan d

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

Naples Bay

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

P in e Islan d S ou n d

0.00

0.05

0.10

0.15

0.20

0.25

0.30

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

Rookery Bay

0.0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

San Carlos Bay

Figure 6.5. Monthly median and range of DIN in the Cape Romano-PIS area. 
0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

Estero Bay

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

M arco Islan d

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

Naples Bay

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

P in e Islan d S ou n d

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

Rookery Bay

0

5

1 0

1 5

2 0

ppm

1999-011999-021999-031999-041999-051999-061999-071999-081999-091999-101999-111999-122000-012000-022000-032000-042000-052000-062000-072000-082000-092000-102000-112000-122001-012001-022001-032001-042001-052001-062001-072001-082001-092001-102001-112001-122002-012002-022002-032002-042002-052002-062002-072002-082002-092002-102002-112002-12

San Carlos Bay

Figure 6.6. Monthly median and range of total organic carbon in the Cape Romano-PIS area. 
7. PUBLICATIONS DERIVED FROM THIS PROJECT 

1. FOURQUREAN, J. W., R. D. JONES, AND J. C. ZIEMAN. 1993. Processes influencing water 

column nutrient characteristics and phosphorus limitation of phytoplankton biomass in 

Florida Bay, FL, USA: Inferences from spatial distributions. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf 

Science 36:295-314. 

2. BOYER, J. N., J. W. FOURQUREAN, AND R. D. JONES. 1997. Spatial characterization of water 

quality in Florida Bay and Whitewater Bay by principal component and cluster analyses: 

Zones of similar influence (ZSI). Estuaries 20:743-758. 

3. BOYER, J. N., AND R. D. JONES. 1999. Effects of freshwater inputs and loading of phosphorus 

and nitrogen on the water quality of Eastern Florida Bay, p. 545-561. In K. R. Reddy, G. A. 

O’Connor, and C. L. Schelske (eds.) Phosphorus biogeochemistry in sub-tropical 

ecosystems: Florida as a case example. CRC/Lewis Publishers, Boca Raton. 

4. BOYER, J. N., J. W. FOURQUREAN, AND R. D. JONES. 1999. Seasonal and long-term trends in 

water quality of Florida Bay (1989-97). Estuaries 22: 417-430. 

5. RUDNICK, D., Z. CHEN, D. CHILDERS, T. FONTAINE, AND J. N. BOYER. 1999. Phosphorus and 

nitrogen inputs to Florida Bay: the importance of the Everglades watershed. Estuaries 22: 

398-416. 

6. PENNOCK, J. R., J. N. BOYER, J. A. HERERRA-SILVIERA, R. L. IVERSON, T. E. WHITLEDGE, B. 

MORTAZAVI, AND F. A. COMIN. 1999. Nutrient behavior and pelagic processes, p. 109-162. 

In T. S. Bianchi, J. R. Pennock, and R. R. Twilley (eds.), Biogeochemistry of Gulf of Mexico 

Estuaries. Wiley, New York. 

7. BOYER, J. N., P. STERLING, AND R. D. JONES. 2000. Maximizing information from estuarine 

and coastal water quality monitoring networks by diverse visualization approaches. 

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 50: 39-48. 

8. BOYER, J. N. AND R. D. JONES. 2000. Trends in water quality of Florida Bay (1989-1999). 

State of Florida Bay. NPS - Everglades National Park Report. 

9. BOYER, J. N., AND R. D. JONES. 2001. A view from the bridge: External and internal forces 

affecting the ambient water quality of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, p. 601-

620. In J. W. Porter and K. G. Porter (eds.), The Everglades, Florida Bay, and Coral Reefs of 

the Florida Keys. CRC Press. 

10. HU, C., F. E. MULLER-KARGER, Z.-P. LEE, K. L. CARDER, B. ROBERTS, J. J. WALSH, R. H. 

WEISBERG, R. HE, E. JOHNS, T. LEE, N. KURING, J. PATCH, J. IVEY, P. G. COBLE, C. HEIL, G. 

A. VARGO, R. G. ZEPP, K. STEIDINGER, G. MCRAE, J. BOYER, R. JONES, G. KIRKPATRICK, E. 

MUELLER, R. PIERCE, J. CULTER, B. KELLER, J. HUNT. 2002. The 2002 “black water” event 

off SW Florida as detected by satellites. EOS 83: 281, 285. 

11. FOURQUREAN, J. W., J. N. BOYER, AND M. J. DURAKO. 2003. The influence of water quality 

on seagrass distribution and abundance in Florida Bay: predictive models from long-term 

monitoring programs. Ecological Applications 13: 474-489. 

12. LU, X., J. N. BOYER, AND R. JAFFE. (in press) Source characterization of dissolved organic 

matter in Southwest Florida Estuaries by UV-visible and synchronous fluorescence analysis. 

Marine Chemistry.

13. BOYER, J. N., AND R. D. JONES. (in review) Influence of coastal geomorphology and 

watershed characteristics on the water quality of mangrove estuaries in the Ten Thousand 

Islands-Whitewater Bay complex, Florida. Estuaries. 
8. PRESENTATIONS DERIVED FROM THIS PROJECT 

1. BOYER, J. N., J. W. FOURQUREAN, AND R. D. JONES. 1995. Spatial analysis of long term 

water quality data from Florida Bay. Estuarine Research Federation - Corpus Christi, TX. 

2. BOYER, J. N. AND R. D. JONES. 1996. The Florida Bay water quality monitoring program: 

assessing status and trends. 1996 Florida Bay Science Conference - Key Largo, FL. 

3. BOYER, J. N., J. W. FOURQUREAN, AND R. D. JONES. 1997. Temporal trends in water 

chemistry of Florida Bay (1989-1995): Influence of water management activities. ASLO 

Aquatic Sciences Meeting, Santa Fe, NM. 

4. JONES, R. D., AND J. N. BOYER. 1998. An overview of water quality in Florida Bay and 

surrounding waters: current status and trends. 1998 Florida Bay Science Conference, Miami, 

FL. 

5. BOYER, J. N., AND R. D. JONES. 1998. Influence of coastal geomorphology and watershed 

characteristics on the water quality of mangrove estuaries in the Ten Thousand Islands - 

Whitewater Bay complex, Florida. 1998 Florida Bay Science Conference, Miami, FL. 

6. FOURQUREAN, J. W., M. J. DURAKO, J. C. ZIEMAN, AND J. N. BOYER. 1998. Seagrass beds 

respond to the magnitude and location of nutrient sources in the South Florida hydroscape. 

