Site Profile

of the

Guana Tolomato Matanzas

National Estuarine Research Reserve

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

Environmental Education Center

505 Guana River Road

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

(904) 823-4500 • Fax (904) 825-6829 

Marineland Office

9741 Ocean Shore Blvd

St. Augustine, FL 32080

(904) 461-4054 • Fax (904) 461-4056
Site Profile

of the

Guana Tolomato Matanzas

National Estuarine Research Reserve

Prepared for: The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

Prepared by: Denis W. Frazel, Ph.D.

Frazel, Inc.

233 Estrada Avenue

St. Augustine, FL 32084

For more information about this report or to obtain additional copies, contact:

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

Environmental Education Center

505 Guana River Road

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082

(904) 823-4500 • Fax (904) 825-6829 

Marineland Office

9741 Ocean Shore Blvd

St. Augustine, FL 32080

(904) 461-4054 • Fax (904) 461-4056

Internet: http://www.gtmnerr.org

Citation: D. Frazel. 2009. Site Profile of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine 

Research Reserve. Ponte Vedra, FL. 151pp.

August 2009
i

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve 

(GTMNERR) is a partnership between the US Department of 

Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 

and the State of Florida, Department of Environmental Protection. 

This site profile has been developed in accordance with National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration regulations. It is 

consistent with the congressional intent of Section 315 of the 

Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, and the 

provisions of the Florida Coastal Management Program. August, 

2009

The views, statements, findings, conclusions, and 

recommendations expressed herein are those of the author and do 

not necessarily reflect the views of the State of Florida, National 

Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or any of its subagencies. August, 2009.

August 2009

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
ii

Preface

The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR), 

designated in 1999, is one of 27 estuarine reserves included within the National Oceanic and 

Atmospheric Administration‟s National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS). As 

part of the NERRS program, each reserve is required to develop a site profile, which 

describes the estuarine and terrestrial ecosystems represented within the site; outlines 

ongoing research and monitoring; and identifies site-specific research needs and priorities.

This site profile includes an introduction to the Reserve; an environmental overview of the 

GTMNERR estuaries; a description of biotic habitats; an overview of the Reserve‟s programs 

and partnerships; a summary of research conducted within the Reserve; and suggestions for 

future research and monitoring.

This document is intended to provide guidance for the future direction of the GTMNERR‟s 

research and monitoring programs and will be made available to all potential users, including 

scientists, environmental managers, local planners, elected officials, and environmental 

educators.

The GTMNERR site profile was prepared by Frazel, Inc., under Contract #949045 from the 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Links to Web sites were accurate at the

time of publication.
iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The GTMNERR site profile project was edited by Rick Gleeson, Ph.D., GTMNERR Research 

Coordinator and reviewed by Mike Shirley, Ph.D., GTMNERR Director. Denis W. Frazel, Ph.D. 

(Frazel, Inc.) prepared the site profile through the collaborative efforts of the following 

GTMNERR and St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) staff members. 

GTMNERR Staff

Rachel Endicott, Biologist

Matt Love, Biological Scientist

SJRWMD Staff

Paul Haydt, SJRWMD NCB Interagency Program Manager

Ron Brockmeyer, Ph.D., Environmental Scientist IV

Marvin Williams, GIS Analyst III

Jan Miller, Environmental Scientists III

Lori Morris, Ph.D., Environmental Scientist III

Special thanks are due to the following individuals for their individual and collective efforts:

Edward Phlips, Ph.D., Professor, Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences,

University of Florida

Nikki Dix, Doctoral Candidate, Research Associate, Department of Fisheries and

Aquatic Sciences, University of Florida

Peter Sheng, Ph.D., Professor, Coastal and Oceanographic Engineering, University of

Florida

Clay Montague, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Environmental Engineering Sciences,

University of Florida
iv

LIST OF ACRONYMS

ATV All Terrain Vehicle

BMP Best Management Practices

BMAP Basin Management Action Plan

CAMA Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas

CDMO Centralized Data Management Office

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CICEET Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology

CRCP Coral Reef Conservation Program

CZM Coastal Zone Management

CZMA Coastal Zone Management Act

DHR Division of Historical Resources

DNR Department of Natural Resources (now FDEP)

EEC Environmental Education Center

ERD Estuarine Reserves Division

F Fahrenheit

F.A.C. Florida Administrative Code

F.A.W. Florida Administrative Weekly

FCMP Florida Coastal Management Program

FDACS Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services

FDEP Florida Department of Environmental Protection

FDOF Florida Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services, Division of 

Forestry

FIU Florida Institute of Technology

FLUCCS Florida Land Use Cover and Forms Classification System

FNAI Florida Natural Area Inventory

F.S. Florida Statutes

FWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

FWRI Fish and Wildlife Research Institute

GPS Global Positioning System

GIS Geographic Information System

GRF Graduate Research Fellowship

GRMAP Guana River Marsh Aquatic Preserve

GRWMA Guana River Wildlife Management Area

GTMNERR Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve

IWRMN Integrated Water Resources Monitoring Network

IWW Intracoastal Waterway

LAMP Lighthouse Archeological Maritime Program

NCB Northern Coastal Basin

NERR National Estuarine Research Reserve

NERRS National Estuarine Research Reserve System

NIH National Institute of Health

NMS National Marine Sanctuary

NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

OFW Outstanding Florida Water
v

PCAP Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve

ppt Parts Per Thousand

SCS Soil Conservation Service

SJRWMD St. Johns River Water Management District

SR State Road

STORET Storage and Retrieval Database

SWAMP Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program

SWIM Surface Water Improvement and Management Plan

SWMP System-wide Monitoring Program

TMDL Total Maximum Daily Load

UCF University of Central Florida

UF University of Florida

UM University of Miami

UNH University of New Hampshire

U.S.C. United States Code

USDA United States Department of Agriculture

USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service

USGS United States Geological Survey

WMD Water Management District
vi

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE...................................................................................................................................... ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................ iii

LIST OF ACRONYMS ............................................................................................................... iv

INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................1

Overview..............................................................................................................................1

Estuarine Habitats at the Reserve ........................................................................................4

Historical and Cultural Resources .......................................................................................6

National Estuarine Research Reserve Program ...................................................................7

Reserve Mission and Site Description ...............................................................................11

Ecological Significance and Designations of the Reserve.................................................12

Major Reserve Management Priorities ..............................................................................12

Reserve Protection Efforts.................................................................................................13

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING ................................................................................................14

Estuarine Geomorphology .................................................................................................14

Climate and Weather..........................................................................................................16

Hydrology (watershed and tidal conditions)......................................................................17

Physical Processes .............................................................................................................19

Land Use ............................................................................................................................22

Water Use...........................................................................................................................22

Water Quality.....................................................................................................................23

Pollution Impacts...............................................................................................................28

BIOLOGICAL SETTING...........................................................................................................35
vii

Introduction........................................................................................................................35

Biotic Habitats ...................................................................................................................35

Biological Community Profiles .........................................................................................48

Plankton .................................................................................................................48

Vegetation..............................................................................................................49

Invertebrates...........................................................................................................53

Fishes .....................................................................................................................57

Reptiles and Amphibians.......................................................................................60

Birds.......................................................................................................................62

Mammals................................................................................................................65

GTMNERR RESEARCH AND MONITORING ACTIVITIES.............................................69

Research Facilities.............................................................................................................69

Ancillary Facilities.............................................................................................................70

Monitoring Activities.........................................................................................................71

Graduate Research Fellowship Program............................................................................77

CICEET Program...............................................................................................................82

Other Research Activities..................................................................................................84

ASSESSMENT OF RESEARCH AND MONITORING NEEDS...........................................88

Research Facility Needs.................................................................................................................88

Research Gaps................................................................................................................................88

Monitoring Priorities and Needs....................................................................................................89

Research Priorities and Needs .......................................................................................................90

REFERENCES.............................................................................................................................92
viii

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Total fresh groundwater use, and change in water use by County for 2000 and 2006 in 

million gallons per day (mgd)........................................................................................................23

Table 2. Municipalities adjacent to the GTMNERR with MS4 NPDES permits.........................29

Table 3. 303(d) Waterbodies Status for the Northern Coastal Basin extracted from the FDEP 

Revised Draft Verified Lists of Impaired Waters for the Group 5 Basins.....................................31
ix

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Map of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine 

Research Reserve-northern component ...............................................................................2

Figure 2. Map of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine 

Research Reserve-southern component ...............................................................................3

Figure 3. Estuarine geomorphology of the GTMNERR...............................................................14

Figure 4. Hydrologic features of the GTMNERR.........................................................................18

Figure 5. Times series for wind speed/direction and rainfall for the Pellicer Creek weather 

station together with water depth and salinity time series for Fort Matanzas, Pellicer Creek, Pine 

Island and San Sebastian water quality stations during Tropical Storm Frances in 2004 .............25

Figure 6. Trends comparison of the Matanzas River Site (Selection A) vs. All Sites in Florida 

(Selection B) for Lead (PB) concentration (μg/dry g) in oyster tissue..........................................33

Figure 7. Trends comparison of the Matanzas River Site (Selection A) vs. All Sites in Florida 

(Selection B) for Copper (Cu) concentration (μg/dry g) in oyster tissue ......................................34
x

APPENDICES

Appendix A. GTMNERR Species List.......................................................................................105

Appendix B. List of Water Quality Sampling Stations...............................................................140

Appendix C. Biological and Water Quality Data for the GTMNERR, collected by the University 

of Florida......................................................................................................................................148

Appendix D. Scientific Studies and References Relevant to the GTMNERR............................151
1

INTRODUCTION

Overview

Florida conjures up romantic visions of warm breezes, sandy beaches and sunny skies. With 

more than 1,100 miles of shoreline, and 2,500 miles of navigable waters, including lakes, bays, 

and estuaries, it is easy to see why Florida is considered one the Nation‟s premier destinations

for those interested in natural outdoor activities. The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National 

Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR or Reserve) in northeast Florida contains those features 

that attract tourists to Florida. Most important though, are the many species of subtropical and 

temperate plants and animals that co-inhabit the Reserve, making it a key location to study 

climate change and other global ecological processes. The Reserve‟s relatively pristine condition 

and unique climate and biodiversity are ideal for scientific research and study.

The Reserve serves as an important habitat for migrating species including calving North 

Atlantic right whales and serves as a critical feeding and resting location for migrating shorebirds 

along the North American Atlantic flyway. Manatees, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, bald 

eagles and peregrine falcons find refuge in the GTMNERR.

In addition, the Reserve is located in a region with the oldest record of European occupation and 

has a rich assortment of cultural resources dating to the pre-Columbian era, thereby providing a 

valuable resource for archeological research and interpretation.

The GTMNERR is located south of the City of Jacksonville, in St. Johns and Flagler Counties,

on the northeast coast of Florida.The GTMNERR is geographically divided into a northern 

(Figure 1) and southern component (Figure 2), separated by the City of St. Augustine. The 

Reserve is connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Augustine Inlet and the Matanzas Inlet.

The Reserve encompasses approximately 64,487 acres of submerged lands and uplands. These 

lands include salt marsh and mangrove tidal wetlands, oyster bars, estuarine lagoons, upland 

habitat and offshore seas. The estuarine ecological system produces a rich abundance of marine 

life including numerous commercially 

and recreationally valuable species. 

The Reserve also contains the 

northernmost extent of mangrove 

habitat on the east coast of the United 

States (Zomlefer et al. 2006).

The northern component (referred to 

locally as Guana) is associated with the 

Tolomato and Guana River estuaries. It 

consists of the Guana River Marsh 

Aquatic Preserve (GRMAP), Guana 

River Wildlife Management Area 

(GRWMA), Stokes Landing 

Conservation Area and Deep Creek 

State Forest. The GRMAP extends three miles into the Atlantic Ocean, and encompasses the 
2

estuarine (tidal) waters of the Tolomato and Guana Rivers, interior impoundments, marshes, 

swamps and five artesian wells. The northern component also includes the upland areas of the 

former Guana River State Park.

The southern component is associated with the Matanzas River estuary, extending from Moultrie

Creek to south of Pellicer Creek. The southern component of the Reserve consists of Pellicer 

Creek Aquatic Preserve 

(PCAP), Faver-Dykes State 

Park, Washington Oaks 

Gardens State Park, Moses 

Creek Conservation Area, 

Pellicer Creek Conservation 

Area, Fort Matanzas National 

Monument, Princess Place 

Preserve, The River to Sea 

Preserve at Marineland, and 

other State sovereign 

submerged lands adjacent to 

the Matanzas River within the 

GTMNERR boundary. 

Figure 1. The GTMNERR is 

geographically divided into a 

northern and southern 

component, separated by the 

City of St. Augustine. The 

northern component (referred 

to locally as Guana) is 

associated with the Tolomato 

and Guana River estuaries.
3

Figure 2. The 

GTMNERR southern 

component is associated 

with the Matanzas River

estuary, extending from 

Moultrie Creek to south 

of Pellicer Creek.
4

Estuarine Habitats at the Reserve

The Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) River estuarine ecosystem exhibits a wide variety of 

habitat types. Pinelands (30%) are the predominant upland habitat type within the drainage basin, 

followed by shrub and brushlands (14%), and hardwood hammocks (10%). Barren (mostly 

disturbed) lands make up only 10% of the watershed. Coastal salt marsh and open water habitat 

comprise nearly 15% of the watershed.

Salt marsh is the major estuarine habitat in the GTMNERR, and occurs along the boundaries of 

the estuaries throughout the Reserve. This habitat type occupies more than 20% of the total land 

cover of the Reserve. Dominant plants include Glasswort (Salicornia spp.), saltwort (Batis 

maritima), saltmarsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), and black needlerush (Juncus 

roemerianus). 

Tidal flats found in 

this estuary are 

typically intertidal 

sand and mud flats 

flanking river 

mouths, creeks, 

sounds and 

channels. These flats 

lie between the 

extreme spring high 

and low tide lines. 

While the areas may 

appear relatively 

barren, this habitat 

supports a large 

population of 

infaunal organisms 

as well as a variety 

of transient fish and 

wildlife.

Oyster reefs are found in the intertidal portions of the Reserve estuarine system. They serve to 

locally decrease turbidity by trapping sediment and stabilizing erosion. Oysters provide hard 

substrate and habitat for many other species including, mud crabs (Rhithropanopeus harrisii), 

blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus), and amphipods. More detailed descriptions of the estuarine and 

other habitats in the GTMNERR are discussed in the Section on Biotic Habitats and Community 

Structure.

The diversity of communities present in the GTMNERR provides habitat for a wide variety of 

fish and wildlife. A species list recently compiled for the GRMAP indicates the presence of at 

least 44 mammal, 358 bird, 41 reptile, 21 amphibian, 303 fish, and 580 plant species. A partial 

list of estuarine and marine fish and invertebrates compiled for the general area by the Whitney 
5

Laboratory records 270 species. The most current comprehensive species list for the GTMNERR 

is found in Appendix A.

The variety of habitats within the GTMNERR are essential to many protected species (eight 

plants and forty-eight animals) including the Anastasia Island beach mouse (Peromyscus 

polionotus phasma), gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), least tern (Sterna antillarum), 

marine turtles: loggerhead (Caretta caretta), leatherback (Dermochelys coriaciea) and green 

turtle (Chelonia mydas), and North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis). In addition, the 

striped newt (Notopthalmus perstriatus), one of Florida‟s rarest vertebrate species, occurs within 

the GTMNERR. Some of the many rare listed birds of the GTMNERR include: great egret 

(Ardea alba), white ibis (Eudocimus albus), black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nyticorax), 

least tern (Sterna antillarum), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), tricolored heron (Egretta 

tricolor), wood stork (Mycteria americana) and roseate spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja). 

Commercially valuable species of organisms that occur in the GTMNERR for all or part of their 

life cycle include oysters (Crassostrea virginica), quahog clams (Mercenaria spp.), blue crabs 

(Callinectes sapidus), stone crabs (Menippe mercenaria), white shrimp (Penaeus setiferus), 

brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus), striped and white mullet (Mugil cephalus and M. curema), gag 

grouper (Myctoperca microlepis), black seabass (Centropristis striata), gray snapper (Lutjanus 

griseus), lane snapper (L. synagris), flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma and P. dentatus), 

bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix), menhaden (Brevoortia tyrannus) and thread herring 

(Opisthonema oglinum).
6

Recreationally valuable sport fishing species present include tarpon (Tarpon atlanticus), spotted 

sea trout (Cynoscion nebulosus), weakfish (C. regalis), snook (Centropomus undecimalis), red 

drum (Sciaenops ocellata), black drum (Pogonias cromis), spot (Leiostomous xanthurus), 

croaker (Micropogon undulatus), sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus), crevalle jack 

(Carynx hippos), gag grouper (Myctoperca microlepis), black seabass (Centropristis striata), 

gray snapper (Lutjanus griseus), lane snapper (L. synagris), pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), 

whiting (Menticirrus americanus), Florida pompano (Trachinotus carolinus), flounder 

(Paralichthys spp.), striped mullet (Mugil cephalus), and sailor‟s choice (Haemulon parri).

The State of Florida has five surface water classifications (62-302.400 Florida Administrative 

Code (F.A.C.)), with specific criteria applicable to each class of water. In addition selected 

waters may be designated as an Outstanding Florida Water (OFW; 62-302.700 F.A.C.) worthy of 

special protection because of its natural attributes. This special designation is applied to certain 

waters, and is intended to protect existing good water quality. In the northern section of the 

GTMNERR, surface waters within the GRMAP are designated as an OFW, while in the southern 

portion, Pellicer Creek has OFW status. National, state and county conservation areas surround 

Pellicer Creek making it one of the last undisturbed tidal marsh creek systems along the east 

coast of Florida.

Historical and Cultural Resources

The first inhabitants of northeast Florida adapted to Late Glacial conditions with a technology 

and settlement pattern suited to the hunting of scarce and large animals in a dry climate. Even at 

quite low population densities the environmental influences of these Paleo Native Americans 

may have included hunting to extinction a number of large vertebrate species (Miller 1991). 

Between 10,000 and 5,000 years ago, the most fundamental changes to the environment were 

natural in origin. As sea level rise slowed to its pre-industrial rate, water resources, small game, 

and plant resources became more accessible. This condition enhanced settlement in coastal 

locations. By about 5,000 years ago the coastal environment of Florida had become similar to the 

present day situation. Native Americans living on the coast took advantage of the relatively 

stable and abundant seafood, an important source of protein. As human populations became 

more sedentary in response to stable conditions, opportunities for specialized collection and 

domestication of plants increased along with the duration of settlements.

The GTMNERR region is of special sociological and archeological interest because of the 

comprehensive documentary record of human settlement and landscape modifications. There are

detailed records commencing in the mid-sixteenth century of Native American, Spanish, French, 

British and American inhabitants and their cultures.

A total of 22 recorded archaeological sites occur within the boundaries of the area directly 

managed by the Reserve. Known sites include a burial mound, numerous shell middens, a 

Spanish mission (probably La Natividad de Nuestra Senora de Tolomato), and homestead sites 

from the British, Second Spanish and Territorial Periods (Newman 1995).

Other areas of exceptional historical significance within the GTMNERR include:
7

Faver-Dykes State Park has five identified sites with artifacts from the full range of cultural 

periods: Orange, St. Johns, Saint Augustine and Second Spanish from the Hepworth Carter 

Plantation site.

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park has several nineteenth and early twentieth century sites 

associated with the Bella Vista Plantation, as well as sites associated with the ornamental 

gardens dating from the late 1930s--1950s. In addition the area has several middens in fair to 

good condition.

Princess Place Preserve has Florida‟s oldest commercial orange groves planted in the early 

1800‟s. The land is part of the original land grant from the Spanish Government in the late 

1700‟s; it may be the only contiguous land grant remaining from that time period. The site 

contains one of Florida‟s first in-ground swimming pools.

Matanzas Inlet, at Fort Matanzas National Monument, was the scene of crucial events in 

Spanish colonial history. The defeat of French soldiers here in 1565 initiated Spain‟s 

establishment of its first permanent colony in Florida. The construction of Fort Matanzas in 

1740-42 was Spain‟s attempt to stop British encroachments on St. Augustine (Smith 2006).