ASLO/ESA, St. Louis, MO. 

7. BOYER, J. N., AND R. D. JONES. 1998. A view from the bridge: the influence of Biscayne 

Bay, Florida Bay, and the Southwest Shelf on the reefs in the Florida Keys National Marine 

Sanctuary. ASLO/ESA, St. Louis, MO. 

8. Boyer, J. N. and R. D. Jones 1999. Relative influence of Florida Bay on the water quality of 

the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. 1999 Florida Bay Science Conference, Key 

Largo. 

9. Boyer, J. N., and R. D. Jones. 1999. An ecotone of estuaries? Influence of watershed 

characteristics on the mangrove estuaries in southwest Florida. ERF, New Orleans, LA. 

10. Childers, D. L., J. Boyer, J. Fourqurean, R. Jaffe, R. Jones, J. Trexler W. Anderson, R. 

Chambers, D. Genereaux, E. Gaiser, C. McIvor, J. Meeder, J. Richards L. Scinto, F. Sklar, 

and R. Twilley. 2000. Regional Controls of Population and Ecosystem Dynamics in an 

Oligotrophic Wetland-dominated Coastal Landscape - Introducing a New LTER in the 

Coastal Everglades. International Association of Landscape Ecologists, Ft. Lauderdale. 

11. Lu, X., J. N. Boyer, and R. Jaffe. 2000. Source characterization of DOM in southwest Florida 

estuaries by UV-Visible and fluorescence analysis. South Florida ACS Meeting, Orlando. 

12. Fourqurean, J., and J. N. Boyer. 2000. Seagrass species react independently to water quality 

in South Florida. ASLO, Orlando.

13. BOYER, J. N., D. CHILDERS, R. JAFFE, R. JONES, AND L. J. SCINTO. 2000. What We Already 

know About the Water Quality/Nutrient Status of the Florida Coastal Everglades LTER and 

Its Environs. LTER All Scientists Meeting, Snowbird, UT. 

14. Lu, X., J. N. Boyer, and R. Jaffe. 2000. Source characterization of DOM in southwest Florida 

estuaries by UV-Visible and fluorescence analysis. ASLO, Albuquerque, NM. 

15. BOYER, J. N., AND R. D. JONES. 2001. Trends in water quality of Florida Bay. 2001 Florida 

Bay Science Conference, Key Largo, FL. 

16. Fourqurean, J. W., J. N. Boyer, M. J. Durako. The statistical relationship between benthic 

habitats and water quality in Florida Bay. 2001 Florida Bay Science Conference, Key Largo, 

FL. 
9. TABLES 

9.1. List of fixed station location and sampling period of record. 

9.2. Statistical summary of Florida Bay water quality variables by zone. 

9.3. Statistical summary of Whitewater Bay-Ten Thousand Islands water quality by zone. 

9.4. Statistical summary of Biscayne Bay water quality variables by zone. 

9.5. Statistical summary of Southwest Florida Shelf water quality variables by zone. 

9.6. Statistical summary of Cape Romano-Pine Island Sound water quality variables by 

zone. 
Table 9.1. List of fixed station location and sampling period of record.

 Station 

Station Name Number Area Latitude Longitude Period of Record Surveys

Card Sound Bridge 1 FB 25 16.413 -80 22.475 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Middle Key 2 FB 25 17.102 -80 23.702 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Manatee Bay 3 FB 25 15.062 -80 24.910 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Barnes Sound 4 FB 25 13.304 -80 23.299 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Blackwater Sound 5 FB 25 10.443 -80 25.385 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Little Blackwater Sound 6 FB 25 12.401 -80 26.424 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Highway Creek 7 FB 25 15.216 -80 26.649 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Long Sound 8 FB 25 13.642 -80 27.700 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Duck Key 9 FB 25 10.624 -80 29.494 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Joe Bay 10 FB 25 13.468 -80 32.195 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Little Madeira Bay 11 FB 25 10.510 -80 37.615 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Terrapin Bay 12 FB 25 08.422 -80 42.967 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Whipray Basin 13 FB 25 05.485 -80 45.287 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Garfield Bight 14 FB 25 09.029 -80 48.553 Apr 91 - Dec 01 2-142 

Rankin Lake 15 FB 25 07.283 -80 48.173 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Murray Key 16 FB 25 07.096 -80 56.379 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Johnson Key Basin 17 FB 25 02.548 -80 54.889 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Rabbit Key Basin 18 FB 25 00.145 -80 54.006 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Twin Key Basin 19 FB 24 58.660 -80 45.211 Apr 91 - Dec 01 2-142 

Peterson Keys 20 FB 24 55.770 -80 45.028 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Porpoise Lake 21 FB 25 00.396 -80 40.876 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

Captain Key 22 FB 25 02.405 -80 36.843 Apr 91 - Dec 01 2-142 

Park Key 23 FB 25 07.078 -80 35.983 Apr 91 - Dec 01 2-142 

Butternut Key 24 FB 25 06.105 -80 31.884 Mar 91 - Dec 01 1-142 

East Cape 25 FB 25 05.022 -81 04.835 July 92 - Dec 01 17-142

Oxfoot Bank 26 FB 24 58.844 -81 00.098 July 92 - Dec 01 17-142

Sprigger Bank 27 FB 24 55.116 -80 56.092 July 92 - Dec 01 17-142

Old Dan Bank 28 FB 24 52.032 -80 48.429 July 92 - Dec 01 17-142

First Bay 29 WWB 25 33.272 -81 11.020 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Third Bay 30 WWB 25 34.810 -81 07.256 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Big Lostmans Bay 31 WWB 25 34.055 -81 04.288 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Cabbage Island 32 WWB 25 31.764 -81 02.603 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Broad River Bay 33 WWB 25 29.984 -81 02.939 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Middle Broad River 34 WWB 25 29.163 -81 06.669 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Broad River Mouth 35 WWB 25 28.501 -81 09.176 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Harney River Mouth 36 WWB 25 24.701 -81 08.487 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Harney Rivers Junction 37 WWB 25 25.901 -81 04.943 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Tarpon Bay 38 WWB 25 25.037 -80 59.906 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Gunboat Island 39 WWB 25 22.735 -81 01.844 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Ponce de Leon Bay 40 WWB 25 20.983 -81 07.474 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Oyster Bay 41 WWB 25 19.869 -81 04.360 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