Underwater archeological resources in the GTMNERR are lesser known. A systematic maritime 

archaeological survey in St. Augustine waters was conducted by Southern Oceans 

Archaeological Research, Inc between 1994 and 1997, and focused on locating offshore 

shipwrecks surrounding St. Augustine's inlet (Franklin and Morris 1996). The most significant 

discovery of this survey was the shipwreck Industry, a British supply ship lost May 6, 1764. This 

wreck remains the oldest yet located in St. Augustine's waters (Morris et al. 1998). The St. 

Augustine Lighthouse and Museum began funding maritime archaeology in St. Johns County, in 

1997, and in 1999, established the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program, or LAMP. In 

both 2007 and 2009 the GTMNERR co-sponsored, along with LAMP, the Annual Northeast 

Florida Symposium on Underwater Maritime Archaeology, a symposium on underwater 

archaeology to bring together experts in this field and to promote collaboration on future 

research and educational initiatives within the Reserve.

National Estuarine Research Reserve Program

The National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) System was created by the Coastal Zone 

Management Act (CZMA) of 1972, as amended, 16 U.S.C. Section 1461, to augment the Federal 

Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program. The CZM Program is dedicated to comprehensive, 

sustainable management of the Nation‟s coasts.

The Reserve system is a network of protected areas established to promote informed 

management of the Nation‟s estuaries and coastal habitats. The Reserve system currently 

consists of 27 reserves in 22 states and territories, protecting over one million acres of estuarine 

lands and waters.

The Reserves serve as living laboratories for agency staff, visiting scientists and students. They 

serve as platforms for long-term research and monitoring as well as reference sites for 

comparative studies. The integration of research and monitoring provides a scientific basis to 

improve the understanding of coastal systems.
8

As stated in the NERR regulations, 15 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 921.1(a), the 

NERR System mission is:

“the establishment and management, through Federal-state cooperation, of a national system of 

Estuarine Research Reserves representative of the various regions and estuarine types in the 

United States. Estuarine Research Reserves are established to provide opportunities for longterm research, education, and interpretation.”

Federal regulations, 15 CFR Part 921.1(b), provide five specific goals for the NERR System:

1. Ensure a stable environment for research through long-term protection of NERR 

resources;

2. Address coastal management issues identified as significant through coordinated 

estuarine research within the System;

3. Enhance public awareness and understanding of estuarine areas and provide suitable 

opportunities for public education and interpretation;

4. Promote federal, state, public and private use of one or more Reserves within the System 

when such entities conduct estuarine research; and

5. Conduct and coordinate estuarine research within the System, gathering and making 

available information necessary for improved understanding and management of 

estuarine areas.

There are three major elements of the Reserve System:

1. Research on estuarine habitats and processes,

2. Education and interpretation of estuarine processes and

3. Resource stewardship.

These elements are implemented through a variety of national programs summarized below:

NERR System Research and Monitoring Program

The Reserve System provides a mechanism for addressing scientific and technical aspects of 

coastal management problems through a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and coordinated 

approach. Research and monitoring programs, including the development of baseline 

information, form the basis of this approach. Reserve research and monitoring activities are 

guided by national plans that identify goals, priorities, and implementation strategies for these 

programs. This approach, when used in combination with the education and outreach programs, 

will help ensure the availability of scientific information that has long-term, system-wide, 

consistency and utility for managers and members of the public to use in protecting or improving 

natural processes in their estuaries.

NERR System-Wide Monitoring Program (SWMP)

The System-wide Monitoring Program provides standardized data on national estuarine 

environmental trends while allowing the flexibility to assess coastal management issues of 

regional or local concern. The principal mission of the monitoring program is to develop 

quantitative measurements of short-term variability and long-term changes in the integrity and 

biodiversity of representative estuarine ecosystems and coastal watersheds for the purposes of 
9

contributing to effective coastal zone management. The program is designed to enhance the 

value and vision of the reserves as a system of national reference sites.

NERR System Education Program

The Reserve System provides a vehicle to increase understanding and awareness of estuarine 

systems and improve decision-making among key audiences to promote stewardship of the 

nation‟s coastal resources. Education and interpretation in the reserves incorporate a range of 

programs and methodologies that are systematically tailored to key audiences around priority 

coastal resource issues and incorporates science-based content. Reserve staff members work with 

local communities and regional groups to address coastal resource management issues, such as 

non-point source pollution, habitat restoration and invasive species. Through integrated research 

and education programs, the reserves help communities develop strategies to deal successfully 

with these coastal resource issues. 

Formal and non-formal education and training programs in the NERRS target K-12 students, 

teachers, university and college students and faculty, as well as coastal decision-maker audiences 

such as environmental groups, professionals involved in coastal resource management, municipal 

and county zoning boards, planners, elected officials, landscapers, eco-tour operators and 

professional associations. 

K-12 and professional development programs for teachers include the use of established coastal 

and estuarine science curricula aligned with state and national science education standards and 

frequently involve both on-site and in-school follow-up activity. Reserve education activities are 

guided by national plans that identify goals, priorities, and implementation strategies for these 

programs. Education and training programs, interpretive exhibits and community outreach 

programs integrate elements of NERRS science, research and monitoring activities and ensure a 

systematic, multi-faceted, and locally focused approach to fostering stewardship.

NERR System Coastal Training Program

The Coastal Training Program (CTP) provides up-to-date scientific information and skillbuilding opportunities to coastal decision-makers who are responsible for making decisions that 

affect coastal resources. Through this program, National Estuarine Research Reserves can ensure 

that coastal decision-makers have the knowledge and tools they need to address critical resource 

management issues of concern to local communities.

Coastal training programs offered by reserves relate to coastal habitat conservation and 

restoration, biodiversity, water quality and sustainable resource management and integrate 

reserve-based research, monitoring and stewardship activities. Programs target a range of 

audiences, such as land-use planners, elected officials, regulators, land developers, community 

groups, environmental non-profits, business and applied scientific groups. These training 

programs provide opportunities for professionals to network across disciplines and develop new 

collaborative relationships to solve complex environmental problems. 

Additionally, the CTP provides a critical feedback loop to ensure that professional audiences 

inform local and regional science and research agendas. Programs are developed in a variety of 

formats ranging from seminars, hands-on skill training, participatory workshops, lectures and 
10

technology demonstrations. Participants benefit from opportunities to share experiences and 

network in a multidisciplinary setting, often with a reserve-based field activity.

Partnerships are important to the success of the Program. Reserves work closely with state 

coastal programs, Sea Grant College extension and education staff, and a host of local partners in 

determining key coastal resource issues to address, as well as the identification of target 

audiences. Partnerships with local agencies and organizations are critical in the exchange and 

sharing of expertise and resources to deliver relevant and accessible training programs that meet 

the needs of specific groups.

The Coastal Training Program requires a systematic program development process, involving 

periodic review of the reserve niche in the training provider market, audience assessments, and 

development of a three to five year program strategy, a marketing plan and the establishment of 

an advisory group for guidance, program review and perspective in program development. The 

CTP implements a performance monitoring system, wherein staff report data in operations 

progress reports according to a suite of performance indicators related to increases in participant 

understanding, applications of learning and enhanced networking with peers and experts to 

inform programs.

Designated in 1999, the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve 

(GTMNERR) is one of three NERRs in Florida. It is a part of this system because of its 

outstanding representation of the east Florida sub-region of the Carolinian bioregion and its

unique combination of natural and cultural resources. The GTMNERR is a federal/state 

partnership with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) as the state 

program administrator. 

The GTM Research Reserve is managed compatibly with the NERR‟s Program vision and 2005-

2010 Strategic Goals. The issue topic areas of the GTM Research Reserve‟s management plan 

(Watershed Landuse, Cultural Resource Preservation and Interpretation, Public Use, Habitat and 

Species Management and Global Processes) have a direct linkage with the National Program‟s 

priority management issues of land use and population growth, habitat loss and alteration, water 

quality degradation and changes in biological communities.

The GTM Research Reserve and other Reserves share the National Program‟s 2005- 2010 

Strategic Plan- guiding Principles (http://www.nerrs.noaa.gov/Background_StrategicPlan.html)

including:

Strong partnerships between NOAA, state agencies and universities, and other local partners 

are critical to the success of the reserve system.

The reserve system integrates science, education and stewardship on relevant topics to 

maximize the benefits to coastal management.

Reserves serve as a catalyst and a focal point for demonstrating and facilitating objective 

problem solving and best management practices.

Reserves engage local communities and citizens to improve stewardship of coastal areas.

Reserves implement an ecosystem-based management approach.

The Florida NERRs are administered on behalf of the State by the FDEP Office of Coastal and 

Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA) as part of a network that includes forty-one Aquatic Preserves, 
11

three NERRs, a National Marine Sanctuary (NMS), the Coral Reef Conservation Program 

(CRCP), and the Florida Oceans and Coastal Resources Council. This provides for a system of 

significant protections to ensure that our most popular and ecologically important underwater 

ecosystems are cared for in perpetuity. Each of these special places is managed with strategies 

based on local resources, issues, and conditions.

Reserve Mission and Site Description

The primary role of the GTMNERR is to serve as a platform for research and education and as a 

clearinghouse for science based information to guide the conservation of natural and cultural 

resources within the region. This is accomplished by conducting and facilitating scientific studies 

and symposia which in turn are used to guide the Reserve‟s environmental education and 

stewardship programs. This process ensures that the best available information is provided to 

citizens, coastal managers, scientists and elected officials making decisions affecting coastal 

habitats. These activities also provide a mechanism for coordinated ecosystem management of 

lands within the GTMNERR boundary and its watershed.

The Reserve‟s primary mission is to achieve the conservation of natural biodiversity and cultural 

resources by using the results of research and monitoring to guide science-based stewardship and 

education.

The main facility of the GTMNERR is the Environmental Education Center (EEC) located in the 

northern component of the Reserve ten miles north of St. Augustine, on State Road A1A, in 

Ponte Vedra Beach. The EEC serves as the administrative, education, research, and stewardship 

facility for the 

northern component.

The Reserve also 

maintains an office on 

State Road A1A in 

Marineland. This 

office houses the

research, education, 

and outreach facilities 

for the southern 

component of the 

Reserve.

Community leaders 

along with state, 

federal and local 

governments have 

preserved extensive 

areas within the 

watershed of the 

Reserve. These preserved areas provide a unique setting for ecosystem level scientific research 

and monitoring which contribute the information needed for restoring and conserving the natural 

biodiversity in the region.
12

Compatible consumptive and nonconsumptive uses of the Reserve‟s natural resources provide 

valuable assets for the local community. Ecotourism and recreational uses within and adjacent to 

the Reserve including boating, picnicking, swimming, sport fishing, cast netting, hunting, 

camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking and nature study are outstanding. 

Wildlife viewing, especially birds, is excellent. Washington Oaks Gardens State Park has an 

extensive plant garden for viewing along the Matanzas River and a unique coquina rock outcrop, 

the Anastasia Formation. Fort Matanzas National Monument provides exhibits and tours of 

historical significance. Faver-Dykes State Park provides for nature study, camping, picnicking 

and canoeing. Princess Place Preserve has many unique cultural features and is managed by 

Flagler County for its historical preservation and recreational value. The GRWMA provides 

outstanding resources for hunters and nature enthusiasts. 

Ecological Significance and Designations of the Reserve

NOAA has identified eleven distinct biogeographic regions and 29 subregions in the U.S., each 

of which contains several types of estuarine ecosystems (15 CFR Part 921, for NERR typology 

system).

The GTMNERR is within the Carolinian biogeographic region within the east Florida subregion. 

The location‟s relatively pristine condition and unique climate and biodiversity are well suited to 

being designated as a Research Reserve. Community leaders along with state, federal and local 

governments have preserved extensive areas in the watershed of the GTM Research Reserve 

resulting in some of the country‟s most pristine freshwater, tidal creek and estuarine habitats. 

Consequently, the GTM Research Reserve provides a unique setting to conduct research and 

monitoring and to set goals for protecting and restoring other estuaries in the region.

Major Reserve Management Priorities 

St. Johns County is one of the most rapidly growing counties in Florida. As the population 

increases as much as 20% by 2015 (Economic and Demographic Research 2009), the demand for 

new and expanded water dependent use facilities such as marinas and boat ramps will rise as 

well and is a major issue for the GTMNERR. This potentially massive urban growth will likely 

impact both the water quality and water resources within the Reserve.

A Water Dependent Uses and Marine Study by St. Johns County (2002) reported the following:

In 2000/2001, there were a total of 10,073 registered vessels in St. Johns County. That 

number is predicted to increase to 15,564 vessels by 2015, an increase of nearly 65%.

There are currently 1,054 wet slips at marinas located within St. Johns County. Based on 

current boat registration and population trends, an increase of 575 slips will be needed to 

keep up with the existing level of availability by 2015.

Based on current permitting trends, it is estimated that an additional 375 private residential 

docks will be constructed by 2015, bringing the total from approximately 1200 in 2000 to 

1575 in the year 2015.

Dock construction, increased boating traffic associated with increases in population, and poor 

boating practices are impacting benthic resources and shoreline habitat within the Reserve. 
13

Effective mitigation of these issues is necessary to maintain the status quo of natural conditions 

within the Reserve.

Perhaps the most important all-encompassing management priority is to foster ecosystem-based 

conservation and restoration of the natural habitats supporting sustainable populations of the 

diverse array of organisms within the Reserve.

Reserve Protection Efforts

The Reserve encompasses a variety of different local, regional and state regulatory jurisdictional 

lands, each governed by specific protective rules and regulations. The Reserve has direct 

jurisdiction over the Guana River Marsh Aquatic Preserve (GRMAP), the upland areas of the 

former Guana River State Park, and the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve (PCAP). Pellicer Creek 

itself is designated as a State Canoe Trail, promoting a passive, low-impact form of recreation

within the Preserve.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), manages the Guana River 

Wildlife Management Area (GRWMA).

Deep Creek State Forest and Matanzas State Forest are managed by the Florida Division of 

Forestry (FDOF) in cooperation with the FWC and St. Johns River Water Management District.

Both Faver-Dykes State Park and Washington Oaks Gardens State Park are managed through 

FDEP‟s Division of Recreation and Parks. The mission of the park service is to provide resourcebased recreation while preserving, interpreting and restoring natural and cultural resources.

Fort Matanzas National Monument is managed and protected by the US National Park Service. 

The original national monument site consisted of only the fort on Rattlesnake Island, northwest 

of the Matanzas Inlet. Through the years, however, the National Park Service has been able to 

acquire additional land both on Rattlesnake and Anastasia Island and begin to set aside a slice of 

an intact barrier island ecosystem.

Princess Place Preserve and the River to Sea Preserve at Marineland fall under the jurisdiction of 

Flagler County. Princess Place Preserve is an important and critical ecological asset protecting 

saltwater marshes, Pellicer Creek and the Matanzas estuary. The River to Sea Preserve is owned 

jointly by Flagler County and the Town of Marineland. Beginning at the beach of the Atlantic 

Ocean and reaching west to the Matanzas River; the River to Sea Preserve protects a rapidly 

disappearing maritime scrub environment.

The St. Johns River Water Management District has jurisdiction over the Stokes Landing 

Conservation Area, Moses Creek Conservation Area, and Pellicer Creek Conservation Area. The 

District management goals for these areas are generally to:

1. Improve water quality, maintain natural hydrological regime, and increase flood 

protection by preserving important floodplain areas.

2. Restore, maintain, and protect native natural communities and diversity.

3. Provide opportunities for recreation where compatible with the above listed goals.
14

ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

Estuarine Geomorphology 

The GTMNERR‟s coastal estuaries are bounded to the west by the Pamlico Terrace (Figure 3), 

which has an elevation of 1.5 to 7.5 meters above sea level. The topography present today was 

formed over the last 10,000 years and is composed of remnant beach and dune ridges, swamps, 

marshes, tidal flats, creeks, rivers, and estuarine lagoon 

bottoms. The elevation within the GTMNERR ranges 

from sea level to 12 meters on the dunes at the north end 

of the Reserve and in the central regions of the Pellicer 

Creek Conservation Area.

The GTMNERR is located in the lower part of the 

Atlantic Coastal Plain. The coastal region occupies a 

physiographic division known as the Coastal Lowlands. 

This region of the Florida Plateau is described by Cooke 

(1945) as a belt of land along the coast, extending 48 to 

96 kilometers inland, that is flat, poorly drained, and 

characterized by ancient marine terraces and dune 

ridges.

In St. Johns and Flagler counties, thick limestone beds 

of the Eocene age underly the area at depths ranging 

from sea level to more than 90 meters below sea level. 

Miocene or Pliocene deposits directly overlie the 

Eocene limestone formations. The surface area is 

blanketed by Pleistocene and Recent deposits in varying 

depths.

There are seven or possibly eight marine terraces, each 

formed at different sea levels during the Pleistocene 

epoch (White 1970). These terraces were formed 

prehistorically by waves, currents, and the rise and fall 

of sea levels. When the sea level remained stationary for 

long periods, the waves and currents would erode the 

sea floor to form a fairly level surface. Each time the sea 

level dropped, a part of the sea floor was exposed as

a level plain or terrace. The terraces tend to be parallel 

to the present Atlantic shoreline and become 

progressively higher from east to west (Kojima andHunt 

1980). Over time the level plains of the terraces were 

modified or destroyed by stream erosion.

 Figure 3. Estuarine geomorphology of 

 the GTMNERR.
15

The GTMNERR overlies typical Floridian coastal geologic strata. The ground is covered with 

Holocene epoch sediments (< 10,000 years old) including sand, clay and shell fragments. Older 

limestone from the Anastasia formation is exposed on the southern beach in the GRMAP (east of 

Sombrero Creek). These rocks date from the Pleistocene epoch, which occurred from 1.8 million 

years ago (MYA) to 10,000 years ago (Florida Geological Survey [FGS] Lithologic Database).

Beneath these surface sediments lies the Hawthorn group (Miocene epoch, 24-5.3 MYA). The 

Hawthorn group is made up of clays and dolomite, and acts as a semi-confining layer atop the 

Floridan Aquifer. The Hawthorn group is thickest under the GRMAP ranging in depth from 39 to

90 meters. It is thinner to the south, where it ranges in depth from 33 to 41 meters under the 

southern portion of the Reserve (FGS Lithologic Database).

There are a total of 42 soil types occurring within the boundaries of the GTMNERR. The varying 

depth of the water table within the soils at the GTMNERR limits the land use abilities. While the 

region is relatively flat, the soils types are influenced by surface water flow, waves, currents and 

tidal forces. Relief is not pronounced, yet a few feet can mean the difference between dry, 

habitable, cultivable land and freshwater swamp or coastal marsh.

The soils of the uplands within the GTMNERR are primarily derived from sandy marine 

sediments. There are five general soil map units outlined by the Soil Conservation Service 

(SCS). The sand ridges, coastal dunes and flatwoods areas of the Guana peninsula consist of the 

Astatula-Tavares soils. These soils are nearly level to sloping, excessively drained and 

moderately well-drained soils that are sandy throughout. They are located throughout the 

hammock-sand ridge and flatwoods areas west of Guana Lake and extend to the estuarine 

marshes.

The Holopaw-Riviera-Pompano soils are represented in a small area along the north GRWMA 

boundary west of Guana Lake. They are nearly level and poorly drained; some types are sandy to 

a depth of 20 to 40 inches or more and loamy below, while others are sandy throughout. They 

provide fair conditions for growth of grasses, legumes, herbaceous plants, hardwoods and pines.

The coastal dunes along State Road A1A are made up of the Fripp-Satellite-Paola map unit. This 

unit consists of soils on narrow, rolling sandy ridges interspersed with narrow swales. These soils 

are excessively drained sandy soils in the primary and secondary dunes and somewhat poorly 

drained in the swales.

The Riviera-Holopaw-Winder association is found on a small portion of the GRWMA area in the 

northwest section of the property. These soils are nearly level and poorly drained; some are 

sandy to a depth of 20 to 40 inches or more and loamy below, while others are sandy to a depth 

of fewer than 20 inches and loamy below. They are considered "fair" producers of open land, 

woodland and wetland wildlife habitat, and migratory bird species utilize these areas extensively.

The Pellicer-Tisonia soils are derived from the deposition of estuarine clay sediment and organic 

detritus, and are found along the boundary of the Tolomato River, the Intracoastal Waterway 

(IWW) (estuarine tidal marshes), and within the area of the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve. 