North Marker 36 42 WWB 25 19.560 -81 00.873 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

West Marker 34 43 WWB 25 17.168 -81 01.419 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Watson River Chickee 44 WWB 25 19.912 -80 59.022 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

North River Mouth 45 WWB 25 18.054 -80 57.620 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Midway Keys 46 WWB 25 17.102 -80 58.548 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Roberts River Mouth 47 WWB 25 16.779 -80 55.846 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

West Marker 18 48 WWB 25 14.448 -80 57.476 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142
 Station 

Station Name Number Area Latitude Longitude Period of Record Surveys

Southeast Marker 12 49 WWB 25 13.704 -80 55.980 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Coot Bay 50 WWB 25 11.452 -80 54.848 Sept 92 - Dec 01 19-142

Chokoloskee 51 TTI 25 48.450 -81 20.970 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Rabbit Key Pass 52 TTI 25 46.200 -81 23.000 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Lopez Bay 53 TTI 25 47.050 -81 19.930 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Lopez River 54 TTI 25 47.130 -81 18.550 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Sunday Bay 55 TTI 25 47.760 -81 16.800 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Huston Bay 56 TTI 25 45.180 -81 15.330 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Upper Chatham River 57 TTI 25 43.050 -81 13.830 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Watson Place 58 TTI 25 42.470 -81 15.130 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Gun Rock Point 59 TTI 25 41.500 -81 17.920 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Huston River 60 TTI 25 43.880 -81 17.080 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Chevalier Bay 61 TTI 25 42.750 -81 12.420 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Alligator Bay 62 TTI 25 40.210 -81 10.120 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Lostmans Five Bay 63 TTI 25 38.000 -81 08.700 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Barron River 64 TTI 25 51.196 -81 23.602 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Indian Key Pass 65 TTI 25 49.631 -81 26.465 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Indian Key 66 TTI 25 48.290 -81 27.750 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

West Pass 67 TTI 25 49.820 -81 30.170 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Panther Key 68 TTI 25 50.960 -81 32.530 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Faka Union Pass 69 TTI 25 52.450 -81 30.960 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Faka Union Bay 70 TTI 25 54.000 -81 30.960 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

White Horse Key 71 TTI 25 52.007 -81 34.489 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Dismal Key 72 TTI 25 53.668 -81 33.532 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Long Rock 73 TTI 25 52.920 -81 36.380 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Shell Key 74 TTI 25 54.670 -81 36.920 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Blackwater River 75 TTI 25 55.788 -81 36.019 Sept 94 - Dec 01 43-142

Convoy Point 101 BB 25 28.700 -80 19.250 Sept 93 - Dec 01 31-142

Black Point 102 BB 25 32.750 -80 17.680 Sept 93 - Dec 01 31-142

Near Black Ledge 103 BB 25 34.400 -80 17.200 Sept 93 - Dec 01 31-142

BNP Marker C 104 BB 25 36.100 -80 13.250 Sept 93 - Dec 01 31-142

Biscayne Channel 105 BB 25 39.252 -80 11.202 Sept 93 - May 96 31-63 

White Marker 106 BB 25 38.052 -80 07.800 Sept 93 - May 96 31-63 

Fowey Rocks 107 BB 25 35.400 -80 06.000 Sept 93 - May 96 31-63 

Marker G-1B 108 BB 25 34.150 -80 11.550 Sept 93 - Dec 01 31-142

North Midbay 109 BB 25 33.850 -80 14.100 Sept 93 - Dec 01 31-142

Fender Point 110 BB 25 30.300 -80 17.250 Sept 93 - Dec 01 31-142

Featherbed Bank 111 BB 25 30.950 -80 14.400 Sept 93 - Dec 01 31-142

Sands Cut 112 BB 25 29.300 -80 11.300 Sept 93 - Dec 01 31-142

Elliott Key 113 BB 25 26.500 -80 13.400 Sept 93 - Dec 01 31-142

Caesar Creek 114 BB 25 23.100 -80 11.502 Sept 93 - May 96 31-63 

Adams Key 115 BB 25 24.252 -80 14.448 Sept 93 - May 96 31-63 

Rubicon Keys 116 BB 25 24.000 -80 15.300 Sept 93 - Dec 01 31-142

Totten Key 117 BB 25 23.100 -80 15.900 Sept 93 - May 96 31-63 

Broad Creek 118 BB 25 20.898 -80 15.300 Sept 93 - May 96 31-63 

Pumpkin Key 119 BB 25 19.098 -80 18.198 Sept 93 - May 96 31-63 

Card Bank, G-17 120 BB 25 18.852 -80 20.598 Sept 93 - May 96 31-63 

North Card Sound 121 BB 25 21.300 -80 17.500 Sept 93 - Dec 01 31-142

West Arsenicker 122 BB 25 25.210 -80 18.650 Sept 93 - Dec 01 31-142

Pelican Bank 123 BB 25 26.700 -80 17.000 Sept 93 - Dec 01 31-142

South Midbay 124 BB 25 28.350 -80 14.000 Sept 93 - Dec 01 31-142
 Station 

Station Name Number Area Latitude Longitude Period of Record Surveys

Turkey Point 125 BB 25 28.200 -80 16.998 Sept 93 - May 96 31-63 

BNP Marker B 126 BB 25 40.300 -80 12.300 June 96 - Dec 01 64-142

Shoal Point 127 BB 25 37.800 -80 15.000 June 96 - Dec 01 64-142

Matheson Beach 128 BB 25 41.300 -80 14.000 June 96 - Dec 01 64-142

Marker G-71 129 BB 25 44.200 -80 11.100 June 96 - Dec 01 64-142

South Dodge Island 130 BB 25 45.800 -80 10.300 June 96 - Dec 01 64-142

North Venetian Basin 131 BB 25 48.000 -80 10.000 June 96 - Dec 01 64-142

North I-195 Basin 132 BB 25 49.000 -80 10.000 June 96 - Dec 01 64-142

North Normandy Isle 133 BB 25 52.000 -80 09.000 June 96 - Dec 01 64-142

Oleta River Park 134 BB 25 54.300 -80 08.000 June 96 - Dec 01 64-142

South Card Sound 135 BB 25 19.000 -80 19.000 June 96 - Dec 01 64-142

Lower Harbor Keys 351 SHELF 24 41.500 -81 47.500 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 352 SHELF 24 46.550 -81 46.980 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 353 SHELF 24 51.500 -81 46.600 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 354 SHELF 24 56.480 -81 46.120 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 355 SHELF 25 01.480 -81 45.750 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 356 SHELF 25 06.460 -81 45.230 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 357 SHELF 25 11.470 -81 44.720 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 358 SHELF 25 16.480 -81 44.290 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 359 SHELF 25 21.500 -81 43.800 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 360 SHELF 25 26.470 -81 43.260 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 361 SHELF 25 31.480 -81 42.900 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 362 SHELF 25 36.520 -81 42.400 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

Off Cape Romano 363 SHELF 25 41.520 -81 41.900 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 364 SHELF 25 41.500 -81 32.000 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 365 SHELF 25 36.510 -81 32.360 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 366 SHELF 25 31.560 -81 32.930 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 367 SHELF 25 26.550 -81 33.300 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 368 SHELF 25 21.510 -81 33.800 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 369 SHELF 25 16.530 -81 34.320 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 370 SHELF 25 11.510 -81 34.750 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 371 SHELF 25 06.500 -81 35.210 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 372 SHELF 25 01.500 -81 35.720 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 373 SHELF 24 56.530 -81 36.180 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 374 SHELF 24 51.530 -81 36.650 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

Off Johnson Key 375 SHELF 24 46.540 -81 37.070 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

Harbor Key Bank 376 SHELF 24 50.600 -81 26.300 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 377 SHELF 24 56.100 -81 25.900 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 378 SHELF 25 01.000 -81 24.950 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 379 SHELF 25 06.000 -81 24.530 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 380 SHELF 25 11.000 -81 24.000 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 381 SHELF 25 16.000 -81 23.700 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 382 SHELF 25 21.000 -81 23.200 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 383 SHELF 25 25.950 -81 22.670 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 384 SHELF 25 30.930 -81 22.200 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 385 SHELF 25 36.010 -81 21.790 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 386 SHELF 25 33.330 -81 20.430 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 387 SHELF 25 30.530 -81 19.010 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 388 SHELF 25 25.500 -81 17.820 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 
 Station 

Station Name Number Area Latitude Longitude Period of Record Surveys

 389 SHELF 25 20.500 -81 16.620 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 390 SHELF 25 15.600 -81 15.610 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 391 SHELF 25 10.500 -81 14.320 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 392 SHELF 25 05.500 -81 14.900 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 393 SHELF 25 00.500 -81 15.200 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 394 SHELF 24 55.500 -81 15.600 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

Off Bluefish Bank 395 SHELF 24 52.700 -81 11.500 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

Off Bullard Bank 396 SHELF 24 50.000 -81 07.700 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 397 SHELF 24 55.000 -81 07.100 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

 398 SHELF 25 00.000 -81 06.600 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

Off East Cape 300 SHELF 25 05.000 -81 05.960 May 95 - Dec 01 1-30 

Coon Key Pass, G3 451 ROOK 25 54.626 -81 38.309 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Coon Key Light 452 ROOK 25 52.918 -81 37.954 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Fred Key, G5 453 ROOK 25 53.978 -81 41.027 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Caxambas Pass, R4 454 ROOK 25 54.360 -81 43.733 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Capri Pass, R2A 455 ROOK 25 59.285 -81 43.740 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Rt. 951 Bridge, R26 456 ROOK 25 57.737 -81 42.524 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Big Marco River, R24 457 ROOK 25 57.122 -81 41.243 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Goodland Bridge, G15 458 ROOK 25 56.080 -81 39.204 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Johnson Bay 459 ROOK 25 59.291 -81 43.748 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Hall Bay 460 ROOK 26 00.941 -81 44.566 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Rookery Bay 461 ROOK 26 01.755 -81 44.888 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

First National 462 ROOK 26 02.441 -81 45.955 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Kewaydin Channel, G55 463 ROOK 26 03.611 -81 46.713 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Dollar Bay, G73 464 ROOK 26 06.000 -81 47.213 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Outer Gordon Pass, G1 465 ROOK 26 05.480 -81 48.686 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

New Pass 466 ROOK 26 22.692 -81 51.508 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Wiggins Pass Bridge 467 ROOK 26 17.441 -81 49.105 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Big Carlos Pass Bridge 468 ROOK 26 24.146 -81 52.850 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Coon Key, R2A 469 ROOK 26 25.422 -81 52.400 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Central Estero Bay, R2 470 ROOK 26 24.459 -81 51.885 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Point Ybel, R8 471 ROOK 26 27.492 -82 00.444 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

San Carlos Bay, R4 472 ROOK 26 28.013 -82 02.723 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Kitchel Key, G13 473 ROOK 26 30.070 -82 00.789 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Shell Point 474 ROOK 26 31.368 -82 00.417 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Reckems Point 475 ROOK 26 32.108 -82 03.548 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Sanibel 476 ROOK 26 30.472 -82 09.113 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Pine Island Sound 477 ROOK 26 33.702 -82 09.934 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142

Cayo Costa 478 ROOK 26 38.150 -82 12.517 Jan 99 - Dec 01 97-142
Table 9.2. Statistical summary of Florida Bay water quality variables by zone. 