They are nearly level, very poorly drained soils subject to frequent tidal flooding; some are 
16

loamy, while others are organic, underlain by clays. These soils are rated as fair producers of 

wetland wildlife habitat. Resident and migratory bird species utilize these wetlands extensively.

The Reserve‟s beaches consist of quartz sand, shells, shell fragments, and pebbles derived from 

exposures of the Anastasia Formation (Tanner 1960). This formation consists of a sandy coquina 

held together by calcareous cement, and obtained its name from Anastasia Island opposite St. 

Augustine (Cooke 1945). In the area of the Matanzas Inlet beaches, samples also yielded quartz 

sand and shell. Offshore samples yielded fine grained sediments (0.055 – 0.516 mm mean 

diameter), with fine to very coarse sediments on the barrier island, and clay and silt in the lagoon 

areas (Burnson 1972).

In the upland areas surrounding the Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve, sandy soil types are 

represented in the sand ridge, coastal dune and flatwoods communities. More information on soil 

types in the Reserve can be found on the USDA Web site at 

http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app/.

Climate and Weather

The climate of the northeast Florida coastal region is under a pronounced maritime influence 

(NOAA 1982). The heat of summer and cold of winter are moderated by the close proximity of the 

Gulf Stream. As a result, this area experiences a humid, subtropical marine climate characterized by 

long, warm, humid summers with heavy rainfall and mild, dry winters.

Specifically, the annual average minimum and maximum temperatures range from 58 to 81o

Fahrenheit (F), respectively. The mean annual temperature is about 70oF near the coast and about 

72oF inland. Temperatures are moderated by close proximity to the ocean. Summer afternoon 

temperatures regularly reach 90°F or higher and nighttime temperatures drop to the low 70s. 

Average winter temperatures range from morning lows in the 30s to afternoon highs in the 70s. 

Relative humidity ranges from 40 to 50% in the afternoon to 90 or 95% in the early morning.

The average annual rainfall is about 55 inches, of which 50-60% occurs from June through midOctober as afternoon and evening thundershowers. Ocean breezes tend to retard the movement of 

rainstorms moving west to east, so the amount of rain falling directly on the coast is less than in the 

interior regions (Jones and Mehta 1978).

Prevailing winds are easterly, but northwest or southwest winds are common. Summer westerly 

winds can last for several days, particularly during the early morning hours. Storm events at 

GTMNERR include thunderstorms, northeasters, tropical storms, and hurricanes. Information 

collected by Taylor Engineering (2008) showed that on average, northeasters affect the area 

about five times per year, and tropical storms/hurricanes pass the area about once every three 

years. With the exception of the September 9, 1964 landfall of category 2 Hurricane Dora in St. 

Augustine, the areas now comprising the GTMNERR have not experienced a hurricane‟s eye 

wall landfall (Winsberg 2003).

During Hurricane Dora surge elevations approached 12 ft. above mean sea level and wave 

heights reached 20-30 ft along Anastasia Island.In 2001, Tropical Storm Gabrielle moved east 

across the Florida peninsula exiting just to the south of the Reserve. While maximum winds of
17

only 59 mph were recorded, nearly 12 inches of rain caused localized flooding and a short-term 

decrease in salinity throughout the Reserve estuaries.

In 2004, St. Johns County experienced three tropical storms (Charley, Frances and Jeanne), all of 

which were hurricanes but that had slowed to tropical storms by the time they hit the county. The 

result was extensive shoreline erosion on the coast that essentially eliminated the sand that had 

previously been deposited as part of a beach renourishment project in the St. Augustine Beach 

area.

Hydrology

The GTMNERR is located in the Upper East Coast Drainage Basin (part of the Florida East 

Coast Basin) which covers 467,196 acres. The basin has been further divided into four “planning 

units”, which can be an individual, usually large tributary basin, or a group of small adjacent 

primary tributary basins with similar characteristics. The Reserve covers three of these planning 

units, from north to south: Tolomato River, Matanzas River and Pellicer Creek. The fourth 

planning unit, the Halifax River is south of the GTMNERR boundary.

The natural hydrodynamics of this system have been altered by various water control structures, 

including dikes, inland wells, drainage ditches and a dam placed across the headwaters of the 

Guana River Estuary (Figrue 4). The Guana Dam was built in 1957, along with other smaller 

dams and canals in an attempt to improve hunting and fishing. The system has been further 

altered by the IWW which bisects the estuary.

The Tolomato, Guana and Matanzas River estuaries form a system of "bar-bounded" estuaries 

that extend from northern St. Johns County to below Marineland in Flagler County, behind the 

barrier island system. The Guana River estuary runs parallel to that of the Tolomato River 

estuary on the seaward side, with the two lagoons joining together six miles north of the St. 

Augustine Inlet. Oceanic exchange occurs through the St. Augustine Inlet.

The Matanzas River estuary stretches approximately 21 miles southward from the St. Augustine 

Inlet, with its southernmost section located about seven miles south of the Matanzas Inlet. Moses 

Creek and Pellicer Creek are the major contributors of freshwater drainage to the Matanzas River 

in the southern component of the Reserve.

Northern Components

The Tolomato River basin has a drainage area encompassing 84 square miles. The River is a 

component of the IWW and hence maintained, in part, as a public navigation channel. Dredging 

has straightened the course of the river at some points and established spoil islands which are 

now partially or entirely vegetated. Smith Creek, Deep Creek, Sweetwater Creek, Marshall 

Creek, Stokes Creek, and Casa Cola Creek all drain into the Tolomato River from the west. 

These six creeks are included in the Reserve boundaries upstream to the extent of tidal influence. 

Capo Creek, Jones Creek, and Sombrero Creek flow west into the Tolomato River and are 

entirely within the Reserve boundaries. Smith, Deep, and Sweetwater Creeks drain a large 

wetland area to the west of the Reserve known as Cabbage Swamp.
18

Figure 4. Hydrologic features of the northern and southern components of the GTMNERR.

The headwaters of the Guana River originate in the Diego Plains drainage basin north of the 

Reserve in the city of Ponte Vedra Beach. The Diego Plains drainage basin encompasses 

approximately 7,800 acres extending from the Lake Ponte Vedra (Guana Lake) dam 17 miles north 
19

into Jacksonville Beach. The natural hydrology of the Guana River was significantly altered by the 

construction of the dam in 1957. Inland wells, water control structures, dikes, and drainage ditches 

have also altered the natural hydrology of the system. From the dam the river flows south to join the 

Tolomato River. 

Southern Components

Moses Creek and the Matanzas River support extensive undisturbed areas of tidal marsh. Moses 

Creek drains a large area of wet flatwoods and swamps in western St. Johns County. As the 

creek forms, it flows east and enters the Moses Creek Conservation Area in the northwestern 

portion of the property. The creek continues southwest, eventually emptying into the Matanzas 

River. Moses Creek lies within the Matanzas River Basin, a sub-basin of the Northern Coastal 

Basin (NCB).

The majority of the watershed in the Pellicer Creek basin is drained by relatively small creeks or 

branches. The Hulett Branch, Pringle Branch, Stevens Branch, Dave Branch, and Schoolhouse 

Branch all drain into the PCAP from the west. Styles Creek flows from the south into Pellicer 

Creek, near the Matanzas River. To the north, Rootan Branch flows southward through FaverDykes State Park and drains into Pellicer Creek (DNR 1991). The SJRWMD is responsible for 

surface and groundwater resources in the watershed of this aquatic preserve as well as adjacent 

drainage basins.

Pellicer Creek is the only natural drainage feature in the general area that cuts through the marine 

terraces and ridges to flow east into the Matanzas River. From the Matanzas River lagoonal area 

the flow of water eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean by way of the Matanzas Inlet.

Surface water hydrology in this area is influenced by the interaction of the brackish water of the 

Matanzas River with the freshwater inputs from both tidal branches, and overland flow (DNR 

1991)

Physical Processes

St. Augustine Inlet

The shallow estuaries of the Reserve are connected to the Atlantic Ocean by the St. Augustine 

and Matanzas Inlets that collectively form a barrier island estuarine system. Both inlets are the 

focal points for oceanic exchange with the estuarine ecosystem. St. Augustine Inlet is an 

improved tidal inlet connecting the Tolomato and Matanzas Rivers to the Atlantic Ocean. 

Originally a natural inlet located approximately 120 meters south of its current location; the inlet 

channel was relocated in 1940 as part of the federal St. Augustine Harbor Navigation Project in 

response to public interests. Efforts to stabilize the inlet and improve navigation, between 1941 

and 1957, resulted in the construction of a north jetty structure approximately 1,880 feet(573 

meters) in length and a 3,695 foot (1126 meter) southern structure. The inlet channel and 

associated structures are maintained by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), as well as 

the authorized 16 foot (4.8 meter) entrance channel which is maintained at the best natural 

alignment requiring infrequent dredging. USACE and others have prepared numerous surveys, 

reports and documents related to the inlet area, including USACE (1965, 1975, 1976, 1998, and 

2004a), Taylor Engineering (1989, 1992) and Taylor and McFeteridge (1991). Maintenance 
20

dredged material from the navigation channel has typically been disposed of offshore, however, 

a 1996 dredging event resulted in the placement of suitable material on the downdrift beaches 

located south of the inlet (Srivinas et al. 1997).

Beginning in 1993, Taylor Engineering of Jacksonville initiated a study to develop a St. 

Augustine Inlet Management Plan. Part one of the study consisted of an in-depth literature search 

to identify information relevant to plan development. The resulting document (Abramian et al. 

1994) presents information sources on morphologic, hydraulic, and coastal conditions in the inlet 

and adjacent areas; the influence of the inlet and nearby structures on the adjacent beaches and 

navigation; characteristics of weather and sea conditions at the inlet; and natural resources at the 

inlet and adjacent areas. The second part of the study consisted of a comprehensive delineation 

of inlet physical characteristics. The study provided both an historical bathymetric analysis as 

well as modeling of inlet hydraulics (Srinivas et al. 1996) from which the final management plan 

(Srivinas et al. 1997) was developed.

While barrier island estuarine systems like that associated with the Reserve are common along 

the East and Gulf coasts of Florida, there are very few observational studies of their 

hydrodynamic properties. Webb et al. (2007) observed hydrography and current velocity at a 

tidally driven coastline trifurcation, adjacent to the St. Augustine Inlet, over nearly a semidiurnal 

period on February 2, 2006. The results of the study showed that mean inflow occurs through the

central deep channel and mean outflow over the shoals.

Matanzas Inlet

Matanzas Inlet is one of only two unimproved inlets on the east coast of Florida. It is 

characterized by a significant offshore bar that is transitory in nature, and the presence of 

appreciable inner shoals (Mehta and Jones 1977). There have historically been tidal channels and 

shoals at the mouth of the Matanzas Inlet through which there is considerable sediment transport 

(Gallivan and Davis 1981). The creation of the IWW has changed the dynamics of sediment 

transport such that reductions in current velocity at the junction of the Matanzas River and the 

Matanzas Inlet north of Rattlesnake Island cause suspended sediments to settle, necessitating the 

frequent dredging and removal of spoil to maintain IWW navigational depths. A variety of 

studies of dynamic processes, sediment transport, and littoral drift of the Matanzas Inlet area 

have been conducted, including those by Davis and Fox (1980, 1981), Marion and Mehta (1986), 

Mehta and Shepard (1979), and Gallivan (1979).

Shoreline Erosion

Shoreline erosion and concomitant loss of shoreline habitat is occurring at relatively high rates in 

many places along the margin of the IWW which runs through the Reserve (Price 2006). GIS 

analysis of aerial photographs showed essential habitats including oyster bars and salt marshes 

reduced to intertidal sand flats. Exposure to boat wakes was found to be the causal factor most 

strongly correlated with the rate of lateral margin movement. Margin movement rates were also 

found to vary significantly with exposure to wind waves and with the type of channel margin 

eroded. A reduction in nearshore wave energy appears to be necessary to allow the recovery of 

impacted ecosystems.
21

In 2006, GTMNERR completed a shoreline stabilization and restoration project of 300 meters of 

eroding shoreline on the Guana River adjacent to the Environmental Education Center. Shoreline 

erosion continues to be a problem in other areas of the GTMNERR, and represents a threat to 

resources at several locations. Most significantly, shoreline erosion along the eastern shore of the 

Tolomato River is undermining natural and cultural resources on the western bank of the Guana 

Peninsula. This shoreline includes 2 significant known archeological sites at Wrights‟ Landing 

and Shell Bluff Landing. Rising sea levels and wakes from recreational boat traffic appear to be 

the primary factors contributing to this erosion. Any stabilization efforts on this shore will be 

challenging to implement in an environmentally sensitive manner, due to the high wave energy 

created by boat wakes.

The Summerhaven area south of the Matanzas Inlet has been the site of increased beach erosion 

as well as actual breaches of the dune system and destruction of paved roadway. The resulting 

overwash fans have isolated the properties of a number of homeowners in the area.The USACE 

has deposited material obtained from maintenance dredging of the IWW channel at Matanzas 

Inlet along this stretch which has the secondary benefit of helping to stabilize the beach (USACE 

2004b).

Modeling Efforts

Multiple modeling efforts have been undertaken or are ongoing within the Reserve to evaluate 

circulation, flushing, water quality conditions, and ecosystem health to meet water quality and 

habitat protection goals. To meet the data needs for these modeling efforts, SJRWMD completed 

a bathymetric survey to obtain bottom topography of NCB waterways (SJRWMD 2004a), which 

included the bathymetry of the Reserve. The project was conducted between 1999 and 2001 with 

bathymetric transects primarily spaced at 500 or 1000 foot intervals, and depth data obtained at 

approximately 66 foot intervals along each track line. The survey included both lateral and 

longitudinal depth transects.

These bathymetric data were used by Camp, Dresser & McKee (CDM) to prepare a twodimensional finite-difference, curvilinear orthogonal numerical grid model for tidal waters in the 

NCB (CDM/DHI 2002). This grid is the basis for an ongoing project to estimate land surface 

runoff and non-point source pollution loading into the IWW and Tolomato-Matanzas estuary 

using an HSPF (Hydrological Simulation Program FORTRAN) watershed model. The watershed

model runs will generate time series of runoff, sediment, and nutrient loads to be used as inputs

to the NCB hydrodynamic/water quality model, and hence assist in the determination of the 

Pollution Load Reduction Goals (PLRGs) and Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) criterion

(Mao et al. 2007). By coupling the model information with a GIS land use database, the effects 

of the change of the land use among historical, current and future build-out conditions can be 

assessed.

GTMNERR has a large coverage (~15 km2) of tidal flats and tidal marshes which are generally 

within the tidal range. A study by Tutak and Sheng (2008) used the 3-D hydrodynamic model, 

CH3D, with non-flooding/drying and flooding/drying versions, to quantify the effects of tidal 

marshes and tidal flats on the hydrodynamics of the estuarine system. Simulated flow rates at the 

Matanzas and St. Augustine Inlets were compared with observed data collected using an ADCP 

for a 12 hour period. 
22

The study showed that using a numerical model capable of flooding/drying improved the tidal 

simulations for stations located in regions with larger marsh coverage or shallower channels. The 

simulations of total flow rates through the inlets were also improved. Future work will 

investigate the overland flow through tidal marshes by using an enhanced vegetation model 

which incorporates friction introduced by submerged and emerged vegetation. The model may 

also be useful for studying the effects of tidal marshes and tidal flats on the water level, currents 

and salinity during extreme events (e.g. hurricanes). The three-dimensional modeling approach 

can also be used to provide guidance on the development of sampling strategies for 

biogeochemical studies in the Reserve (Sheng et al. 2008).

Finally, Powell et al. (2006) used the closure of a land barrier breach at Matanzas Inlet as a case 

study to illustrate the application of morphodynamic relationships between prism, inlet throat 

area, and sand transport associated with ebb delta volume.

Land Use

The populations of St. Johns County and the adjacent Duval, Flagler, Putnam, and Volusia 

Counties have grown an average of 23 % between 2000 and 2006 (US Bureau of the Census 

2008) and are projected to grow an additional 20 % by 2010 (BEBR, University of Florida

2002). The St. Johns County resident population increased by more than 66% between 2000 and 

2006, representing one of the highest growth rates in Florida for that time period. More than 

1,660,000 people reside within 50 miles of the Reserve, which includes the cities of Jacksonville, 

St. Augustine, Palatka, Daytona and New Smyrna (US Bureau of the Census 2008).

Surrounding land use as of 2004 for the watershed of the northern portion of the Reserve is 

dominated by forest and wetland cover classifications with a continuing increase in urban 

development from previous land use classifications. The following comprised the watershed land 

use classifications compiled by the SJRWMD in 2004: forests covered 33.5%, wetlands 47.4%, 

urban development 19.6%, water 16.1%, agriculture 9.7%, upland non-forested 5.3%, and 

transportation/communication/utilities 2.0%. Since 2004 several developments of regional 

impact have begun within the watershed. The town of Nocatee adjoins the Reserve‟s 

northwestern boundary along the Tolomato River. Nocatee has a 25-year projected build out 

totaling 30,000 to 35,000 people and 14,200 homes. Future analyses will reflect the changes in 

land use, further shifting the forest and agriculture classifications to more urban development.

Within the southern component of the Reserve, the Pellicer Creek planning unit is dominated by 

forestland (55%), and wetlands (35%), according to SRJWMD land use estimates from 2000. 

Pellicer Creek itself has been maintained as an aquatic preserve and has been left largely 

undisturbed. However, there is commercial and residential development to the north and south of 

the creek. Based on current growth, and the future land use plan for Pellicer Creek, residential 

developments could potentially increase to 22% of the total area. Most of the western portions of 

the unit remain under silvicultural use.

Water Use

Potable water can be obtained from either the Floridan Aquifer or from surficial aquifers. These 

aquifers are primarily shallow lenses of fresh water floating on saline water in near-surface sand 
23

and shell sediments. There is a deeper lens of fresh water (chloride ≤ 250 milligrams per liter 

[mg/l]) in the surficial sediments of the Guana peninsula, and a shallower lens below the beach 

dunes. In addition, water flows freely from deep artesian wells at several locations throughout 

the GTMNERR. The artesian discharge has an average chloride concentration of 120 mg/l.

In the GTMNERR, the depth of the top of the Floridan Aquifer is shallowest in the south (175 

ft.(53 meters), PCAP) and gradually deepens towards the north (350 ft. (107 meters), GRMAP) 

(Scott and Hajishafie 1980). The aquifer has a thickness of approximately 2,000 feet (610 

meters) throughout the GTMNERR (Miller 1986). There is a submarine spring off the coast of 

Crescent Beach that originates from this aquifer (Kinnaman 2006). Groundwater along the coast 

is subject to a low to high degree of lateral salt intrusion. Barrier island ground water supplies are 

severely limited in St. Johns County, and increased use is likely to increase salinity intrusion into 

the shallow aquifer during the next twenty years. 

Total fresh groundwater use for St. Johns County and the surrounding counties increased by 23% 

between 2000 and 2006 (Table 1) and is projected to increase as development in the area 

expands. This water consumption includes ground, surface water, and reuse water that is used for 

domestic, commercial and agricultural purposes. The water supply planning program of the 

SJRWMD addresses future water demands, traditional and alternative water sources, and water 

supply infrastructure improvements required to meet future water supply needs without causing 

harm to water resources or water dependent natural systems.

Table 1. Total fresh groundwater use, and change in water use by County for 2000 and 

2006 in million gallons per day (mgd)

County 2000 Total Water

Use (mgd)*

2006 Total Water

Use (mgd)**

Change in Water

Use (%)

Duval 154.33 180.19 14%

Flagler 24.55 29.11 16%

Putnam 40.35 63.80 37%

St. Johns 52.55 59.81 12%

Volusia 97.16 106.56 9%

Total 368.94 479.01 23%

*SJRWMD (2004b)

**SJRWMD (2007)

Water Quality

Water quality research and monitoring is conducted in the Reserve on a national level by 

Reserve scientists and on a state and regional level by FDEP, FDACS, and SJRWMD to 

facilitate the sustainable protection of water quality.

System-wide Monitoring Program 

The GTMNERR participates in the NERR System-wide Monitoring Program (SWMP), 

established in 1995 to track short-term variability and long-term changes in estuarine 

environments within the NERR system. The GTMNERR program has three main elements: 

water quality, weather and nutrient/chlorophyll analyses. The water quality component is 

comprised of four water quality monitoring stations (listed in Appendix B) at which YSI 6600 
24

EDS datasondes are deployed. Measures of the water temperature, conductivity/salinity, 

dissolved oxygen, turbidity, water level, and pH are collected at 15 minute intervals (30 minute 

intervals prior to 2007). The weather component consists of a weather station located at the 

mouth of Pellicer Creek from which measures of temperature, relative humidity, atmospheric 

pressure, rainfall, wind speed and direction, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) are 

collected at 15 minute intervals. Both the weather station and the water quality station at Pellicer 

Creek have satellite telemetry which provides near real-time data availability. The third SWMP 

element involves 

nutrient/chlorophyll 

analysis of water 

samples collected 

monthly at each of 

the four water quality 

stations, in addition 

to a diel sampling 

regime carried out 

once a month at the 

Pellicer Creek site. 

Water samples 

collected at each site 

are analyzed for 

nitrite, nitrate, 

ammonium, total 

nitrogen, total soluble 

nitrogen, 

orthophosphate, total 

phosphorus, total

soluble phosphorous, 

silica, particulate 

organic carbon, total suspended solids, chlorophyll a, phaeophytin and color.

All SWMP data is housed and served through the NERRS Centralized Data Management Office 

(CDMO), which provides quality assurance and quality control for the Reserve system. The 

CDMO is also responsible for maintaining and updating the NERRS standard operating 

procedures so that all SWMP data are collected in the same way across the nation. Archived and 

near-real time water quality, weather, and nutrient/chlorophyll data may be accessed directly via 

an interactive map at: http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/QueryPages/googlemap.cfm. 

SWMP is a backbone component of the Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), a nationwide organization of ocean and coastal observations, data streams, data management and 

analysis. The IOOS goal is to bring together these elements from all sources - federal, state, and 

local - to create synergy across programs. The ultimate purpose is to improve understanding and 

management of our coastal waters.

Examples of SWMP data generated at each of the water quality stations and from the weather 

station during the passing of Tropical Storm Frances are illustrated in Figure 5 (from Brucker 
25

and Gleeson 2006). Rainfall amounts are shown to increase together with wind speed as the 

storm approached, followed by a decrease in these parameters as the storm center passed to the 

southwest of the Reserve. From the sonde data, details of the storm surge generated by the strong 

northeast winds of the tropical system are reflected in both the increased depth profiles and 

salinity increases, particularly at the Pellicer Creek station. Passage of the storm is followed by 

dramatic decreases in salinity at all stations resulting from the heavy rainfall.

Figure 5. Time series of wind speed/direction and rainfall for the Pellicer Creek weather station 

together with water depth and salinity time series for the Fort Matanzas, Pellicer Creek, Pine 

Island and San Sebastian water quality stations during the passing of Tropical Storm Frances in 

2004.

Pellicer Creek

09-01 09-02 09-03 09-04 09-05 09-06 09-07

Wdir (deg)

360

340

320

300

280

260

240

220

200

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

0 WSpd (m/s)

19

18

17

16

15

14

13

12

11

10

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

0

Wdir WSpd

Pellicer Creek Hourly Precip Totals

09-01 09-02 09-03 09-04 09-05 09-06 09-07

Total Precipitation (mm)

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0 Fort Matanzas Pellicer Creek Pine Island San Sebastian

09-01 09-02 09-03 09-04 09-05 09-06 09-07 09-08 09-09 09-10

Salinity (ppt)

36

34

32

30

28

26

24

22

20

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

Fort Matanzas Pellicer Creek Pine Island San Sebastian

09-01 09-02 09-03 09-04 09-05 09-06 09-07 09-08 09-09 09-10

Depth (m)

4.00

3.00

2.00

1.00

0.00

HURRICANE FRANCES

Rainfall Salinity

Wind Speed/Dir Water Depth

Close proximity of the weather station and Pellicer Creek water quality station enabled Dix et al. 

(2008) to document the effects of extreme wind and rainfall conditions associated with tropical 

storms on physiochemical variability in Pellicer Creek. The passing of four tropical systems in 

2004 suppressed tidally induced salinity variations. Strong northeasterly winds associated with 

the storm events initially prompted salinity spikes, but rainfall over the course of each event 

ultimately caused strong declines in salinity for extended periods of time. Nitrogen 

concentrations in Pellicer Creek were significantly elevated following storm events. Since 
26

primary production in many coastal environments is nitrogen limited, increases in nitrogen input 

represent a potential for enhanced algal production and biomass.

Phlips et al. (2004) compared data from the four GTMNERR SWMP water quality sites from 

May 2002 through August 2003, to four sites in the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) to assess regional 

differences in physical and chemical characteristics, and phytoplankton abundance. These sites 

were chosen because they both include estuaries with water residence times ranging from days to 

months and watersheds with widely differing nutrient load characteristics. The results of the

study suggest that spatial and temporal trends in phytoplankton standing crop in much of the 

GTMNERR and IRL are closely tied to water exchange characteristics and the nutrient-limiting 

status of the community.

FDEP Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP)

The SWAMP effort is an interagency collaborative effort that is FDEP‟s primary surface water 

quality monitoring program and central repository for surface water quality data. The intent of 

the program is to screen water bodies to provide a broad assessment of water quality. 

Information generated from this program is used to develop total maximum daily loads 

(TMDLs), identify water bodies for more detailed studies, and potentially identify water bodies 

for restoration and rehabilitation. Sample locations within proximity of the Reserve are listed in 

Appendix B.

SWAMP is part of the state‟s Integrated Water Resource Monitoring Network (IWRMN). 

Within this network, the FDEP Ambient Monitoring Program samples freshwater lakes, streams 

and groundwater and estuaries, although the Inshore Marine Monitoring and Assessment 

Program (IMAP) discussed below, sampled estuaries between 2000 and 2004.

Data collected through this program are entered into the STORage and RETrieval database 

(STORET), the central repository for biological, chemical, and physical data for ground and 

surface waters. The STORET Web site at http://storet.dep.state.fl.us/WrmSpa/ allows a variety of 

data.

FWC IMAP

IMAP was a collaborative project between EPA and the FWC Florida Marine Research Institute 

(FMRI) designed to assess the ecological condition of Florida‟s inshore waters using a set of 

ecological indicators. The indicators chosen for IMAP were divided into two broad categories: 

physical/chemical and biological.

Physical/chemical indicators chosen for IMAP included the traditional water quality 

measurements such as temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and pH, in addition to nutrients 

and chlorophyll a. IMAP biological indicators integrate environmental stressors over larger 

spatial and temporal scales. Fish, crabs and shrimp were sampled with trawls and seines; 

seagrass community composition (where present) were assessed; and benthic macroinvertebrates 

were sampled to determine community composition and the occurrence of pollution tolerant or 

intolerant species. Summary reports of the IMAP program can be found at the Florida Fish and 

Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) Web site at 
27

http://research.myfwc.com/features/category_sub.asp?id=3448. Sample locations are listed in 

Appendix B.

Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Division of Aquaculture

The FDACS Division of Aquaculture is responsible for the regulation of aquaculture facilities 

and the opening or closing of shellfish harvesting waters to protect human health. The Division 

also ensures the continued productivity of oyster reefs through a restoration program and issues 

leases of submerged state lands for aquaculture.

The Shellfish Environmental Assessment Section (SEAS) of FDACS monitors water quality in 

the two conditionally approved shellfish areas within the Reserve boundaries on a quarterly basis 

to ensure that bacteria levels are safe for shellfish consumption. A conditionally approved area 

must meet fecal coliform water quality standards and the area must be a sufficient distance from 

pollution sources for shellfish to be wholesome while the area is open for harvesting.

A management plan developed for these areas uses local rainfall and/or river discharge to predict 

when the levels of fecal coliform bacteria in the water are unacceptably high. When the rainfall 

level and/or river level of the management plan is exceeded, the area will be temporarily closed

to shellfish until water quality sample results demonstrate that the levels of bacteria have 

returned to safe levels for shellfishing to resume. Data is collected by the Division (locations 

listed in Appendix B) and is transmitted to the FDEP for inclusion in the STORET database.

SJRWMD Surface Water Quality Monitoring (SWQM) Program

SJRWMD monitors water quality from 5 primary stations (listed in Appendix B) located either 

within, or directly adjacent to the GTMNERR. Data on 25 different constituents are derived from 

samples collected on at least a monthly basis and can be accessed at 

http://sjrwmd.com/archydro/factPages. Using GIS mapping technology, these measurements are 

evaluated in the context of population density, geology, rainfall, and aquifer recharge. SJRWMD 

produces a general water quality synopsis from this collected data (SJRWMD 2008) from which

the following descriptions are derived.

The northernmost sampling site is located on the Tolomato River, just north of Pine Island in 

northeastern St. Johns County. When compared to other estuarine sites, conductivity and major 

ion concentrations are elevated, resulting in very hard water. The median dissolved oxygen 

concentration is above the FDEP standard for Class 3 surface waters. The water is well-buffered 

and slightly alkaline. Total organic carbon concentrations are lower than generally found. Total 

suspended solids and turbidity are both elevated. Total nitrogen and chlorophyll concentrations 

are lower than in other estuarine areas.

A second station is located at SR312 and the Matanzas River, and is sampled monthly. When 

compared to other estuarine sites, conductivity is high with correspondingly high major ion 

concentrations, resulting in very hard water. The median dissolved oxygen concentration is well 

above the FDEP standard for Class 3 surface waters. The water is well-buffered and slightly 

alkaline. Concentrations of total organic carbon, color, total nitrogen, chlorophyll, and coliform 

counts are lower than those found in other estuarine systems.
28

Moultrie Creek is located in eastern St. Johns County and drains Cowan Swamp to the Matanzas 

River. The creek is sampled monthly at the SR 207 bridge. Major ion concentrations are high 

enough to result in moderately hard water. The median dissolved oxygen concentration is just 

above the FDEP standard for Class 3 surface waters. The water is moderately buffered and 

slightly acidic. When compared to other streams, total organic carbon concentrations and color 

are elevated, resulting in lower Secchi depth. Total suspended solids, turbidity, total phosphorus, 

and chlorophyll concentrations are lower than average. 

Pellicer Creek drains Fish Swamp and Pringle Swamp to the Matanzas River. The Pellicer Creek 

Station is sampled every other month, at U.S. Highway 1. Major ion concentrations vary, but 

result in moderately hard water. The median dissolved oxygen concentration is below the FDEP 

standard for Class 3 surface waters. The water is moderately buffered and slightly acidic. When 

compared to other stream sites, total organic carbon, total phosphorus and total suspended solids 

concentrations are similar, although color is elevated, and Secchi depth is lower. Estimates of 

chlorophyll concentration were less than in other areas.

The southernmost SJRWMD station is on the Matanzas River south of Washington Oaks State 

Park. When compared to other estuarine sites, conductivity and major ion concentrations are 

high, resulting in very hard water. The median dissolved oxygen concentration is well above the 

FDEP standard for Class 3 surface waters. The water is well-buffered and slightly alkaline. 

Color, Secchi depth, and total phosphorus concentrations are typical for estuarine sites, while 

total organic carbon, total nitrogen, and chlorophyll concentrations are lower than typically 

found. Total suspended solids and turbidity concentrations are elevated.

A 15-year trend analysis (1990-2004) from these four stations showed total nitrogen, total 

suspended solids and Chl a concentrations to be stable (Ceric et al. 2007).

Pollution Impacts 

Point Sources of Pollution

Point source dischargers within or adjacent to NERR waterbodies include domestic and 

industrial wastewater facilities that are regulated through the NPDES program. In October 2000, 

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) authorized FDEP to implement the National 

Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) stormwater permitting program in the State of 

Florida (with the exception of Tribal lands). The program regulates point source discharges of 

stormwater runoff from urban as well as certain industrial facilities. The operators of regulated 

industrial facilities must obtain an NPDES stormwater permit and implement appropriate 

pollution prevention techniques to reduce contamination of stormwater runoff. 

There are a number of domestic and industrial wastewater facilities adjacent to the GTMNERR 

with NPDES permits to discharge to surface waters. The volume of discharges to surface waters 

from these facilities compared to their permitted capacities varies, with some facilities 

discharging to surface water only during wet weather conditions and others discharging to 

surface waters exclusively. While water discharged from the facilities meets water quality 

standards, these pulses of freshwater themselves may affect the salinity regime in some areas of 

the GTMNERR.
29

Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4)

Designated large and medium municipal separate storm sewer systems, or MS4s, are a publiclyowned conveyance or system of conveyances (i.e., ditches, curbs, catch basins, underground 

pipes) that are designed for the discharge of stormwater to surface waters of the state. An MS4 

can drain, and be operated by, municipalities, counties, drainage districts, colleges, military 

bases, or prisons, to name a few examples. These facilities were previously required by EPA to 

obtain NPDES permits prior to delegation to the state. In the State of Florida, Phase II permitting 

was completed in 2003, and the permitted program has been implemented. FDEP's authority to 

administer the NPDES program is set forth in Section 403.0885, Florida Statutes (F.S.). NPDES 

permit holders adjacent to the GTMNERR are listed in Table 2. 

Table 2. Municipalities adjacent to the GTMNERR with MS4 NPDES permits.

Municipality Permit Number County

Flagler Beach FLR04E102 Flagler

FDOT District 2 - St Augustine FLR04E019 St. Johns

St Augustine FLR04E101 St. Johns

St Augustine Beach FLR04E109 St. Johns

St Johns County FLR04E025 St. Johns

Non-point Sources of Pollution

Non-point sources (NPS) of pollution in the GTMNERR, unlike pollution from industrial and

sewage treatment plants, come from many diffuse sources. NPS pollution occurs when rainfall or 

irrigation runs over land or through the ground, picks up pollutants throughout the watershed, 

and deposits them into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters or introduces them into ground water

within the GTMNERR. NPS pollution is widespread because it can occur any time activities 

disturb the land or water.

Septic systems, also known as onsite sewage treatment and disposal systems (OSTDS) are 

prevalent in some areas of the GTMNERR and have been identified as a potential source of 

nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), pathogens and other pollutants that can pose a threat to 

public health. There are known septic tank problems in the Ponte Vedra area, and on Anastasia 

Island. In addition, urban runoff from streets and yards, construction, forestry, physical changes 

to stream channels, and habitat degradation are also potential sources of NPS pollution. Careless 

or uninformed household waste management also contributes to NPS pollution problems.

The large number of both resident and transient boats operating within the waters of the Reserve 

is another potential source of NPS pollution and was evaluated as a source of pollution by the 

Guana Tolomato Matanzas Shellfish and Water Quality Task Force (SJRWMD 1997). Numerous 

studies have revealed a positive correlation between recreational boat densities and the levels of 

coliform bacteria in the surrounding water (Rhode Island Sea Grant 1990). Despite a Florida law 

(327.53 F.S.) that generally requires most vessels over 26 feet (8 meters) to have a working toilet 

on board, there is little if any enforcement. A single overboard discharge of human waste can be 

detected in up to a one square mile area of shallow enclosed water, and contaminants known 

from human waste include hepatitis, streptococci, fecal coliform and other bacteria. Marine 
30

sanitation devices themselves may contain harmful chemicals in the disinfectants and deodorants

that are used, and, if discharged overboard, can negatively impact water quality. 

The streams, creeks, ditches and other conveyances within and adjacent to the Reserve transport 

the majority of agricultural runoff, carrying insecticides, fungicides and other pesticides into the 

estuary and coastal zone. Pyrethroid insecticides are of particular concern as they can be toxic to 

aquatic organisms in very small amounts and are used widely. In some cases these chemicals

persist in the environment and have an affinity for the sediments of the estuary and are 

bioaccumulative.

SJRWMD is collaborating with Dr. Valerie Harwood at USF to determine if bacteria in estuarine 

waters have an anthropogenic component. Water samples from Deep Creek were obtained for 

analysis. Fecal coliform and Enterococcus concentrations are being determined for comparison 

with Class II water quality standards as well as analysis for two human specific markers, the esp

gene on Enterococcus faecium and the human polyoma virus.

Nutrients and Contaminants

Under Section 303(d) of the Clean Water Act, each state must prepare a list of waters that are not 

of sufficient quality to meet their designated uses and to establish Total Maximum Daily Loads 

(TMDLs) for those waters on a prioritized schedule. These lists are required to be submitted to 

EPA for review and approval every April of even-numbered years; that is, every 2 years. A 

number of water bodies in the Reserve appear on the 303(d) list that will receive the highest 

priority for establishment of TMDLs for restoration and protection.

TMDLs establish the maximum amount of pollutants a water body can assimilate without 

exceeding water quality standards. The Florida Watershed Restoration Act, Chapter 99-223, 

Laws of Florida, addresses processes for refining the list and for calculating and allocating 

TMDLs. According to EPA guidelines, waters expected to attain and maintain applicable water 

quality standards through other Federal, State, or local requirements do not need to be included 

on the 303(d) list. (www.dep.state.fl.us/water). Portions of the GTMNERR are within Group 5 in 

FDEP‟s Northeast District, in the Upper East Coast Basin. Individual waterbodies of waterbody 

segments are defined by Waterbody Identification (WBID) numbers, which are unique identifiers 

that offer a convenient, unambiguous method of referencing individual waterbodies within the 

state.

The status of each WBID that occurs on the Verified List in the GTMNERR is summarized in 

Table 3. The parameters assessed are those for which exceedances have been verified. This list is 

the first step in the process of restoring these impaired waters. Once these waters have been 

adopted by Secretarial Order and approved by EPA, FDEP staff will begin developing TMDLs 

according to the listed schedule. The final step in this process is the development, by watershed 

stakeholders and FDEP, of a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP). The BMAP specifies the 

activities, schedule, and funding sources that point and nonpoint source dischargers will 

undertake to restore the water body. The GTMNERR is a stakeholder and will therefore 

participate in the development of the BMAP.
31

Table 3. 303(d) Waterbodies Status for the Northern Coastal Basin extracted from the FDEP 

Revised Draft Verified Lists of Impaired Waters for the Group 5 Basins current as of 9/21/2007*

Planning Unit/ 

Water Body 

Segment

Planning 

Unit

Water Body 

Identificatio

n Number 

(WBID)

Parameters 

Assessed

Projected Year 

for TMDL 

Development2

County

Tolomato/Matanzas

Guana River Tolomato 

River 2320

Coliform 

(Shellfish 

harvesting 

classification), 

Dissolved 

Oxygen, Fecal 

Coliform, 

Nutrients (Chla)

2012 St. Johns

Sombrero Creek Tolomato 

River 2470 Fecal Coliform 2017 St. Johns

Ximanies Creek Tolomato 

River 2477

Coliform 

(Shellfish 

harvesting 

classification)

2017 St. Johns

Lake Vedra (Guana 

Lake)

Tolomato 

River 2320A Dissolved Oxygen 2012 St. Johns

Lake Vedra (Guana 

Lake)

Tolomato 

River 2320A Nutrients (Chla) 2012 St. Johns

Tolomato River Tolomato 

River 2363I

Arsenic, 

Coliform 

(Shellfish 

harvesting 

classification), 

Copper, Iron, 

Nickel

2017 St. Johns

Red House Branch Matanzas 

River 2472 Fecal Coliform 2017 St. Johns

Moultrie Creek Matanzas 

River 2493 Fecal Coliform 2017 St. Johns

Matanzas River Matanzas 

River 2363G Iron, Lead 2012 Flagler

Pellicer Creek

Intracoastal 

Waterway (IWW)

Pellicer 

Creek 2363E Arsenic, Iron 2012 Flagler

IWW Pellicer 

Creek 2363F

Coliform 

(Shellfish 

harvesting 

classification)

2017 Flagler

Pellicer Creek Pellicer 

Creek 2580B Fecal Coliform 2011 Flagler

 *Complete dataset can be viewed at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/tmdl/verified_gp5R.htm.
32

Mussel Watch

Since 1986, the NOAA Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment (CCMA) has operated the 

Mussel Watch Project, monitoring chemical contaminants in oysters and mussels and in 

sediments. The project analyzes chemical and biological contaminant trends in sediment and 

bivalve tissue collected at over 280 coastal sites from 1986 to present. Both coastal and estuarine 

sites are sampled for bivalves biennially and for sediments once every decade. Bivalve and 

sediment samples are collected from three stations at each site (stations are generally within 100 

m of a site center). The concentrations of over 200 different analytes are measured from these 

samples. The database includes: sediment and bivalve tissue chemistry for over 100 organic and 

inorganic contaminants; bivalve histology; and Clostridium perfringens data.