Variable Zone Median Min. Max. n 

Alkaline All 0.36 0.01 6.44 3495 

Phosphatase FBC 1.48 0.01 6.44 528 

Activity (μM hr-1) FBE 0.35 0.01 6.11 2214 

 FBW 0.19 0.01 4.93 753 

Chlorophyll a All 0.84 0.00 35.61 3612 

(μg l-1) FBC 1.79 0.11 35.61 542 

 FBE 0.55 0.00 11.35 2284 

 FBW 1.55 0.14 22.08 786 

Surface All 6.6 0.4 12.3 3633 

Dissolved Oxygen FBC 6.4 2.8 12.3 545 

(mg l-1) FBE 6.7 0.4 11.7 2289 

 FBW 6.3 3.0 11.5 799 

Bottom All 6.5 1.4 13.4 3414 

Dissolved Oxygen FBC 6.3 1.5 12.2 514 

(mg l-1) FBE 6.7 1.4 13.4 2174 

 FBW 6.2 3.0 11.1 726 

Ammonium All 0.032 0.000 1.681 3592 

(ppm) FBC 0.051 0.000 1.681 535 

 FBE 0.039 0.000 1.149 2277 

 FBW 0.011 0.000 0.342 780 

Nitrite All 0.002 0.000 0.111 3597 

(ppm) FBC 0.002 0.000 0.111 539 

 FBE 0.003 0.000 0.037 2278 

 FBW 0.001 0.000 0.025 780 

Nitrate All 0.005 0.000 0.154 3580 

(ppm) FBC 0.003 0.000 0.080 537 

 FBE 0.009 0.000 0.154 2268 

 FBW 0.002 0.000 0.101 775 

Surface Salinity All 31.90 0.20 63.00 3691 

 FBC 34.00 8.70 63.00 554 

 FBE 28.90 0.20 54.30 2324 

 FBW 35.00 16.50 52.00 813 

Bottom Salinity All 31.30 0.20 63.00 3376 

 FBC 33.15 11.90 63.00 510 

 FBE 28.40 0.20 54.30 2140 

 FBW 34.70 16.60 51.00 726 

Silicate All 0.381 0.000 4.060 648 

(ppm) FBC 0.998 0.000 4.060 96 

 FBE 0.278 0.000 3.426 408 

 FBW 0.417 0.000 2.932 144 

Soluble Reactive All 0.001 0.000 0.026 3570 

Phosphorus (ppm) FBC 0.001 0.000 0.026 537 

 FBE 0.001 0.000 0.016 2260 

 FBW 0.001 0.000 0.010 773 

 
Variable Zone Median Min. Max. n 

Surface All 26.5 13.3 36.7 3663 

Temperature FBC 26.5 13.3 36.7 550 

(

o

C) FBE 26.5 14.4 34.5 2306 

 FBW 26.3 14.2 36.0 807 

Bottom All 26.3 13.3 35.3 3434 

Temperature FBC 26.3 13.3 35.3 518 

(

o

C) FBE 26.5 14.4 34.6 2184 

 FBW 26.1 14.4 34.7 732 

Total Organic All 8.070 0.000 58.043 3569 

Carbon (ppm) FBC 13.144 4.518 42.872 532 

 FBE 8.264 0.000 58.043 2268 

 FBW 4.944 1.199 20.216 769 

Total Organic All 0.546 0.000 4.355 3574 

Nitrogen (ppm) FBC 0.939 0.135 4.355 533 

 FBE 0.564 0.000 3.098 2267 

 FBW 0.353 0.046 1.680 774 

Total Phosphorus All 0.010 0.000 0.232 3599 

(ppm) FBC 0.018 0.004 0.131 538 

 FBE 0.008 0.001 0.041 2279 

 FBW 0.015 0.000 0.232 782 

Turbidity All 3.31 0.01 178.55 3466 

(NTU) FBC 6.60 0.12 134.85 523 

 FBE 2.25 0.01 172.95 2206 

 FBW 6.04 0.07 178.55 737 
Table 9.3. Statistical summary of Whitewater Bay-Ten Thousand Islands water quality variables 

by zone. 

Variable Zone Median Min. Max. n 

Alkaline All 0.13 0.00 8.31 4463 

Phosphatase BLK 0.04 0.02 0.28 171 

Activity (μM hr-1) GI 0.05 0.00 3.23 1082 

 IW 0.11 0.00 8.31 943 

 MR 0.22 0.00 3.70 1381 

 WB 1.09 0.00 5.96 886 

Chlorophyll a All 2.80 0.11 45.11 4501 

(μg l-1) BLK 3.16 0.25 17.02 174 

 GI 2.73 0.12 23.78 1092 

 IW 3.19 0.20 45.11 954 

 MR 2.57 0.19 28.76 1394 

 WB 2.71 0.11 29.78 887 

Surface All 5.8 0.3 13.9 4481 

Dissolved Oxygen BLK 5.4 0.3 10.3 174 

(mg l-1) GI 5.8 1.4 12.1 1090 

 IW 5.8 1.8 11.8 954 

 MR 5.1 0.4 13.9 1383 

 WB 6.8 2.2 11.1 880 

Bottom All 5.8 0.1 12.3 4480 

Dissolved Oxygen BLK 5.3 0.1 9.8 174 

(mg l-1) GI 5.7 1.8 11.8 1090 

 IW 5.8 1.1 11.9 954 

 MR 5.1 0.4 12.3 1382 

 WB 6.9 0.4 11.1 880 

Ammonium All 0.014 0.000 0.408 4502 

(ppm) BLK 0.021 0.001 0.195 174 

 GI 0.011 0.000 0.183 1092 

 IW 0.016 0.000 0.285 954 

 MR 0.016 0.000 0.402 1394 

 WB 0.012 0.000 0.408 888 

Nitrite All 0.002 0.000 0.086 4502 

(ppm) BLK 0.003 0.000 0.017 174 

 GI 0.002 0.000 0.033 1092 

 IW 0.003 0.000 0.036 954 

 MR 0.002 0.000 0.012 1394 

 WB 0.002 0.000 0.086 888 

Nitrate All 0.010 0.000 0.268 4502 

(ppm) BLK 0.008 0.000 0.080 174 

 GI 0.008 0.000 0.135 1092 

 IW 0.010 0.000 0.133 954 

 MR 0.015 0.000 0.142 1394 

 WB 0.005 0.000 0.268 888 

 