The Mussel Watch Project determines concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons 

(PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, several pesticides, butyltins, and certain 

toxic elements in sediment and bivalve samples from the coastal waters of the US. The data are 

used for determining the extent and temporal trends of chemical contamination on a nationwide 

basis and identifying which coastal areas are at greater risk in terms of environmental quality

(O‟Connor 2002; O‟Connor and Lauenstein 2006). Data can be compared through rankings of 

individual constituents for both tissue and sediments based on region, state, or watershed, for 

individual years or all years combined. 

Data trends can also be graphed by year for the selected site and analyte. For example, the trend 

in lead concentrations in tissue between the Matanzas River site and all other sites in Florida

(Figure 6) shows that concentrations in the Matanzas River were lower than other sites in the 

state in 12 out of the 14 years that samples have been collected. Copper concentrations for all 

sites in Florida (Figure 7) were more than double those found at the Matanzas River site for the 

same 14 year sample period (1986-2005).
33

Figure 6. Trends Comparison of the Matanzas River Site (Selection A) vs All Sites in Florida 

(Selection B) for Lead (Pb) concentration (μg/dry g) in Oyster Tissue.
34

Figure 7. Trends Comparison of the Matanzas River Site (Selection A) vs All Sites in Florida 

(Selection B) for Copper (Cu) concentration (μg/dry g) in Oyster Tissue.
35

BIOLOGICAL SETTING

Introduction

The habitat classification system used to describe biotic habitats was developed by the Florida 

Natural Areas Inventory (FNAI) and the FDEP. The community types are characterized and 

defined by a combination of physiognomy, vegetation structure and composition, land form, 

substrate, climate, hydrology, fire regime, topography and soil type. The community types are 

named for the most characteristic biological or physical feature (FNAI and FDEP 1990). The 

Reserve contains twenty-three distinct FNAI-classified natural communities (FNAI 1991) as well 

as open water and ruderal areas. The habitats are roughly organized as a progression from 

estuarine, to upland, to freshwater aquatic habitats. Each of these biotic habitats is described 

below. In addition, descriptions of community structure of some of the FNAI habitats have been 

completed for the CAMA managed units within the Reserve. These have been included in the 

GTMNERR Management Plan, and relevant sections of those descriptions are also presented

below.

Biological community profiles are presented separately, and describe the major biological 

components and species within the Reserve. Both important species and past and present 

research (through 2009) associated with each component is presented. Appendix A contains a 

complete listing of all species known to occur within the Reserve.

Biotic Habitats

Estuarine Tidal Marsh – (synonyms: Saltmarsh, Brackish Marsh, Coastal Wetlands, Coastal 

Marshes, Tidal Wetlands).

Marine and estuarine tidal marshes are floral based natural communities generally characterized 

as expanses of grasses, rushes and 

sedges along coastlines of low 

wave energy and river mouths.

They are most abundant and most 

extensive in Florida north of the 

normal freeze line, being largely 

displaced by and interspersed 

among tidal swamps below this 

line.

Estuarine tidal marsh plants live 

under conditions which would 

stress most plants. High salt 

content in the soil, poor soil 

aeration, frequent submersion and 

exposure, intense sunlight, and 

occasional fires make the estuarine 

tidal marsh community 

inhospitable to most plants and 

requires a wide tolerance limit for its inhabitants. The landward extent of estuarine tidal marsh 

along the shoreline is directly related to the degree of bottom slope; the more gradual the slope 
36

the broader the community band. Typical zonation in this community includes smooth cordgrass 

in the deeper edges, grading to salt tolerant plants such as black needlerush that withstand less 

inundation.

The vegetation of this marsh community consists of a number of species in the grass (Poaceae), 

sedge (Cyperaceae), and rush (Juncaceae) families. The marsh area within the Reserve is 

dominated by smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora). Smooth cordgrass is well adapted to seastrength salinity, 35 parts per thousand (ppt), and occurs in the regularly flooded or low marsh 

(zone between mean low water (MLW) and mean high water (MHW)). Smooth cordgrass 

becomes mixed with glasswort (Salicornia sp), saltwort (Batis maritima), sea purslane (Sesuvium 

portulacastrum), and salt grass (Distichlis spicata) on sandy substrates near the high water mark.

Areas of high marsh (zone between MHW and MLW spring tide) occur where tidal flow is 

restricted and are dominated by black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus). Other commonly 

occurring species in the high marsh include sea oxeye (Borrichia frutescens), sea lavender 

(Limonium carolinianum), marsh elder (Iva frutescens), and groundsel tree (Baccharis 

halimifolia). Brackish marshes are found in the northern component of the Reserve, and include 

the managed Diego Pond, and north-central portions of Guana Lake. Brackish marshes have 

salinity levels of about one-third sea strength. Salinity is strongly influenced by rain water 

runoff. Vegetation consists mainly of species endemic to the saltmarsh, but includes additional 

species less tolerant of higher salinity levels. Some representatives are: cattail (Typha 

domingensis), dwarf spikerush (Eleocharis parvula), saltmarsh bulrush (Scirpus robustus), rush 

(Juncus spp.), and muhly grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris).

Tidal fluctuation is one of the most important ecological factors in these communities, cycling 

nutrients and allowing marine and estuarine fauna access to the marsh. This exchange helps to 

make estuarine tidal marsh one of the most biologically productive natural communities in the 

world. In fact, primary productivity surpasses that of most intensive agricultural practices. The 

former operates at no cost because of free energy subsidies from tides, while the latter requires 

costly energy subsidies in the form of fuels, chemicals, and labor. A myriad of invertebrates and 

fish, including most of the commercially and recreationally important species such as shrimp, 

blue crab, oysters, sharks, grouper, snapper and mullet, also use these marshes throughout part or 

all of their life cycles.

Estuarine tidal marshes are also extremely important because of their storm buffering capacity 

and their pollutant filtering actions. The dense roots and stems hold the unstabilized soils 

together, reducing the impact of storm wave surge. The plants, animals, and soils filter, absorb, 

and neutralize many pollutants before they can reach adjacent marine and estuarine communities.

Adverse impacts of urban development on estuarine tidal marshes include degradation of water 

quality, filling of marshes, increased erosion, and other alterations such as bulkheading, and dock 

construction. Offshore and watershed based pollution from oil spills, litter and polluted stormwater runoff can also have detrimental impacts to estuarine tidal marsh habitats.
37

Estuarine Unconsolidated Substrate - (synonyms: Beach, Shore, Sand Bottom, Shell Bottom, 

Sand Bar, Mud Flat, Tidal Flat, Soft Bottom, Coralgal Substrate, Marl, Gravel, Pebble, 

Calcareous Clay).

In general, estuarine unconsolidated substrate communities are the most widespread 

communities in the world. However, unconsolidated substrates vary greatly throughout Florida, 

based on surrounding parent material. Unconsolidated sediments can originate from organic 

sources, such as decaying plant tissues (e.g., mud) or from calcium carbonate depositions of 

plants or animals (e.g., coralgal, marl and shell substrates). Marl and coralgal substrates are 

primarily restricted to the southern portion of the state. The remaining four kinds of 

unconsolidated substrate, mud, mud/sand, sand, and shell, are found throughout the coastal areas 

of Florida.

Estuarine unconsolidated substrate exists throughout the Reserve between the extreme spring 

high and low tide lines. While these areas may seem relatively barren, these habitats may support 

a large population of infaunal organisms as well as a variety of transient planktonic and pelagic 

organisms. These flats are inhabited by microscopic benthic algae. Algae-based food webs 

eliminate the loss of energy associated with trophic intermediates (i.e., bacteria and fungi) in 

detritus-based food webs. Infaunal organisms in subtidal zones can reach the tens of thousands 

per square meter, 

making these areas 

important feeding 

grounds for many 

bottom feeding fish, 

such as redfish, 

flounder, spot, and 

sheepshead. The 

intertidal and supratidal 

zones are extremely 

important feeding 

grounds for numerous 

species of birds and 

invertebrates.

Additionally, benthic 

algae and 

photosynthetic bacteria 

have been shown to 

significantly contribute 

to the primary productivity of estuaries (Coultas and Hsieh 1997).

Estuarine unconsolidated substrate communities which are composed chiefly of sand (e.g., sand 

beaches) are the most important recreational areas in Florida, attracting millions of residents and 

tourists annually. This community is resilient and may recover from recreational disturbances. 

This habitat is vulnerable to compaction associated with vehicular traffic on beaches and 

disturbances from dredge/fill activities and low dissolved oxygen levels, all of which can cause 

infaunal organisms to be destroyed or to migrate out of the area. Generally these areas are easily 
38

recolonized either by the same organisms or a series of organisms which eventually results in the 

community returning to its original state once the disturbance has ceased. In extreme examples, 

significant alterations of elevation or sediment grain size distribution can also cause long-term 

impacts to this habitat. 

Estuarine unconsolidated habitat is also susceptible to the accumulation of toxic levels of heavy 

metals, oils, and pesticides associated with fine-grained sediments and organic matter. 

Significant amounts of these compounds in the sediments will harm the infaunal organisms, 

thereby eliminating or contaminating a food source for certain fishes, birds, and other organisms. 

Such problems primarily occur in some of the major cities, in areas where there is heavy 

industrial development, near sewage treatment plant outfalls, and along major shipping channels 

where oil spills are more likely to occur. Improperly treated stormwater runoff from residential 

areas is becoming a progressively more important source of pollutants as human population 

densities increase along the coast.

Estuarine Mollusk Reef - (synonyms: Oyster Bar, Oyster Reef, Oyster Bed, Oyster Rock, Oyster 

Grounds, Mussel Reef).

Marine and estuarine mollusk reefs are faunal based natural communities typically characterized 

as expansive concentrations of sessile mollusks occurring in intertidal and subtidal zones. The 

most common type of mollusk reef in the GTMNERR, oyster reef, is common in the low-energy, 

sedimentary environment characteristic of the continuous strands of tidal marsh occurring along 

the Tolomato, Guana and Matanzas Rivers. It occurs in water salinities from just above fresh 

water to just below full strength sea water, but develops most frequently in estuarine water with 

salinities between 15 and 30 ppt. Their absence in marine water is largely attributed to the many 

predators, parasites, and diseases of oysters that occur in higher salinities. Prolonged exposure to 

low salinities (less then 2 ppt) is also known to be responsible for massive mortality of oyster 

reefs. Thus, significant increases or decreases in salinity levels through natural or unnatural 

alterations of freshwater inflow can be detrimental to oyster mollusk reef communities. The 

condition of this community provides a valuable performance indicator for restoring natural 

freshwater inflows to altered estuarine habitats.

The extensive surface area of an oyster reef provides essential habitat for a wide variety of 

organisms. Every square meter of oyster bed provides up to 50 square meters of hard substrate 

(Bahr and Lanier 1981). This substrate is colonized by many suspension- and deposit-feeding 

macrofaunal consumers such as barnacles, polychaetes, amphipods, and mud crabs. These are 

preyed upon by carnivores, such as the blue crab and black drum. Oyster reefs that are exposed 

during low tides are frequented by a multitude of shorebirds, wading birds, raccoons, and other 

vertebrates.

One of the functions of the mollusk reef inhabitants in a tidal marsh ecosystem is to mineralize 

organic carbon and release nitrogen and phosphorus in forms usable by the primary producers 

(phytoplankton and benthic algae). Oyster reefs also affect the physiography and hydrology of 

the estuary by modifying current velocities and changing sedimentation rates and patterns. 

Oyster reefs trap sediment, stabilize erosional processes, and provide a stable island of hard 

substrate.
39

The major threats to mollusk reefs continue to be pollution and substrate degradation due, in 

large part, to upland development. Mollusks are filter feeders, filtering up to 100 gallons of water 

a day. In addition to filtering food, they also filter and accumulate toxins from polluted waters. 

Sources of these pollutants can be from considerably distant areas, but are often more damaging 

when nearby. Substrate degradation occurs when silts, sludge and dredge spoils cover and bury 

the mollusk reefs. 

Marine Unconsolidated Substrate - (synonyms: Beach, Shore, Sand Bottom, Shell Bottom, Sand 

Bar, Mud Flat, Tidal Flat, Soft Bottom, Coralgal Substrate, Marl, Gravel, Pebble, Calcareous 

Clay).

Unconsolidated substrates are marine mineral-based communities found along the shoreline of 

the Atlantic Ocean. The beach substrate is mainly coquina with white quartz sand. Although the 

turbulent wave conditions appear to result in an unstable and harsh environment, the surf zone is 

an important habitat for a variety of animal life. For species adapted to this environment, the 

wave energy may provide a subsidy by supplying plankton and detritus to secondary filter 

feeders, exposing prey to fishes, and concentrating plankton along the swash zone (Ross 1983). 

Swash zones also act as biological purification systems for coastal water.

Organic matter from the ocean, especially macroscopic algae, is acted upon by bacteria in the 

beach sands. The bacteria are, in turn, eaten by nematodes, flatworms, protozoa, and amphipods. 

In the high energy zone of the beach, permanent residents are primarily burrowing marine life 

such as ghost shrimp, polychaetes, and sea cucumbers. At low tide, shore birds actively feed on 

the many burrowing organisms.

For some fish species, the surf zone is used only by larval stages, with juveniles occurring in 

other, primarily lower salinity, environments. Other species spawn offshore and utilize the surf 

zone as a juvenile nursery area. A third group spawns offshore and nearshore and may be found 

in the surf zone as larvae, juveniles, or even adults.

Marine Consolidated Substrate - (synonyms: Hard Bottom, Rock Bottom, Limerock Bottom, 

Coquina Bottom, Relic Reef).

This community is represented by an outcrop of coquina rock called the Anastasia Formation 

that is supratidal to subtidal. Zonation of the plants and animals is driven by the tides, with the 

supratidal zone labeled the black zone, followed by the yellow zone, the green zone, and the red 

zone. Colors are the result of the dominant alga. Well over 100 species of plants and animals 

have been identified from this formation in Washington Oaks State Garden. The resilience of this 

habitat to anthropogenic disturbance requires further study.

Open Water - This is a non-FNAI categorized marine habitat consisting of coastal rivers, tidal 

creeks and estuarine open water areas, as well as the pelagic water areas of marine habitat within 

state waters that extend three nautical miles off the coast.

Beach Dune – (synonyms: Sand Dunes, Pioneer Zone, Upper Beach, Sea Oats Zone, Coastal 

Strand).
40

Beach dune is characterized as a wind-deposited, foredune and wave-deposited upper beach that 

are sparsely to densely vegetated. Dune vegetation consists primarily of sea oats (Uniola 

paniculata), railroad vine (Ipomoea pes-caprae) and marshhay cordgrass (Spartina patens).

The contour of the beach dune determines the exposure of shoreline communities to ocean 

winds, salt spray, and temperature and moisture fluctuations. The beach face profile includes the 

slope of the coquina and sand beach along the oceanfront, a 2-4 foot primary dune westward of 

the beach, a narrow trough between the primary and secondary dunes, and climaxes in a 20-35+ 

foot secondary dune.

Plants of the beach dunes are extremely vulnerable to human impacts, particularly soil 

compaction. A footpath or off-road vehicle trail over the beach dunes damages the vegetation, 

increasing erosion by wind and water as gaps develop. The sand from the gap moves inland, and 

rapidly buries vegetation, destabilizing the beach dunes and disturbing adjacent communities. 

Gaps also increase erosion caused by storms. 

The beach dunes are home to the endangered Anastasia Island beach mouse (Peromyscus 

polionotus phasma), cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus), marsh rabbits (Sylvilagus palustris), 

snakes, and owls. Bobcats (Felis rufus), and peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) are also 

common residents or visitors to these dunes. The northern component of the Reserve contains 

nearly five miles of virtually undeveloped Atlantic Ocean beach dune habitat.

Coastal strand – (synonyms: Shrub Zone, Maritime Thicket, Coastal Scrub).

Coastal strand is characterized as stabilized, wind-deposited coastal dunes that are vegetated with 

a dense thicket of salt-tolerant shrubs. The vegetation in this community consists of scrubby oaks 
41

(Quercus geminata, Q. myrtifolia, Q. chapmanii.), redbay (Persea borbonia), saw palmetto 

(Serenoa repens), yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), wild olive (Osmanthus americana), scattered 

cabbage palm (Sabal palmetto) and southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). The overall 

physical shaping of this community is maintained in part by the shearing effect of salt winds 

coming across the dunes and sculpturing the oak-dominated vegetation.

Coastal strand dunes are generally quite stable but are susceptible to severe damage if the 

vegetation is disturbed. Shrubs in the coastal strand are frequently dwarfed and pruned as a result 

of the salt spray-laden winds that kill twigs on the seaward side, producing a smooth, dense 

upward-slanting canopy resembling a sheared hedge. Coastal strand is actually an ecotonal 

community that generally lies between beach dune and maritime hammock. It may also grade 

into scrub, and it often shares many of the same species that occur in coastal berm. Fire may 

reduce succession towards maritime hammock. However, maritime influences alone will often 

suffice to inhibit succession to forest. 

Coastal strand is one of the most rapidly disappearing community types in Florida. It is most 

extensive along the Atlantic Coast where, being elevated and next to the coast, it is prime resort 

or residential property. Coastal strand originally occurred as a nearly continuous band along the 

Atlantic shorelines. Now it occurs largely as broken and isolated small stretches. Along with 

other coastal communities, coastal strand protects inland communities from the severe effects of 

storms.

This habitat is utilized by migrating birds such as gray catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), painted 

bunting (Passerina ciris), wood warblers, and resident species such as northern cardinal 

(Cardinalis cardinalis), northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), Carolina wren (Thryothorus 

ludovicianus), marsh rabbit, six-lined racerunner (Cnemidophorus sexlineatus), gopher tortoise 

(Gopherus polyphemus) and eastern coachwhip (Masticophis flagellum). 

Maritime Hammock - (synonyms: Coastal Hammock, Maritime Forest, Tropical Hammock). 

Maritime hammock is characterized as a narrow band of hardwood forest lying just inland of the 

coastal strand community. 

The maritime hammock community is represented in both barrier island and interior portions of 

the Reserve and is composed of an over-story of live oak (Quercus virginiana), laurel oak (Q. 

laurifolia), pignut hickory (Carya glabra), southern magnolia, and redbay. The understory is 

very open, consisting of saplings of the above mentioned species, yaupon, a variety of sedges, 

and saw palmetto. White-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), bobcats, raccoons (Procyon 

lotor), opossums (Didelphis virginiana), gopher tortoises, rattlesnakes and migratory songbirds 

all use this extensive area. 

The generally mesic conditions and insular locations of well-developed maritime hammock 

communities inhibit natural fires, which occur no more frequently than once every 26 to 100 

years. In mature maritime hammock, fire may alter the original appearance, obscuring former 

beach ridge vegetation patterns and creating a diversity of plant sub-associations. Nutrient 

recycling is generally accomplished by biological based processes instead of by fire. 
42

Maritime hammock is the terminal stage of succession in coastal areas. Maritime hammock is 

prime resort and residential property because of its relatively protected location along the coast. 

Although it originally occurred in virtually continuous bands with coastal strand, maritime 

hammock is now dissected into fragments by development and is rapidly disappearing. Maritime 

hammock is reasonably resilient so long as the canopy remains intact and the landform stable. 

Xeric Hammock – (synonyms: Xeric Forest, Sand Hammock, Live Oak Forest, Oak Woodland, 

Oak Hammock).

Xeric hammock is characterized as either a scrubby, dense, low canopy forest with little 

understory other than palmetto, or a multi-storied forest of tall trees with an open or closed 

canopy. 

Xeric hammock is an advanced successional stage of scrub or sandhill and occurs on sand ridges 

along former shorelines. The variation in vegetation structure is predominantly due to the 

original community from which it developed. As with maritime hammocks, an important factor 

in the development and maintenance of the hammock is the canopy. The species composition is 

often similar to maritime hammock, composed of an over-story of live oak, sand live oak (Q. 

geminata), laurel oak, pignut hickory, southern magnolia, and redbay. In all cases, however, the 

soils consist primarily of deep, well-drained sands that were derived from old dune systems. 