 
Variable Zone Median Min. Max. n 

Surface Salinity All 15.8 0.0 42.8 4499 

 BLK 31.7 1.4 39.9 174 

 GI 28.3 1.3 40.7 1092 

 IW 13.8 0.1 42.8 954 

 MR 5.1 0.0 40.5 1391 

 WB 10.9 0.3 35.4 888 

Bottom Salinity All 16.9 0.0 53.6 4477 

 BLK 31.6 1.4 39.9 174 

 GI 28.8 1.0 40.7 1090 

 IW 15.3 0.2 53.6 954 

 MR 5.8 0.0 40.5 1379 

 WB 11.3 0.3 34.9 880 

Silicate All 1.614 0.000 4.880 1050 

(ppm) BLK 1.488 0.000 3.657 44 

 GI 1.455 0.000 4.705 265 

 IW 1.584 0.000 4.688 241 

 MR 2.069 0.000 4.699 308 

 WB 1.381 0.002 4.880 192 

Soluble Reactive All 0.003 0.000 0.066 4491 

Phosphorus (ppm) BLK 0.017 0.002 0.066 174 

 GI 0.007 0.000 0.044 1087 

 IW 0.003 0.000 0.028 954 

 MR 0.002 0.000 0.034 1391 

 WB 0.002 0.000 0.026 885 

Surface All 26.9 12.5 38.4 4481 

Temperature BLK 27.4 15.9 38.4 174 

(

o

C) GI 27.0 14.9 37.2 1090 

 IW 27.3 15.2 37.5 954 

 MR 26.5 13.6 34.4 1383 

 WB 26.5 12.5 34.2 880 

Bottom All 26.8 11.8 37.2 4480 

Temperature BLK 27.2 16.0 35.9 174 

(

o

C) GI 27.0 14.9 37.2 1090 

 IW 27.2 15.2 33.3 954 

 MR 26.5 13.6 33.3 1382 

 WB 26.3 11.8 33.5 880 

Total Organic All 11.608 3.634 64.008 4500 

Carbon (ppm) BLK 6.992 3.805 21.385 173 

 GI 6.989 3.634 27.170 1091 

 IW 11.289 5.187 22.462 954 

 MR 13.524 5.064 64.008 1394 

 WB 15.759 6.143 39.373 888 

Total Organic All 0.568 0.000 2.989 4500 

Nitrogen (ppm) BLK 0.375 0.130 0.937 173 

 GI 0.391 0.108 1.748 1091 

 IW 0.568 0.021 1.566 954 

 MR 0.660 0.021 2.989 1394 

 WB 0.807 0.000 2.535 888 

 

 
Variable Zone Median Min. Max. n 

Total Phosphorus All 0.027 0.001 0.125 4490 

(ppm) BLK 0.057 0.016 0.098 170 

 GI 0.035 0.004 0.112 1085 

 IW 0.031 0.002 0.092 954 

 MR 0.022 0.001 0.125 1393 

 WB 0.018 0.003 0.094 888 

Turbidity All 4.00 0.06 107.81 4500 

(NTU) BLK 7.30 0.49 40.50 173 

 GI 5.11 0.42 68.00 1091 

 IW 4.30 0.06 43.60 954 

 MR 2.70 0.09 58.65 1394 

 WB 3.64 0.21 107.81 888 
Table 9.4. Statistical summary of Biscayne Bay water quality variables by zone. 

Variable Zone Median Min. Max. n 

Alkaline All 0.135 0.008 3.209 2339 

Phosphatase AS 0.328 0.093 3.209 198 

Activity (μM hr-1) IS 0.193 0.036 2.119 428 

 MAIN 0.108 0.008 0.894 1154 

 NBAY 0.110 0.017 1.475 328 

 SCARD 0.141 0.041 0.942 231 

Chlorophyll a All 0.28 0.00 9.18 2317 

(μg l-1) AS 0.27 0.04 2.46 196 

 IS 0.26 0.03 6.37 424 

 MAIN 0.23 0.00 5.89 1143 

 NBAY 0.91 0.16 9.18 325 

 SCARD 0.30 0.06 3.61 229 

Surface All 6.4 2.8 11.6 2339 

Dissolved Oxygen AS 7.2 3.1 11.6 196 

(mg l-1) IS 6.7 4.0 11.5 428 

 MAIN 6.3 2.8 10.2 1154 

 NBAY 6.2 3.0 10.2 330 

 SCARD 6.4 4.0 9.0 231 

Bottom All 6.5 2.8 12.9 2339 

Dissolved Oxygen AS 7.4 3.7 12.9 196 

(mg l-1) IS 6.8 3.9 11.8 428 

 MAIN 6.3 2.8 10.6 1154 

 NBAY 6.2 3.2 10.4 330 

 SCARD 6.4 3.3 9.5 231 

Ammonium All 0.011 0.000 0.228 2343 

(ppm) AS 0.015 0.001 0.228 198 

 IS 0.012 0.000 0.095 429 

 MAIN 0.010 0.000 0.083 1155 

 NBAY 0.014 0.000 0.114 330 

 SCARD 0.014 0.000 0.121 231 

Nitrite All 0.002 0.000 0.060 2343 

(ppm) AS 0.003 0.000 0.032 198 

 IS 0.002 0.000 0.021 429 

 MAIN 0.001 0.000 0.010 1155 

 NBAY 0.002 0.000 0.060 330 

 SCARD 0.002 0.000 0.019 231 

Nitrate All 0.007 0.000 1.082 2343 

(ppm) AS 0.035 0.000 1.082 198 

 IS 0.012 0.000 0.672 429 

 MAIN 0.004 0.000 0.295 1155 

 NBAY 0.015 0.000 0.174 330 

 SCARD 0.009 0.000 0.129 231 

Surface Salinity All 33.3 12.3 42.3 2343 

 AS 27.0 12.3 42.3 198 

 IS 30.8 15.1 42.2 429 

 MAIN 35.0 22.5 40.4 1155 

 NBAY 31.9 19.3 37.9 330 

 SCARD 32.0 21.0 39.0 231 
Variable Zone Median Min. Max. n 

Bottom Salinity All 33.9 3.4 42.2 2342 

 AS 27.7 12.8 42.2 198 

 IS 31.4 3.4 42.2 429 

 MAIN 35.1 24.2 40.3 1154 

 NBAY 33.3 25.2 37.9 330 

 SCARD 32.8 20.9 39.0 231 

Silicate All 0.063 0.000 1.287 550 

(ppm) AS 0.174 0.000 0.851 44 

 IS 0.088 0.000 0.828 110 

 MAIN 0.029 0.000 0.720 242 

 NBAY 0.210 0.001 1.287 110 

 SCARD 0.040 0.000 0.260 44 

Soluble Reactive All 0.001 0.000 0.021 2325 

Phosphorus AS 0.001 0.000 0.010 197 

(ppm) IS 0.001 0.000 0.009 425 

 MAIN 0.000 0.000 0.009 1148 

 NBAY 0.001 0.000 0.021 326 

 SCARD 0.001 0.000 0.008 229 

Surface All 26.3 10.2 33.3 2343 

Temperature AS 26.8 10.2 32.9 198 

(

o

C) IS 26.3 15.7 33.3 429 

 MAIN 26.1 15.5 32.8 1155 

 NBAY 25.8 16.5 32.5 330 

 SCARD 26.3 16.4 32.5 231 

Bottom All 26.1 10.3 33.8 2343 

Temperature AS 26.7 10.3 33.2 198 

(

o

C) IS 26.3 15.7 33.4 429 

 MAIN 26.1 15.6 32.5 1155 

 NBAY 25.6 16.5 32.9 330 

 SCARD 26.5 16.6 33.8 231 

Total Organic All 3.346 0.326 9.330 2340 

Carbon (ppm) AS 4.750 1.379 9.330 198 

 IS 3.908 1.463 9.168 428 

 MAIN 2.803 0.326 6.522 1155 

 NBAY 3.614 1.451 8.208 329 

 SCARD 3.988 1.968 7.572 230 

Total Organic All 0.228 0.006 1.229 2342 

Nitrogen (ppm) AS 0.356 0.006 0.825 198 

 IS 0.282 0.016 0.877 428 

 MAIN 0.193 0.031 1.010 1155 

 NBAY 0.206 0.045 0.652 330 

 SCARD 0.274 0.068 1.229 231 

Total Phosphorus All 0.006 0.000 0.038 2342 

(ppm) AS 0.006 0.000 0.025 198 

 IS 0.005 0.001 0.026 428 

 MAIN 0.005 0.001 0.030 1155 

 NBAY 0.009 0.003 0.038 330 

 SCARD 0.006 0.002 0.030 231 
Variable Zone Median Min. Max. n 

Turbidity All 0.69 0.00 22.35 2341 

(NTU) AS 0.50 0.05 3.73 198 

 IS 0.45 0.00 3.75 428 

 MAIN 0.80 0.00 19.00 1154 

 NBAY 1.12 0.01 22.35 330 

 SCARD 0.55 0.00 3.80 231 
Table 9.5. Statistical summary of Southwest Florida Shelf water quality variables by zone. 

Variable Zone Median Min. Max. n 

Alkaline All 0.052 0.004 12.017 1096 

Phosphatase SHARK 0.063 0.016 2.485 45 

Activity (μM hr-1) SHELF 0.051 0.004 12.017 892 

 SHOAL 0.052 0.012 7.627 159 

Chlorophyll a All 0.905 0.000 10.463 1274 

(μg l-1) SHARK 1.597 0.254 4.651 52 

 SHELF 0.869 0.000 10.463 1040 

 SHOAL 0.926 0.240 6.560 182 

Surface All 6.2 2.8 12.8 1257 

Dissolved Oxygen SHARK 6.1 3.6 8.3 51 

(mg l-1) SHELF 6.2 2.8 12.6 1026 

 SHOAL 6.1 3.1 12.8 180 

Bottom All 5.6 1.7 13.0 561 

Dissolved Oxygen SHARK 5.0 2.8 7.3 22 

(mg l-1) SHELF 5.6 1.7 13.0 458 

 SHOAL 5.8 2.6 9.7 81 

Ammonium All 0.005 0.000 0.129 1274 

(ppm) SHARK 0.008 0.001 0.049 52 

 SHELF 0.005 0.000 0.129 1040 

 SHOAL 0.005 0.000 0.064 182 

Nitrite All 0.000 0.000 0.008 1274 

(ppm) SHARK 0.001 0.000 0.006 52 

 SHELF 0.000 0.000 0.008 1040 

 SHOAL 0.001 0.000 0.005 182 

Nitrate All 0.000 0.000 0.078 1274 

(ppm) SHARK 0.002 0.000 0.072 52 

 SHELF 0.000 0.000 0.078 1040 

 SHOAL 0.001 0.000 0.022 182 

Surface Salinity All 35.5 24.4 40.7 1261 

 SHARK 34.7 24.4 40.7 51 

 SHELF 35.5 27.0 40.1 1030 

 SHOAL 35.5 27.9 38.8 180 

Bottom Salinity All 36.0 26.0 40.7 565 

 SHARK 35.5 26.0 40.7 22 

 SHELF 36.1 27.8 40.1 462 

 SHOAL 35.8 31.0 39.2 81 

Silicate All 0.066 0.000 2.238 1169 

(ppm) SHARK 0.399 0.000 1.199 47 

 SHELF 0.067 0.000 2.238 955 

 SHOAL 0.041 0.000 1.038 167 

Soluble Reactive All 0.001 0.000 0.014 1274 

Phosphorus (ppm) SHARK 0.001 0.000 0.006 52 

 SHELF 0.001 0.000 0.014 1040 

 SHOAL 0.001 0.000 0.008 182 

 
Variable Zone Median Min. Max. n 

Surface 

Temperature All 26.5 14.7 32.7 1261 

(

o

C) SHARK 26.5 14.8 32.1 51 

 SHELF 26.5 14.7 32.7 1030 

 SHOAL 26.6 15.2 32.3 180 

Bottom 

Temperature All 25.2 14.7 32.0 565 

(

o

C) SHARK 25.1 14.8 31.4 22 

 SHELF 25.2 14.7 31.9 462 

 SHOAL 25.4 15.2 32.0 81 

Total Organic All 2.818 1.544 10.790 1274 

Carbon (ppm) SHARK 3.929 2.221 5.812 52 

 SHELF 2.793 1.544 10.790 1040 

 SHOAL 2.761 1.606 5.864 182 

Total Organic All 0.195 0.038 1.021 1265 

Nitrogen (ppm) SHARK 0.270 0.065 0.957 51 

 SHELF 0.192 0.038 1.021 1032 

 SHOAL 0.197 0.051 0.511 182 

Total Phosphorus All 0.012 0.000 0.190 1274 

(ppm) SHARK 0.015 0.008 0.079 52 

 SHELF 0.012 0.000 0.190 1040 

 SHOAL 0.012 0.006 0.027 182 

Turbidity All 2.17 0.00 66.25 1176 

(NTU) SHARK 6.65 2.14 66.25 48 

 SHELF 1.97 0.00 45.05 960 

 SHOAL 2.95 0.21 20.70 168 
Table 9.6. Statistical summary of Cape Romano-Pine Island Sound water quality variables by 

zone. 

Variable Zone Median Min. Max. n 

Alkaline 

Phosphatase All 0.05 0.01 0.44 1005

Activity (μM hr-1) COCO 0.05 0.02 0.13 14

 EST 0.05 0.02 0.30 164

 MARC 0.04 0.01 0.29 287

 NPL 0.05 0.02 0.31 108

 PIS 0.05 0.02 0.17 108

 RB 0.04 0.02 0.44 144

 SCB 0.05 0.02 0.19 180

Chlorophyll a All 3.72 0.38 28.47 1005

(μg l-1) COCO 4.72 2.16 15.78 14

 EST 4.20 0.41 24.68 164

 MARC 4.22 0.38 20.85 287

 NPL 2.86 0.44 18.22 108

 PIS 3.30 0.55 21.76 108

 RB 3.76 0.75 17.68 144

 SCB 3.15 0.53 28.47 180

Surface All 6.1 1.3 11.7 977

Dissolved Oxygen COCO 5.9 5.0 6.4 3

(mg l-1) EST 6.1 1.8 9.2 147

 MARC 6.1 2.8 9.3 287

 NPL 5.8 2.1 11.7 108

 PIS 6.4 3.7 9.1 108

 RB 5.7 1.3 9.5 144

 SCB 6.3 3.6 10.4 180

Bottom All 6.2 2.3 11.5 1006

Dissolved Oxygen COCO 4.9 2.9 6.6 14

(mg l-1) EST 6.1 2.6 9.4 165

 MARC 6.2 2.8 9.3 287

 NPL 5.8 2.3 11.5 108

 PIS 6.5 4.2 10.1 108

 RB 5.8 2.7 8.9 144

 SCB 6.5 3.8 11.1 180

Light Extinction All 0.372 0.008 3.859 198

Coefficient (m-1) COCO . . . 