Soils are the best measure to delineate these relict scrubby ridges, and therefore the distribution 

of this community follows closely to that of Astatula fine sands. The sparsity of herbs and the 

relatively incombustible oak litter preclude most fires from invading xeric hammock. When fire 

does occur, it is nearly always catastrophic and may revert xeric hammock into another 

community type. Xeric hammock only develops on sites that have been protected from fire for 

30 or more years.

Scrub – (synonyms: Sand Pine Scrub, Florida Scrub, Sand Scrub, Rosemary Scrub, Oak Scrub). 

Scrub occurs in many forms, but is often characterized as a closed to open canopy forest of sand 

pines with dense clumps or vast thickets of scrub oaks and other shrubs dominating the 

understory.

Patches of maturing scrub are mixed in with the xeric hammock community. These small 

patches, which are dominated by sand live oak, myrtle oak (Q. myrtifolia), Chapman‟s oak (Q. 

chapmanii), staggerbush (Lyonia ferruginea), fetterbush (L. lucida) and several other ericaceous 

plants, comprise one twelve-acre parcel plus several smaller areas scattered throughout the 

interior of the Reserve‟s northern component. 

Scrub is essentially a fire maintained community. Ground vegetation is extremely sparse and leaf 

fall is minimal, thus reducing the chance of frequent ground fires. As the sand pines mature, 

however, they retain most of their branches and build up large fuel supplies in their crowns. 

When a fire does occur, this fuel supply, in combination with the resinous needles and high stand 

density, ensures a hot, fast burning fire. Such fires allow for the regeneration of the Scrub 

community which might otherwise succeed to xeric hammock. The minerals in the vegetation are 

deposited on the bare sand as ashes, and the heat of the fire generally facilitates the release of 

pine seeds. As discerned from the life histories of the dominant plants, scrub probably burns 

catastrophically once every 20 to 80 years or longer. Scrub is also readily damaged by off-road 
43

vehicle traffic or even foot traffic, which destroys the delicate ground cover and allows the loose 

sand to erode. Once disturbed, ground lichens may require 50 years or more to recover. These 

scrub areas have been fire excluded long enough that future management will undoubtedly 

require mechanical treatment to knock back the aging scrub oaks.

Mesic Flatwoods - (synonyms: Pine Flatwoods, Pine Savannahs, Pine Barrens).

Mesic Flatwoods are characterized as an open canopy forest of widely spaced pine trees with 

little or no understory but a dense ground cover of herbs and shrubs.

Mesic flatwoods occur on relatively flat, moderately to poorly drained terrain. The soils typically 

consist of 1-3 feet (.3 to 1 meters) of acidic sands generally overlying an organic hardpan or 

clayey subsoil. The hardpan substantially reduces the percolation of water below and above its 

surface. During the rainy seasons, water frequently stands on the hardpan's surface and briefly 

inundates much of the flatwoods; while during the drier seasons, ground water is unobtainable 

for many plants whose roots fail to penetrate the hardpan. Thus, many plants are under the stress 

of water saturation during the wet seasons and under the stress of dehydration during the dry 

seasons.

The mesic flatwood community is dominated by slash pine and pond pine (Pinus serotina). The 

understory consists of saw palmetto, gallberry (Ilex glabra), tarflower (Befaria racemosa), 

grasses such as wiregrass (Aristida beyrichiana), and a variety of sedges.

As a pyrogenic community, this pineland stand must be prescribed burned on a two-five year 

rotation in order to control hardwood encroachment and to prevent accumulation of excessive 

fuel loads. Nearly all plants and animals inhabiting this community are adapted to periodic fires; 

several species depend on fire for their continued existence. Without relatively frequent fires, 

mesic flatwoods succeed into hardwood-dominated forests whose closed canopy can essentially 

eliminate the ground cover herbs and shrubs. Additionally, the dense layer of litter that 

accumulates on unburned sites can eliminate the reproduction of pines which require a mineral 

soil substrate for proper germination. Conversely fires that are too frequent or too hot would 

eliminate pine recruitment and eventually transform mesic flatwoods into dry prairie.

Shell Mound - (synonyms: Midden, Indian Mound, Tropical Hammock, Maritime Hammock, 

Coastal Hammock).

Shell mound is unusual among the biological communities in that it is largely a result of the 

activities of Native Americans, instead of natural physical factors. Shell mounds are small hills, 

usually in coastal locations, composed entirely of shells (clams, oysters, whelks) which support 

an assemblage of calciphilic plant species. A rich calcareous soil develops on the deposited

shells which supports a diverse hardwood, closed-canopy forest habitat on undisturbed mounds.

The unique shell mound hardwood forest habitat is located at Shell Bluff and several other areas 

along much of the perimeter of the Guana peninsula (e.g., Wright‟s Landing). Shell Bluff was 

homesteaded in the past and was devoid of vegetation until recently. Today, it is covered almost 

exclusively by southern red cedar (Juniperus silicicola), scattered slash pine (Pinus elliottii) and 

an understory of grasses and sedges.
44

The greatest threat to this habitat is erosion by tidal currents (Baker 1988), wave action from 

boats along the IWW, and sea level rise. A restoration project, completed in 1992 prior to 

Reserve designation, attempted to stabilize the Shell Bluff shoreline using coquina rocks. A 

recent engineering evaluation (Taylor Engineering, 2007) indicates that inappropriate placement, 

size and density of these rocks have worsened the situation. Erosion also continues to be a major 

threat to the Shell Mound at the Wright‟s Landing area to the south, where large trees, including 

slash pines and some mature sand pines (Pinus clausa) are washing into the Tolomato River.

Coastal Interdunal Swale

This is a habitat that occurs where 1) dune and swale topography has developed within the past 

5000 years, 2) a lens of groundwater intersects the bottom of the swales, and 3) extensive 

flooding by saltwater is infrequent. Critical to the existence of this habitat is a subsurface 

hydraulic connection with the barrier island's water table. The water levels in the interdunal 

wetlands are strongly tied to local rainfall events. Consequently, the community varies from 

flooded to completely dry depending on rainfall, as well as area and elevation of the surrounding 

dunes.

A large expanse of this community type is located within the northern portion of the Reserve. 

For all practical purposes, it is the southern portion of an adjacent wetland system managed as 

Big Savannah Pond by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Both 

wetlands currently function reciprocally because of the hydrologic connection between them and 

a large ditch that bisects them. In addition, similar depressional wetlands exist throughout the 

barrier island within the coastal strand community; although they are much smaller in size. Two 

known sites are located just north of the Reserve‟s central and northern parking areas.

Coastal interdunal swale wetlands are dominated by sand cordgrass (Spartina bakeri), 

maidencane (Panicum hemitomon), cinnamon fern (Osmunda cinnamomea), royal fern (O. 

regalis) and a rich variety of other herbaceous plants. It is also particularly rich in wildlife, 

possessing large numbers of macroinvertebrates, fish, amphibians such as the mole salamander 

(Ambystoma talpoideum), snakes, turtles, alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), rodents, river 

otter (Lutra canadensis), waterfowl and wading birds like wood stork (Mycteria americana), 

roseate spoonbill (Ajaia ajaja), and raptors like American kestrel (Falco sparverius). Striped 

newts also use this wetland, usually just following drought conditions when ephemeral pools 

begin filling with rainfall. This species has a complex life cycle (Johnson 2002) and appears to 

only reproduce in ponds where predatory fish are absent (Moler and Franz 1987).

Little in the way of active management is required for this habitat other than to prevent 

disruption by vehicles or excessive foot traffic or disruption of natural hydrology. Fires 

occasionally burn through the swales but the dominant factor in this community's development 

and maintenance is hydrology. 

Sandhill - Sandhill - (synonyms: Longleaf Pine, Turkey Oak, Xerophytic Oak, Deciduous Oak, 

High Pine).

Sandhill habitats are characterized as a forest of widely spaced pine trees with a sparse 

understory of deciduous oaks and a fairly dense ground cover of grasses and herbs on rolling 

hills of sand.
45

Fire is a dominant factor in the ecology of this community. Sandhills are a fire climax 

community, being dependent on frequent ground fires to reduce hardwood competition and to 

perpetuate pines and grasses. The natural fire frequency appears to be every 2 to 5 years. Without 

frequent fires, sandhills may eventually succeed to xeric hammock. Unburned sandhills may be 

dominated by turkey oak.

Coastal Berm – (synonyms: Shell Ridge, Coastal Levee, Coastal Forest, Buttonwood 

Embankment, Mangrove Hammock).

Coastal berm applies to a variety of plant associations that develop on ridges of storm deposited 

sand, shells, and debris. These associations include dense thickets of large shrubs and small trees, 

hammocks, or sparse shrubby vegetation with spiny xerophytic plants. Coastal berm habitats are 

similar to coastal strand habitats in their physiography and resilience.

Scrubby Flatwood - (synonyms: Xeric Flatwoods, Dry Flatwoods).

Scrubby Flatwoods are characterized as an open canopy forest of widely scattered pine trees with 

a sparse shrubby understory and numerous areas of barren white sand. The vegetation is a 

combination of scrub and mesic flatwoods species; scrubby flatwoods often occupy broad 

transitions or ecotones between these communities.

Scrubby flatwoods generally occur intermingled with mesic flatwoods along slightly elevated 

relictual sandbars and dunes. The white sandy soil is several feet deep and drains rapidly. 

However, the water table is unlikely to be very deep. Scrubby flatwoods normally do not flood 

even under extremely wet conditions. The temperature and humidity of air and soil in scrubby 

flatwoods fluctuates substantially more than in most other communities because the scattered 

overstory, sparse understory, and barren sands of scrubby flatwoods do not buffer daily and 

seasonal changes very well.

Although the elevated, deeper sandy soils of scrubby flatwoods engender a drier environment 

than the surrounding mesic flatwoods, the general sparsity of ground vegetation and the greater 

proportion of relatively incombustible scrub-oak leaf litter reduce the frequency of naturally 

occurring fires. Only after a long absence of fire and during periods of drought does the leaf litter 

become sufficiently combustible and concentrated enough to support an ecological burn. Several 

species of plants in scrubby flatwoods are typical scrub plants which endure only when long 

intervals between fires occur. Thus, a periodicity of approximately 8 to 25 years between fires 

appears to be natural for this community.

Upland Mixed Forest - Upland Hardwood Forest and Upland Mixed Forest - (synonyms: Mesic 

Hammock, Climax Hardwoods, Upland Hardwoods, Beech-Magnolia Climax, Oak-Magnolia 

Climax, Pine-Oak Hickory Association, Southern Mixed Hardwoods, Clay Hills Hammocks, 

Piedmont Forest).

Upland mixed forests are characterized as well-developed, closed canopy forests of upland 

hardwoods on rolling hills

Soils of upland mixed forests are generally sandy-clays or clayey sands with substantial organic 

and often calcareous components. The topography and clayey soils increase surface water runoff, 
46

although this is counterbalanced by the moisture retention properties of clays and by the often 

thick layer of leaf mulch which helps conserve soil moisture and create mesic conditions. 

Furthermore, the canopy is densely closed, except during winter in areas where deciduous trees 

predominate. Thus, air movement and light penetration are generally low, making the humidity 

high and relatively constant. Because of these conditions upland mixed forests rarely burn. 

Upland mixed forests are climax communities for their respective geographic locations. They are 

often associated with and grade into upland pine forest, slope forest or xeric hammock. 

Occasionally, upland mixed forests may also grade into maritime hammock or prairie hammock. 

During early stages of succession, upland mixed forest may be difficult to distinguish from 

upland pine forests that have not been burned for several years. Disturbed sites may require 

hundreds of years to reach full development with species compositions representative of climax 

conditions.

Depression Marsh – (synonyms: Isolated Wetland, Flatwoods Pond, St. John's Wort Pond, 

Pineland Depression, Ephemeral Pond, Seasonal Marsh).

Depression marsh is characterized as a shallow, usually rounded depression in sand substrate 

with herbaceous vegetation often in concentric bands. A number of small isolated wetlands are 

scattered throughout the interior portion of the northern component. These wetlands are 

dominated by sand cordgrass, maidencane, and a rich variety of other herbaceous plants. As with 

swale wetlands, these depressional marshes possess a rich diversity of associated animals. One 

listed species found here is the striped newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus). 

Depression marshes occur where sand has slumped and created a conical depression 

subsequently filled by direct rain fall, runoff, or seepage from surrounding uplands. The substrate 

is usually acid sand with deepening peat toward the center. Some depressions may have 

developed or be maintained by a subsurface hardpan. Hydrological conditions vary, with most 

depression marshes drying in most years. Hydroperiods range widely from as few as 50 days or 

less to more than 200 days per year.

Fire is important to maintaining this community type by restricting invasion of shrubs and trees 

and the formation of peat. Fire frequency is often greatest around the periphery of the marsh and 

least toward the center. Severe peat fire can lower the ground surface and create a pond at the 

center of the marsh. Hydrologic conditions and species composition must be monitored and used 

to assess ecological targets to guide fire management.

Dome Swamp - (synonyms: Isolated Wetland Cypress Dome, Cypress Pond, Gum Pond, 

Bayhead, Cypress Gall, Pine Barrens Pond).

Dome swamps are characterized as shallow, forested, usually circular depressions that generally 

present a domed profile because smaller trees grow in the shallower waters at the outer edge, 

while bigger trees grow in the deeper water in the interior. Pond cypress, swamp tupelo, and 

slash pine are common plants.

Dome swamps typically develop in sandy flatwoods areas where sand has slumped creating a 

conical depression. Soils are composed of peat, which becomes thickest toward the center of the 
47

dome, and are generally underlain with acidic sands and then limestone, although other subsoils 

may also occur. Some domes have a clay lens that helps retain water levels.

Dome swamps often derive much of their water through runoff from surrounding uplands, but 

they may also be connected with underground channels, in which case subterranean flows would 

dominate the hydrological regime. Dome swamps generally function as reservoirs that recharge 

the aquifer. The normal hydroperiod for Dome swamps is 200 to 300 days per year with water 

being deepest and remaining longest near the center of the dome.

Fire is essential for the maintenance of a cypress dome community. Without periodic fires, 

hardwood invasion and peat accumulation would convert the dome to Bottomland Forest or Bog. 

Dome swamps dominated by bays are close to this transition. Fire frequency is greatest at the 

dryer periphery of the dome and least in the interior where long hydroperiods and deep peat 

maintain high moisture levels for most of the year. The normal fire cycle might be as short as 3 

to 5 years along the outer edge and as long as 100 to 150 years towards the center. The profile of 

a Dome swamp (i.e., smaller trees at the periphery and largest trees near the center) is largely 

attributable to this fire regime. The shorter hydroperiods along the periphery permit fires to burn 

into the edge more often, occasionally killing the outer trees. Cypress is very tolerant of light 

surface fires, but muck fires burning into the peat can kill them, lower the ground surface, and 

transform the dome into a pond.

Floodplain Swamp - (synonyms: River Swamp, Bottomland Hardwoods, Seasonally Flooded 

Basins or Flats, Oak-Gum-Cypress, Cypress-Tupelo, Slough, Oxbow, Back Swamp).

Floodplain swamps occur on flooded soils along stream channels and in low spots and oxbows 

within river floodplains.

Soils of floodplain swamps are highly variable mixtures of sand, organic, and alluvial materials, 

although some sites, especially within sloughs or on smaller streams, may have considerable peat 

accumulation. Floodplain swamps are flooded for most of the year, with sites along channels 

inundated by aerobic flowing water while those of sloughs and backswamps are naturally 

flooded with anaerobic water for extensive periods of time. Soils and hydroperiods determine 

species composition and community structure. Seasonal and often prolonged inundations restrict 

the growth of most shrubs and herbs, leaving most of the ground surface open or thinly mantled 

with leaf litter. Floods redistribute detritus to other portions of the floodplain or into the main 

river channel. This rich organic debris is essential to the functional integrity of downriver 

ecosystems such as estuaries. These swamps are usually too wet to support fire.

Flatwoods/Prairie/Marsh Lake - (synonyms: Flatwoods Pond, Ephemeral Pond, Grass Pond, St. 

John's Wort Pond, Freshwater Lake, Pineland Depression, Swale, Prairie Pond).

The distinctions between these communities, and from depression marsh, are often quite subtle, 

because of their successional interrelationships.

Water for this habitat is derived mostly from runoff from the immediately surrounding uplands. 

This habitat functions as aquifer recharge areas by acting as reservoirs. Water generally remains 

throughout the year in a flatwoods/prairie lake or a marsh lake, although water levels may 
48

fluctuate substantially. Alterations in natural hydrologic conditions and water quality are the 

primary disturbances to this habitat.

Blackwater Stream - (synonyms: Blackwater River, Blackwater Creek).

Blackwater streams are characterized as perennial or intermittent seasonal watercourses 

originating deep in sandy lowlands where extensive wetlands with organic soils function as 

reservoirs, collecting rainfall and discharging it slowly to the stream. The tea-colored waters of 

blackwater streams are laden with tannins, particulates, dissolved organic matter and iron derived 

from drainage through swamps and marshes.

Blackwater streams are the most widely distributed and numerous riverine systems in the 

southeast coastal plain. Very few, however, have escaped major disturbances and alteration. 

Clearcutting adjacent forested lands and disruptions to natural hydrology are two of the more 

devastating alterations for this community. Additionally, limited buffering of blackwater streams 

from development intensifies the detrimental impacts of agricultural, residential and industrial 

polluted runoff.

Ruderal

This habitat consists of areas where natural ground cover is severely disturbed by human 

influence. Developed land within the Reserve consists of the maintenance and office facilities, 

parking lots, trails, roads, nature centers, restrooms and other structures found within the 

boundary. To minimize the environmental impact of these structures, careful planning is needed 

to limit impervious surfaces, select environmentally friendly landscaping, construction and 

maintenance materials and monitor the surrounding natural environment for unintentional harm.

Biological Community Profiles

Plankton

Little research has been done on plankton communities within the GTMNERR up to this point. 

However, Dr. Edward Phlips (University of Florida) has investigated phytoplankton structure, 

and phytoplankton bloom density and spread, an important issue related to animal and human 

health. Though the focus of this research is on phytoplankton dynamics, whole samples for 

phytoplankton and zooplankton enumeration and identification have been collected and 

preserved.

Karenia brevis, the „red tide‟ organism, is a common, unarmored, photosynthetic dinoflagellate 

found year-round throughout the Gulf of Mexico at background concentrations of 1,000 cells per 

liter or less and is occasionally found in Atlantic coastal waters. K. brevis produces brevetoxins 

that are capable of killing fish, birds, and other marine animals. Bottom-dwellers such as 

groupers and grunts are usually the first fish to die in a Florida red tide, although most fish are 

probably susceptible. Mortality, in terms of numbers killed and species affected, can be severe 

and is dependent upon factors such as bloom density and the length of time animals are exposed 

to the toxins. 

There are periodic blooms on the east coast of Florida, with a bloom recently occurring in 

October 2007 within the waters of the GTMNERR. The bloom began in the coastal waters 
49

between the mouths of the St. Johns and Nassau Rivers. The bloom persisted, moving south 

along the coast and entering both the St. Augustine and Matanzas Inlets. Cell counts as high as 5 

million cells/L were recorded in the Matanzas River south of the 206 bridge (Hitchcock and 

Frazel, unpublished raw data). Net community production and respiration rates from „light-dark‟ 

bottle incubations of K. brevis populations revealed the „red tide‟ along Florida‟s northeast coast 

was predominantly autotrophic (Production > Respiration) (Hitchcock and Frazel, unpublished 

raw data).

Dr. James Fourqurean, with Florida International University (FIU), and Dr. Gary Hitchcock from 

the University of Miami (UM), have assessed red tide toxins in sediments and epiphyte 

communities, including marsh grasses and seagrasses throughout the state. Several sample sites 

within the Reserve were included in the survey. The joint FIU/UM project, co-sponsored by the 

National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, has investigated ecological 

linkages between epiphytes and K. brevis through DNA analysis. 

Vegetation

There are currently 580 plant species identified within the GTMNERR (Appendix A). The 

diverse plant community covers marine, littoral, estuarine, wetland and upland habitats.

Listed Species

The following plant species are those that are listed by the USFWS as endangered, threatened 

or of special concern within the Reserve.

The sand-dune spurge (Chamaesyce cumulicola), also known as the coastal dune 

sandmat, is fairly common in areas where the groundcover is discontinuous. It is low 

growing, as opposed to other more erect species. It blooms in spring, summer, and fall, 

and is found in dune and scrub habitat.

Coastal vervain (Glandularia maritima) is designated as an endangered species by the

State of Florida. It is a small, lavender-flowered member of the Verbenaceae family. It 

inhabits dunes and coastal ridges.

Crested coralroot (Hexalectris spicata) is a small, ground-dwelling member of the orchid 

family. Crested coralroot is known to inhabit calcareous hammocks and shell middens, 

and it blooms in the spring and summer.

Angle pod (Matelea gonocarpa) is a perennial, twisting vine that is found in hammocks. 

Angle pod flowers have yellow or greenish-brown petals, when it blooms during the 

spring and summer. 

Pygmy-pipes (Monotropsis odorata) are small perennial herbs that are conspicuous for 

their lack of chlorophyll. They compensate by being parasitic on underground fungi 

associated with tree roots.
50

Prickly pear cactus (Opuntia stricta) is abundant where it can be found in undeveloped 

back dune areas. It blooms throughout the year, and the dark purple fruits are edible.

The giant orchid (Pteroglossapsis ecristata) inhabits dry habitats throughout much of 

Florida. It is a perennial herb that may reach heights of nearly 2 meters when blooming. 

Research

A survey of the vascular flora of Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research 

Reserve was completed and revised by volunteer botanist Jerry Harrison in September of 

2005. This survey documented the presence of 489 species of vascular flora at the 

Reserve. Of this number, 58 species that are non-native (exotic) to North Florida were 

recorded.

St. Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) has collaborated with the 

GTMNERR in the development of a guide for the GIS based photointerpretation and 

coding of coastal wetland communities associated with the GTMNERR. The guide is 

divided into three sections. The first describes the aerial photography resources, the 

mapping process 

and conventions, 

and the vegetation 

classification. The 

second gives an 

overview of 

community types, 

including 

illustrations, 

descriptions, and 

diagnostic 

characteristics for 

each major 

vegetation 

community type. 

The third section is 

a guide to the 

dominant and 

common plant 

species of the 

coastal wetlands, including photographs, drawings, and distribution maps (Kinser et al.

2008)

The ecology of early successional maritime forests on dredged spoil islands within the 

Reserve is the focus of study for Ph.D. student John Baker, from the University of 

Florida. The spoil islands were created between 1928 and 1970 from dredge material 

deposited during construction of the IWW. Observational studies (which were still 

underway at time of publication) are focusing on the vegetation, soils and water resources 
51

of these islands. The composition and abundance of the herbaceous subcanopy, and 

canopy vegetative communities are being sampled. Experiments are exploring the ability 

of spoil islands to support maritime forests and determine what environmental factors are 

preventing trees from growing in spoil fields.

Ho et al. (2005) tested the biogeographic theory predicting that plant-herbivore 

interactions are more intense at low versus high latitudes, using a site within the Reserve 

as one of the low-latitude sites. Results from the testing of hypotheses demonstrated that 

herbivore density is indeed higher at low versus high latitudes; and that damage to plants 

by herbivores is greater at low versus high latitudes. More details of the study, funded 

through the Reserve‟s Graduate Research Fellowship Program are given in the 

description of that program under the Section on Research and Monitoring Activities.

The northern extent of both the red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle) and black mangrove 

(Avicennia germinans) occurs within the GTMNERR. However, changes in climate may 

in turn alter the distribution of the red mangrove. Leitholf and Weishampel (2007) were 

testing the hypothesis that increasing temperatures and a reduction in the freeze 

frequency, will result in a northward expansion of mangroves into the salt marsh zone in 

the GTMNERR. The goals of the project were to determine the importance of abiotic 

processes such as temperature and salinity on mangrove demography, and to create a 

computer model simulating mangrove dynamics under different climate changes and 

invasion scenarios.

A study by Leitholf (2008) documented the phenology of the mangroves and the invasive 

Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) along the northern ecotone of the species and 

determined that temperature was a correlating factor in the growth and distribution S. 

terebinthifolius.

A simulation model was also developed which focused on the establishment and 

competition among the three mangrove species and the invading S. terebinthifolius. This 

model was run under various invasion and/or climate change scenarios to determine 

possible outcomes under global climate change with or without the presence of S. 

terebinthifolius. It was concluded that under all scenarios of invasion, other than sea level 

rise as part of global climate change, S. terebinthifolius would dominate the landscape if 

allowed to invade and establish in areas in which it is not currently present.

It is generally believed that tidal marshes are nitrogen limited systems and that marsh 

plants solely utilize the inorganic forms of nitrogen, ammonium and nitrate. Recent 

research has demonstrated the ability of S. alterniflora to take up dissolved organic 

nitrogen (DON) directly; however, DON has been neglected by scientists and is poorly 

characterized in temperate salt marshes. To evaluate the existence of latitudinal gradients 

in the availability of dissolved organic nitrogen in S. alterniflora salt marshes along the 

Atlantic coast, Mozdzer et al. (2007) sampled porewater from 8 field sites from Maine to 

Florida, with the Florida site being located within the GTMNERR. By combining 

information on the availability and utilization of DON, Mozdzer and colleagues from the 
52

University of Virginia hope to create a better understanding of nutrient utilization within 

salt marshes of the North American Atlantic coast.

The vascular flora of five Florida shell middens, including the Shell Ring at the former 

Guana River State Park showed that over 95% of the flora was native species (Stalter and 

Kincaid (2004). Calcareous soils were determined to be a major influence on species 

distribution at such upland shell midden sites.

Reserve scientists, along with Jacksonville University researchers are assessing the 

effects of coastal strand habitat management on existing and future invasive plant 

populations in the GTMNERR. The size and extent of invasive populations of exotic 

species such as tropical soda apple (Solanum viarium), Brazilian pepper (Schinus

terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) is unknown and will be 

evaluated through vegetation surveys. The team will also assess the impact of 

management activities/techniques on the suppression and eradication of invasive plants, 

as well as the impact of vegetation control on wildlife.

A study of plant colonization on dead margins in the GTM estuaries was initiated in 2008 

by University of Central Florida graduate student, Shannon Segelsky (Dr. Linda Walters, 

advisor). Dead margins are piles of disarticulated oyster shells that result from boat and 

wind wakes. The study is examining at what elevation/tidal range dead margins are 

colonized by saltmarsh vegetation. Vertical profiles of reefs with and without dead 

margins have been carried out together with mapping/marking the associated vegetation. 

This mapping will be redone periodically and all data compared to results of similar 

studies in Mosquito Lagoon.

A project initiated in 2009 within the GTMNERR by Christy Crace, graduate student at 

the University of North Florida (Dr. Daniel Moon, advisor), is examining how different 

insect feeding guilds react to salt-stressed coastal plants. The project has both ecological 

and molecular components. The responses of six coastal plant species to induced saltstress are being assessed by measuring growth, leaf production, and flowering. Herbivore 

responses are determined by visual herbivore counts, indirect visual evidence of insects 

(e.g., stem boring), and sweep netting. The molecular component of the project will aid in 

quantifying plant stress by measuring foliar nitrogen as well as the activity of certain 

stress enzymes; particularly catalase and superoxide dismutase. With rising sea levels, 

understanding the effects of salt stress in salt marsh food webs should provide 

information for future management of these complex systems.

Reserve staff initiated a collaboration with Dr. Nisse Goldberg (Jacksonville University) 

in 2009 to pilot a mangrove-mapping strategy in the GTMNERR. The project utilizes a 

GIS-based algorithm developed by NOAA‟s Coastal Services Center for fine-scale 

delineation of mangrove habitat using a supervised-classification mapping approach. If 

the strategy proves successful, information generated from the project will provide 

important baseline maps for subsequent change analyses and ecological studies of 

mangrove.
53

Invertebrates

More than 95% of the Earth's animal species are invertebrates, and representative phyla can be 

found in some form or another in all of the habitats within the Reserve. More than 500 different 

invertebrates have been identified within the Reserve; they are listed in Appendix A. As 

integrators of environmental condition, the abundance, diversity, biomass and species 

composition of invertebrates can be useful metrics for assessing estuarine health.

(USEPA 2009)

Some of the more prominent invertebrate species are discussed below.

American oyster (Crassostrea virginica)

The American oyster occupies estuarine habitats throughout the eastern and Gulf of Mexico 

coasts of the United States. The remains of shell middens in the Reserve show that this animal 

has supported a subsistence fishery for inhabitants well before the establishment of St. 

Augustine. In addition to its direct economic importance, the oyster also provides important 

habitat for many estuarine fish and invertebrate species. In the Reserve, oysters occur along the 

full length of the estuary.

Limited recreational oyster and hard clam harvesting occurs within two delineated shellfish 

harvest areas in the GTMNERR. In addition, there are currently four aquaculture leases within 

the Reserve for oysters and two aquaculture leases for hard clams totaling 42 acres. A brief 

description and maps of each of the shellfish areas, including the management status is available 

online at http://www.floridaaquaculture.com/pdfmaps.

Shellfish harvesting is managed through the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services 

(FDACS) Division of Aquaculture. The Department routinely monitors fecal coliform and water 

quality parameters at established stations in each of Florida's shellfish harvesting areas. Subsurface water samples are collected and shipped overnight to a certified laboratory. The analysis 

for fecal coliform takes 24 hours, and numbers of bacteria are expressed in the units of Most 

Probable Number (MPN) per 100 milliliters (ml). FDACS Division of Aquaculture 

(http://www.floridaaquaculture.com/seas/seas_intro.htm).

White and brown shrimp (Penaeus setiferus and Penaeus aztecus)

The white shrimp and brown shrimp are both commercially harvested in northeast Florida and 

spend part of their lifecycles within the estuaries of the Reserve. Both species are important in 

estuarine and saltmarsh environments as they convert detritus, plant material, microorganisms, 

macroinvertebrates, and fish parts into useful protein for higher trophic level organisms.

The white shrimp is generally found in waters that are turbid, shallower, and more brackish than 

those in which brown shrimp are found. The white shrimp was the first species of commercial 

importance in the U.S., with the fishery for this species dating back to 1709 (Muncy 1984). 

Shrimp are also the most economically important fishery in Florida (Seaman 1985).

Blue crab (Callinectes sapidus)

Blue crabs are harvested both recreationally and commercially within the Reserve using crab 

traps or pots as the primary method of harvest. Blue crabs spend most of their life cycle within 
54

estuarine habitats, although the larval stages develop in the open ocean. Young crabs will move

within estuaries to mid and low salinity waters and grow quickly. Blue crabs reach maturity and 

the five inch legal harvest size in one to two years. 

Blue crabs play an important role in the marine and estuarine trophic system, as prey and 

predators. Florida pompano and other large fish and planktivores (Steele1991) consume larval 

blue crabs (Murphy et al. 2001), while juvenile blue crabs are eaten by larger fish such as spotted 

seatrout and red drum. The primary predators of adults include raccoons and large wading birds.

Fiddler crabs (Uca sp)

Fiddler crabs are found in the intertidal zone and within salt marshes and are recognized by their 

square body and marked difference in size between the right and left claws of males. Two 

common species of fiddler crab occur within the GTMNERR; the Atlantic mud fiddler, Uca 

pugnax, and the sand fiddler, Uca pugilator. Mud fiddlers are a brownish-yellowish color, and 

prefer muddy areas, whereas sand fiddlers inhabit sandy habitats. Fiddler crabs have no directly 

quantifiable commercial value but constitute an important food source for marsh birds, blue 

crabs and many other species (NOAA 2008).

Marsh periwinkle (Littorina irrorata) 

The marsh periwinkle is a small gastropod that can range in color from dark brown to an almost 

bleached white. It is an important component of the intertidal salt marsh community. Periwinkles 

may be a major participant in the decomposition of cordgrass, Spartina alterniflora, leaves 

through a mutualistic association with leaf fungi (Silliman and Newell 2003). Marsh periwinkles

can serve as an indicator species of the health of salt marsh, a habitat that is critical for many 

species.

The marsh periwinkle is an obligate salt marsh resident for which cordgrass may be considered a

critical habitat. Individuals can be found inhabiting high-marsh areas around freshwater seeps

and low-marsh stems submerged in full strength seawater (greater than 25 parts per thousand).

Marsh periwinkles feed on microalgae and detritus; they may also garden and consume fungal 

decomposers found on the surface of marsh plants (Silliman and Newell 2003).

Research

The bacteria Vibrio vulnificus is an opportunistic pathogen now recognized as the leading 

cause of food-associated deaths in Florida. Infections are most frequently contracted after 

raw oyster consumption. Gordon et al. (2005) enumerated V. vulnificus in oysters and 

waters of the GTMNERR from a series of more than 300 isolates obtained during warm 

months. Gordon et al. (2008) have since been able to develop real-time PCR assays that 

were sensitive, specific, and quantitative in water samples and could also differentiate the 

Vibrio strains in oysters without requiring isolation of V. vulnificus. The assay may 

therefore be useful for rapid detection of the pathogens in shellfish and water, as well as 

for further investigation of its population dynamics.

Hare (2008) performed genetic analyses on adult and newly-settled oysters collected 

within lagoons and near ocean inlets along the Florida coast in 2007 to assess the oyster 
55

as a bioindicator of population connectivity among Florida lagoons. The northernmost 

inlet sample site was at the Whitney Lab, south of Matanzas Inlet. Genetic differentiation 

among reproductive adult populations enabled the inference of source populations and 

migration routes for juvenile oysters during one recruitment season. Preliminary results 

from the study showed patterns of connectivity between oyster population in Matanzas 

Inlet and Ponce Inlet, as well as connectivity between Matanzas Inlet populations and 

populations in Fort Pierce. 

Research conducted on grazing by the marsh periwinkle, by Dr. Brian Silliman 

(University of Florida) (Kilheffer et al. 2006) has revealed that southeastern marshes are 

the product of a simple trophic cascade, where marine predators, such as the 

commercially harvested blue crab, facilitate marsh plant persistence and productivity by 

controlling densities of plant-grazing snails (marsh periwinkle). When released from topdown control, snail numbers increase and grazing by high densities of snails (whose 

radular activity facilitates invasion of growth-suppressing fungi) converts lush intertidal 

grasslands to mudflats. These findings have major conservation implications, as they 

potentially link the health and function of southeast marshes to the management of crab 

fisheries.

Studies from 2003-2007 indicate that blue crab densities have declined precipitously (40-

80%) in southeast estuaries (Silliman et al. 2009). Concomitant with this crab decline has 

been unprecedented marsh die-back. Surveys from many die-off areas have found 300m 

long fronts of snails (2000 ind./m

2

) consuming marsh grass at up to 100m2/ month. Given 

these findings, it is possible that the cascading consumer effects shown in small-scale 

experiments may already be at work in southern marshes (Silliman et al. 2009).

The invasive Asian green mussel (Perna viridis) has been documented to occur in several 

locations in the Matanzas and Tolomato Rivers near St. Augustine Inlet (Baker et al. 

2007). This invasive 

bivalve competes with 

oysters and other native 

shellfish for habitat, and 

presents the threat of 

significantly reducing 

populations of these 

commercially valuable 

resources.

Dr. Matthew Gilg and 

other researchers at the 

University of North 

Florida are examining the 

larval green mussel 

distribution in the GTM 

estuary and attempting to 
56

genetically track the source of the adult populations. Related to this work is the joint 

development of a tool by Peter Sheng‟s group at UF‟s Civil and Coastal Engineering 

Department, along with the UF Advanced Computing and Information Systems Lab and 

SJRWMD‟s Peter Sucsy and Tim Cera, that can be used to examine how green mussel 

larvae would be distributed from particular spawning points in the estuary. The tool is a 

cyber-infrastructure system which essentially accesses appropriate data sets and 

computing assets over the internet through a user-friendly interface to run a 3-D 

hydrodynamic model of the GTMNERR.

The utility of dactyls for inferring evolutionary patterns were evaluated by Agnew (2007) 

as part of his dissertation project at Louisiana State University. Dactyls are the moveable 

part of the claw of the crab. Because of their high preservation potential and uses in foraging 

and defense, crab dactyls are potentially excellent test subjects for an ongoing debate 

concerning the relative importance of top-down (predators) and bottom-up (prey) controls on 

morphologic diversification and evolution. Both living and subfossil xanthoid crabs were 

sampled from the southeast U.S. Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, including intertidal 

locations within the GTMNERR. Statistically significant differences in the wear patterns 

between live collected crabs and those from death assemblages, indicating more wear in 

the death assemblage than the living assemblage. It was suggested that the wear patterns 

are caused by shell crushing and that there may have been a fairly recent shift in the diet 

of the mud cab (Panopeus sp.). Wear patterns on modern Panopeus on either side of the 

Florida peninsula were also different.

This research demonstrated that the relative influence of top-down and bottom-up 

controls on dactyl evolution can be identified by correlating dactyl morphologies with 

evidence of predation either by crabs (wear patterns) or on crabs (handedness reversals 

and predatory fractures) using the most commonly preserved remains of living and/or 

fossil taxa.

The Golden apple snail (Pomacea sp.) is an invasive species that has only recently been 

documented in the Reserve. Live specimens and photographs of adults and eggs in a 

retention pond have been collected near Moultrie Creek. The proximity of this population 

to Pellicer Creek Aquatic Preserve presents a serious threat to the aquatic ecosystem 

there. They consume almost every submerged aquatic plant species in the Preserve and 

have a high reproductive rate. This species has become well established throughout much 

of south and central Florida in recent years.

Pristine Florida wildlife habitats are being lost to development and ecosystems are being

threatened more than ever by human encroachment. Published accounts of Florida nonmarine molluscan communities are few in number, brief, not based on strategized 

sampling protocol, and scattered in the scientific literature. The relatively intact natural

ecosystems present within the boundaries of the northern component of the GTMNERR 

undoubtedly support most of the species of land, aquatic, and estuarine mollusks known 

to occur in northeastern Florida. No systematic survey of the non-marine mollusks of the 

GTMNERR has ever been undertaken. Harry G. Lee, M.D., Field Associate, Florida 

Museum of Natural History initiated such a survey in 2008. A total of 65 species, 
57

including 56 native, and 9 introduced species have been identified as of Januay 2009. 

(http://www.jaxshells.org/northeas.htm).

Ethan Nash, a graduate student at the University of Central Florida (Dr. Linda Walters, 

advisor) commenced research in 2008 to examine the associations of three non-native 

species [charru mussel (Mytella charruana), green mussel (Perna viridis), and pink 

barnacle (Megabalanus coccopoma)] with different oyster reef types in both Mosquito 

Lagoon and the GTM estuarine system. These studies will be complemented by field and 

laboratory studies of air exposure and thermal tolerance for Mytella/Perna as this relates 

to the ability of the mussels to invade intertidal oyster reefs.

Fishes

The fish communities within the Reserve are a mixed assemblage with freshwater, estuarine and 

coastal marine species often coexisting together depending on salinity, temperature, and time of 

year. A total of 303 fish species have been identified in GTMNERR habitats including 

freshwater, brackish and marine waters. Recreational and commercial fishing are major activities 

within the GTMNERR with most effort focused on edible game fishes. Descriptions of some of 

the major species are listed below.

Red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus)

Red drum are popular recreational game and food fish found in estuarine areas and nearshore 

waters of the Reserve. Red drum prefer shallow waters (0.5-1 meters deep) and are found over 

all bottom types. These fish are also commonly found around oyster reefs, though breaks in 

continuity of shorelines such as coves, points, jetties, and old pier pilings attract them. During 

cold spells large numbers of red drum can be found in tidal creeks and rivers. They can live in 

fresh water and have been found well up Pellicer Creek. 

Spawning occurs in nearshore waters from August to November. Young red drum feed on small 

crabs, shrimp, and marine worms. Adults tend to feed on larger crabs, shrimp, and small fish. A 

stock assessment of Red Drum in Florida through 2003, showed that angling success, as 

measured by total catch rates increased in 2003, reversing a downward trend seen since the mid 

to late 1990‟s (Murphy 2005).

Black drum (Pogonias cromis)

The black drum is a member of the croaker family and is related to both, red drum, and spotted 

seatrout. A characteristic of this family of fish is the ability to produce croaking or drumming 

sounds with the air bladder, which is the reason for the common names croaker and drum. This 

ability is most developed in the black drum and anglers can sometimes hear sounds from schools 

passing near their boats. Black drum, the largest members of the family Sciaenidae, can reach 

over 46 inches (116 cm) and 120 pounds (54 kg). Long-lived fish, black drum can reach almost 

60 years of age (FWC 2006a).