 EST 0.399 0.041 1.113 31

 MARC 0.372 0.008 3.859 56

 NPL 0.318 0.021 1.473 21

 PIS 0.417 0.115 0.968 24

 RB 0.300 0.043 1.923 26

 SCB 0.399 0.035 2.559 40

 

 

 

 
Variable Zone Median Min. Max. n 

Ammonium All 0.007 0.000 0.239 1005

(ppm) COCO 0.040 0.017 0.215 13

 EST 0.007 0.000 0.217 165

 MARC 0.006 0.000 0.194 287

 NPL 0.008 0.001 0.170 108

 PIS 0.006 0.000 0.077 108

 RB 0.008 0.001 0.239 144

 SCB 0.007 0.000 0.184 180

Nitrite All 0.001 0.000 0.021 1005

(ppm) COCO 0.002 0.000 0.011 13

 EST 0.001 0.000 0.011 165

 MARC 0.001 0.000 0.010 287

 NPL 0.001 0.000 0.009 108

 PIS 0.001 0.000 0.004 108

 RB 0.001 0.000 0.009 144

 SCB 0.001 0.000 0.021 180

Nitrate All 0.003 0.000 0.405 1005

(ppm) COCO 0.015 0.002 0.112 13

 EST 0.002 0.000 0.073 165

 MARC 0.002 0.000 0.052 287

 NPL 0.002 0.000 0.056 108

 PIS 0.001 0.000 0.035 108

 RB 0.003 0.000 0.034 144

 SCB 0.005 0.000 0.405 180

Surface Salinity All 34.5 3.6 40.7 976

 COCO 21.2 10.1 33.9 3

 EST 34.4 18.6 38.3 147

 MARC 35.4 21.9 40.7 287

 NPL 34.9 19.6 37.8 108

 PIS 34.5 25.8 38.6 108

 RB 35.0 14.2 38.9 143

 SCB 32.9 3.6 37.9 180

Bottom Salinity All 34.3 1.6 40.6 1005

 COCO 29.5 1.6 35.7 14

 EST 34.0 8.7 37.9 165

 MARC 35.2 21.2 40.6 287

 NPL 34.8 20.1 37.9 108

 PIS 34.3 20.3 38.5 108

 RB 34.9 13.2 39.9 143

 SCB 31.8 3.6 37.9 180

Silicate All 0.596 0.000 4.175 334

(ppm) COCO 1.598 0.611 2.637 4

 EST 0.652 0.033 2.476 55

 MARC 0.577 0.013 2.872 95

 NPL 0.520 0.011 1.591 36

 PIS 0.387 0.000 1.404 36

 RB 0.564 0.079 1.859 48

 SCB 0.746 0.059 4.175 60

 

 
Variable Zone Median Min. Max. n 

Soluble Reactive All 0.004 0.000 0.098 1005

Phosphorus (ppm) COCO 0.018 0.001 0.041 13

 EST 0.004 0.000 0.030 165

 MARC 0.004 0.000 0.028 287

 NPL 0.004 0.000 0.034 108

 PIS 0.002 0.000 0.027 108

 RB 0.004 0.000 0.026 144

 SCB 0.008 0.000 0.098 180

Surface 

Temperature All 25.3 15.4 34.5 977

(

o

C) COCO 31.1 21.5 32.7 3

 EST 25.8 16.8 31.7 147

 MARC 25.5 15.6 31.3 287

 NPL 25.0 15.4 31.5 108

 PIS 24.9 15.6 31.5 108

 RB 25.3 15.6 31.9 144

 SCB 25.0 16.5 34.5 180

Bottom 

Temperature All 25.3 15.6 32.8 1006

(

o

C) COCO 25.7 19.6 32.7 14

 EST 25.6 16.9 32.8 165

 MARC 25.5 15.6 31.7 287

 NPL 25.1 16.4 31.4 108

 PIS 25.1 16.9 32.0 108

 RB 25.4 15.6 32.2 144

 SCB 25.0 17.0 31.9 180

Total Organic All 4.668 2.226 19.688 1006

Carbon (ppm) COCO 6.674 4.457 16.598 14

 EST 4.838 2.729 14.538 165

 MARC 4.481 2.575 10.220 287

 NPL 4.019 2.226 12.230 108

 PIS 4.487 2.425 9.607 108

 RB 4.844 2.728 12.070 144

 SCB 5.469 2.603 19.688 180

Total Organic All 0.272 0.057 0.832 1004

Nitrogen (ppm) COCO 0.362 0.222 0.630 13

 EST 0.299 0.104 0.769 165

 MARC 0.265 0.099 0.818 287

 NPL 0.237 0.078 0.541 108

 PIS 0.287 0.088 0.699 108

 RB 0.258 0.104 0.591 144

 SCB 0.286 0.057 0.832 179

 

 
Variable Zone Median Min. Max. n 

Total Phosphorus All 0.044 0.000 0.186 1006

(ppm) COCO 0.049 0.032 0.072 14

 EST 0.049 0.017 0.186 165

 MARC 0.042 0.000 0.160 287

 NPL 0.037 0.012 0.106 108

 PIS 0.041 0.014 0.148 108

 RB 0.045 0.018 0.099 144

 SCB 0.049 0.019 0.173 180

Turbidity All 3.75 0.06 38.65 1006

(NTU) COCO 5.67 0.35 8.24 14

 EST 4.41 0.13 28.75 165

 MARC 4.99 0.58 38.65 287

 NPL 2.85 0.25 27.25 108

 PIS 2.75 0.07 20.65 108

 RB 4.74 0.61 35.25 144

 SCB 2.80 0.06 11.80 180