Drum are found in a wide range of habitats in the Reserve, from right at the water‟s edge along 

the coast, to the deepest holes (>21 m) in the IWW near St. Augustine. Young drum feed on 

marine worms, small shrimp, crabs and small fish. Larger drum eat small crabs, worms, algae, 

small fish and mollusks. Barbels under the lower jaw are used to find food by feel and smell. 
58

Drum often dig or root out buried mollusks and worms while feeding in a head-down position.

The black drum has no canine teeth like those of the spotted seatrout, but does have highly 

developed pharyngeal teeth, which are used to crush mollusks and crabs before swallowing

(Texas Wildlife and Parks Department (TWPD 2007)).

Spotted seatrout (Cynoscion nebulosus)

Spotted seatrout range throughout Florida‟s bays and coastal waters. In northeast Florida adult 

spotted seatrout are found over a wide range of estuarine habitats. They are common around 

oyster reefs, in deep holes, on sand bottom, and in areas where structure exists.

Maximum ages reached in Florida are 9 years for males and 8 years for females. Spotted seatrout 

first spawn between 0 and 2 years old and 11.8–15.7 inches (5.34-7.11 cm) total length (TL). 

Spawning occurs within estuaries and in nearshore waters during spring, summer, and fall. The 

diet of juvenile seatrout (< 1.2 inches (0.54 cm) TL) includes amphipods and other small 

crustaceans. Larger juveniles and adults feed primarily on shrimp and a variety of finfishes, 

including other young spotted seatrout (FWC 2007a).

Flounder (Paralichthys sp.)

Nearly all flounders landed by anglers in Florida are one of three species in the genus 

Paralichthys: gulf flounder P. albigutta; southern flounder, P. lethostigma; or summer flounder,

P. dentatus. All three species occur within the waters of the GTMNERR. The distributions of 

gulf and southern flounder appear to be substrate-related. Southern flounder are found on silt and 

mud, and gulf flounder are found mostly on sand. Female southern flounder mature at age 3 or 4, 

and female gulf flounder mature at age 1. Both species spawn in offshore waters during late fall–

winter (65 ft–200 ft) (20-60m). Gulf flounders are benthic carnivores. Large juveniles feed 

primarily on small fish and crustaceans (shrimp and crabs). Adults feed on schooling fish such as 

menhaden, bay anchovy, pinfish, grunts, pigfish, Atlantic croaker, and mullet (FWC 2006b)

Striped mullet (Mugil cephalus)

Striped mullet, are perhaps the most widespread and abundant inshore teleost (Odum 1970). 

They are an ecologically important component in the flow of energy through estuarine 

communities and occur in both the estuaries and nearshore coastal waters of the Reserve.

Diet and feeding behavior of juvenile and adult striped mullet may vary by location, but they 

primarily feed on epiphytic and benthic microalgae, macrophyte detritus, or inorganic sediment 

particles. Sediment particles function as a grinding paste in the gizzard-like pyloric portion of the 

stomach (Odum 1970). Larval and post-larval mullet feed on zooplankton (Nash et al. 1974). 

The major predators of juvenile and adult mullet are fishes and birds (Thomson 1963). Among 

fishes, spotted seatrout, red drum, hardhead catfish, and southern flounder will prey on mullet in 

the Reserve. Wading birds also prey on mullet 

Striped mullet is one of the most important inshore finfish fisheries in Florida as both a food fish 

and for roe exported overseas. In 2004, commercial landings of striped mullet (7.6 million 

pounds) (3.4 million kg) constituted fourteen percent of total finfish landings (53 million pounds) 

(24 million kg) and eight percent of total commercial finfish dockside dollar value (Mahmoudi 

2005). 
59

Sheepshead (Archosargus probatocephalus)

Sheepshead range from Nova Scotia south to Mexico‟s Campeche Bank and are found in 

estuarine waters throughout the Reserve. They are often found around oyster bars, seawalls, 

docks and in tidal creeks. Sheepshead move offshore in schools to spawn following the onset of 

cool weather. They return to inshore waters in the spring after spawning.

Adult sheepshead typically feed on algae, blue crab, young oysters, clams, crustaceans, and small 

fish. Florida landings of sheepshead were 3.3 million pounds (1.5 million kg) in 2005, out of 

which the recreational fishery represented about 90% (FWC 2006c).

Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus)

The mummichog or killifish is an abundant Atlantic Coast fish ranging from the Matanzas River 

to Newfoundland, Canada. They are particularly important in marsh food chains because of their 

distribution and abundance (Abraham 1985). Mummichogs are considerd to be instrumental in 

the movement of organic material within and out of saltmarsh ecosystems (Knieb et al. 1980).

For over 100 years the mummichog has been a popular experimental organism for a wide array 

of scientific studies (Feder 1987). Mummichogs from the Matanzas River have been used 

extensively as a model organism for reproductive and other physiological studies by researchers 

at UF‟s Whitney Lab, including the studies of Lin et al. (2004), Petrino and Wallace (1992), and 

Calman et al. (2001).

Research

Monthly fisheries surveys, initiated in 2001, were conducted to establish baseline data on 

juvenile estuarine fish spatial and temporal distribution patterns. The study area included 

the bar-built estuaries ranging from just north of St. Augustine within the Reserve, south 

to Ponce Inlet (Turtora and Schotman 2006).

The study has provided thorough baseline information on the species of fish associated 

with different estuarine habitats in the area throughout the year, and hence has yielded 

crucial data for more effectively managing coastal fisheries. Specifically, the work 

completed thus far indicates that the 

Tomoka area and areas north of the 

St. Augustine Inlet are the mainstem 

IWW nursery areas. Both areas are 

characterized by low salinity, low 

current velocity, and small substrate 

grain-size. The Matanzas River was 

not shown to be a nursery area due 

to the proximity of inlets. October

was typically the beginning of 

juvenile recruitment for 

Micropogonias undulatus as they 

were collected throughout the basin 
60

“all at once” (Turtora 2008).

Studies by Clarke (2006) and (Juanes et al. 2007) of the winter ecology of young-of-theyear (YOY) bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) evaluated recruitment in the Matanzas River

Estuary during the winters of 2002-2004. Three distinct intra-annual cohorts of YOY fish 

were shown to be present. An analysis of first year sampling data indicated higher 

bluefish abundance in sand habitats where an abundance of mullet were present. Second 

year results were more variable. Results from the study demonstrate the use of the 

Matanzas River estuary by bluefish during the winter. This may be a mechanism for 

maximizing survival and increasing the overall stock biomass.

A related project is now underway using experimental fish trawls offshore at selective 

depth strata. This new project is being completed by graduate student David Stormer, 

under the direction of Dr. Francis Juanes at the University of Massachusetts.

The ovaries of female Fundulus heteroclitus living in the northeastern Florida saltmarsh 

(within the GTMNERR) recrudesce in January and the fish initially spawn heavily during 

the subsequent full moons (a lunar pattern); they laterspawn with less intensity during 

both the new and full moons (a semilunar pattern), and then regress in late September. In 

studying the reproductive cycling in female Fundulus heteroclitus in the laboratory, 

researchers at UF‟s Whitney Laboratory discovered that these fish apparently select the 

higher of the two semidiurnal tides for spawning, regardless of the daily light-dark cycle 

(Hsiao et al. 1994).

Reptiles and Amphibians

An array of reptile and amphibian communities exists in the Reserve, the location and 

distribution of which are primarily controlled by habitat type and proximity to water. The survey 

of species in the Reserve (Appendix A)

lists eighteen species of turtles and 

tortoises, twenty snakes, eight lizards, 

eighteen different frogs and toads, two 

salamanders, the greater siren (Sirenia 

lacertina), the endangered striped newt

(Notophthalmus perstriatus), and the 

American alligator (Alligator 

mississippiensis). Four of the twenty 

listed snake species are venomous, 

including the Florida cottonmouth

(Agkistrodon piscivorus conant), 

Eastern diamondback rattlesnake

(Crotalus adamentius), pygmy 

rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius 

barbouri), and the coral snake (Micrurus fulvius).

The Reserve has several listed and/or endangered species of reptiles and amphibians that are 

discussed below.
61

Sea turtles

Three listed species of sea turtles: the loggerhead (Caretta caretta), the leatherback 

(Dermochelys coriacea) and the green turtle (Chelonia mydas) utilize the sandy beach between 

the high tide line and the base of the Reserve‟s beach dunes for nesting. The nesting season 

generally occurs between May and October. Florida statewide nesting beach survey data for the 

2006 season (FWRI: http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=11812) shows 205 

loggerhead nests and 10 green turtle nests in St. Johns County. Of those, a total of 101 nests 

occurred within the Reserve. There were no reported leatherback nests in 2006.

An updated analysis of Florida‟s long-term loggerhead sea turtle nesting data, carried out as part 

of the FWC Index Nesting Beach Survey, reveals a continuing decline in loggerhead nest 

numbers around the state. Nest counts have decreased nearly 50 % from 1998 to 2007. In 

contrast, nest counts for green turtles and leatherbacks are increasing. A record number of nests 

of these two species were recorded during the 2007 season

(http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=27537).

Gopher tortoise

The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), a keystone species and a species listed as 

threatened, lives in sandy habitats in the Reserve. A keystone species is one whose very presence 

contributes to a diversity of life and whose extinction would consequently lead to impacts on

other forms of life. They have been designated a keystone species because its burrows provide 

refuge to hundreds of other species, including opossums, rabbits, gopher frogs, Florida mice, 

eastern diamondback rattlesnakes and gopher crickets (FWC 2007b).

The prime sandhill habitats within the Reserve are open areas with abundant food and relatively 

deep, sandy soils for burrowing, and sunny spots for laying eggs. The long, burrows they dig 

offer refuge from cold, heat, drought, forest fires and predators. The record burrow was over 47 

feet (14 meters) long. They feed on low-growing plants like wiregrass, broadleaf grasses, and 

legumes. They also eat prickly pear cactus, blackberries, and other seasonal fruits.

In 2006, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission agreed that reclassification of the gopher 

tortoise from Species of Special Concern to Threatened is warranted. The change in status is 

pending (http://myfwc.com/imperiledspecies/petitions/gopher-tortoise.htm). Reserve volunteers 

conduct biennial Gopher Tortoise Burrow Surveys which are described in detail in Section V.

Indigo snake

The Eastern indigo snake (Drymarchon corais couperi) is listed as threatened by both FWC and 

USFWS. It is the largest nonvenomous snake in North America. Individuals have been measured 

from six to eight and half feet (1.8 to 2.6 meters) long. Unlike the color indigo or indigo 

buntings, this snake is much more black than blue. It has smooth, shiny scales and a reddish chin 

and throat. The young are lighter in color and have a faint banded pattern. It readily moves 

through a variety of habitats, especially those that border marshes and swamps, in search of prey 

such as birds, young turtles, frogs, and other snakes, including rattlesnakes. The indigo has been 

reported in the area of the GRMAP.
62

Striped newt

The striped newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus) in Florida is reported to reside in xeric hammocks, 

scrubby flatwoods, sandhills, and scrub habitats and breed in isolated wetlands (Christman and 

Means 1992). A unique coastal population of striped newt occurs within the depression marsh 

and interdunal swale wetlands of the Reserve‟s interior. This population is the only barrier island 

assemblage known throughout its range (Johnson and Owen, in preparation). Reserve staff 

members have established a striped newt monitoring program which is discussed in Section 5.

During the 2007 survey one newt was identified in the GRWMA. 

Research

There are two concurrent sea turtle nesting survey programs currently operating in 

Florida; the State Survey Nesting Beach and the Index Nesting Beach Programs. The goal 

of the Index Beach program is to use identical protocols for gathering detailed 

information to assess trends and to compare beaches. The State Survey Nesting Beaches 

program maximizes temporal and geographic surveillance of nesting activities but the 

effort varies among years and among beaches, and there is variation in survey frequency. 

GTMNERR Stewardship Staff are the primary permit holders for Marine Turtle Permit 

#140, in cooperation with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for the 

northern area of the Reserve. The permit authorizes specific GTMNERR staff and 

volunteers to conduct daily activities related to nest monitoring, stranding and salvage 

incidents of sea turtles on these beaches. Surveys are conducted at sunrise from May 15th

through August 31st.

An initial comprehensive gopher tortoise survey of the Guana Peninsula was completed 

by GTMNERR staff and volunteers during April to July 2005. The survey identified 

more 260 active burrows.

A study of gopher tortoises on small islands near St. Augustine was conducted by Dana 

Ehret (University of Florida) that could reveal whether displaced colonies can be 

successfully relocated to similar sites in Florida and other states. The UF study focuses 

on gopher tortoise populations on five small islands along the IWW.

Birds

The varied habitats of the Reserve support over 250 species of birds, ranging from 

hummingbirds to wild turkeys. The Reserve also serves as an important habitat for migrating 

species of birds and serves as a critical feeding and resting location along the North American 

Atlantic flyway. 

Listed bird species found in the GTMNERR, include the brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis), 

little blue heron (Egretta caerulea), Louisiana heron (Egretta tricolor), snowy egret (Egretta thula), 

reddish egret (Egretta rufescens), limpkin (Aramus guarauna), American oystercatcher 

(Haematopus palliates), least tern (Sterna antillarum), bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), wood 

stork (Mycteria americana), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), American kestrel (Falco 

sparverius) and roseate spoonbill (Ajaja ajaja).
63

The USFWS is the principal Federal agency charged with protecting and enhancing the 

populations and habitat of more than 800 species of birds that spend all or part of their lives in 

the United States. Brief descriptions of the listed species within the Reserve, provided below, are 

extracted from species accounts provided on the USFWS Web site at 

http://www.fws.gov/species/#birds, and from the FWC Web site at 

http://myfwc.com/Viewing/species/.

Brown pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis)

The brown pelican, also called American brown pelican or common pelican, inhabits the 

Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf Coasts of North and South America. Brown pelicans can be seen both 

in the estuaries, as well as along the Atlantic shoreline throughout the Reserve. Pelicans are 

primarily fish-eaters, with a diet consisting mainly of small fish such as menhaden and 

silversides.

Egg-laying in eastern brown pelicans generally happens from December through February. 

Brown pelicans breed in colonies, mostly on small islands along the Intracoastal Waterway. 

Pelicans pair up for one year, and both help brood and rear the young, which fledge in about 76 

days. In 2002 the estimated population of eastern brown pelicans in Florida was 25,600 - 32,000.

Little blue heron (Egretta caerulea)

Little blue herons stand roughly 2 feet (0.6 meters) tall and appear dark bluish overall. They feed 

in the estuaries and saltwater and freshwater marshes throughout the Reserve. Herons feed on 

small amphibians, small fish, crustaceans, and insects.

Louisiana heron (Egretta tricolor

The Louisiana heron, also called the tricolored heron, stand about twenty-six inches (0.6 meters) 

tall. They are long, slim, with notably long legs, neck, and bill. Louisiana herons prefer wetlands 

with low vegetation and shallow water, as deep as seven inches (17 centimeters), suitable for 

wading up to their chests. They feed on small fish like topminnows, which together comprise 

almost 90% of the diet (Hancock and Elliot 1978).

Snowy egret (Egretta thula)

The snowy egret is one of the most familiar herons, delicately built, with snowy white feathers, 

black legs, and bright yellow feet. The snowy egret's diet is composed primarily of fish and 

crustaceans, but also includes snails, snakes, and both aquatic and terrestrial insects.

Reddish egret (Egretta rufescens)

The reddish egret is the rarest and least well-known of the North American herons and is only

rarely seen within the Reserve. Small fish such as minnows make up the bulk of this wading 

bird's diet. 

Limpkin (Aramus guarauna)

The limpkin resembles a rail but stands taller, has a longer neck and is distinguished by its dark 

brown feathers flecked with white, which give it a spotted appearance. Limpkins occur 

throughout the Reserve and can be observed walking through shallow water, where it uses sight 
64

and touch to search for apple snails, mussels, worms and insects. The sharp and twisted end of its 

curved bill fits perfectly into a snail shell, allowing the limpkin to deftly extract the mollusk.

American oystercatcher (Haematopus palliates)

The American oystercatcher is one of the largest and heaviest of American shorebirds, easily 

identified by dark-brown wings, and black head, with a bright red bill. Oystercatchers get their 

name from their habit of snatching oysters from slightly open shells. They also use their 

powerful bills to open mollusks and to sort through heavy shells in search of food.

Oystercatchers are periodically seen on sandbars and mudflats within the Reserve estuaries, as 

well as along the beaches.

Least tern (Sterna antillarum)

The least tern is a migratory bird that returns to the Reserve from wintering grounds in Latin 

America during April and May. The least tern has long, pointed wings and a deeply forked tail. It 

is the smallest of our terns, and bears outer wing feathers that edge the light-gray wings in black. 

The breeding adult is gray above, white below, with a black cap.

The Reserve‟s beach habitats provide nesting sites for the threatened least tern. The shorebirds 

nest in very shallow depressions on broad expanses of bare sand, which camouflage the eggs. 

Nesting areas along the Reserve‟s beaches are posted to alert people using the beach of this 

important habitat.

Data collected for 2005 from volunteer monitoring (discussed in Section V) identified an average 

of 63 least tern adults at the nesting site, with a peak of 82 adults during the height if the nesting 

season. The nest site was located on the beach approximately three quarters of a mile south of the 

GTMNERR south parking area. The survey group counted 30 actual nesting pairs during the 

season.

Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

Bald eagles, officially declared the National Emblem of the United States by the Second 

Continental Congress in 1782, are distinctive large dark brown birds with a white head and tail, 

and yellow eyes, bill and feet. Southern bald eagles, which occur in the Reserve, are 

considerably smaller than their northern counterparts. Juvenile eagles are chocolate brown, but 

with varying degrees of mottled white on their tails, bellies and wing linings. It is not until their 

fourth year that the birds acquire the white head and tail feathers identifying them as adults. The 

principal food for bald eagles is fish, which the birds seize by using their strong talons to take 

their prey from the water. Ducks, coots and other water birds also are major food sources for 

eagles, as well as small animals, reptiles and carrion.

Once bald eagles mate, they form long-term pair bonds that can persist for many years. If one 

member of the pair dies the surviving partner will select a new mate. In Florida, eagles mate in 

the winter, laying their eggs between late November and early February.

There are several active bald eagle nests within the Reserve. One active bald eagle nest across 

the Guana River from the EEC has been monitored by Reserve volunteers since 2005. Two 
65

chicks were successfully fledged in 2006, and one chick was fledged in 2007. Bald eagle 

monitoring throughout the Reserve is discussed in the Section on Monitoring Activities.

Wood stork (Mycteria americana)

The wood stork is the largest wading bird native to America. It is white with black flight 

feathers, distinctive because of its dark, featherless head (down to the upper neck) and thick, 

down-curved bill. Wood storks fly with neck and legs extended, interrupting strong wing beats 

with brief glides.

Wood storks forage, or feed in drying wetlands, which concentrate prey. They usually feed 

within 16 miles of their colony but often fly great distances in search of feeding grounds, 

sometimes as much as 60-80 miles. One breeding colony occurs at the St. Augustine Alligator 

Farm, from which individuals fly throughout the Reserve in search of prey.

Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Peregrine falcons don't breed in Florida, but are regularly spotted along the coastal shorelines 

and wetlands of the Reserve during spring and fall migrations as they move between northern 

breeding grounds and wintering areas in Central and South America.

The peregrine falcon is distinguished by its typical falcon silhouette - long, pointed wings and 

long thin tail - and by the dark feathers on its head and nape, which resemble a hood or helmet. A 

distinctive black wedge extends below the eye. Falcons prey on doves, shorebirds and ducks.

American kestrel (Falco sparverius)

The kestrel is the smallest and most common of the falcons. Two subspecies of American kestrel 

(Falco sparverius) occur in Florida: a northern subspecies (Falco sparverius sparverius) that

winters here between September and April, and a resident, non-migratory subspecies, the 

southeastern American kestrel (Falco sparverius paulus). Kestrels seen in Florida during MayJune are resident southeastern American kestrels.

American kestrels often perch on telephone wires at the edge of a field or other open area. From 

this vantage they hunt for insects (especially grass-hoppers and dragonflies), lizards and small 

mammals.

Roseate spoonbill (Ajaja ajaja)

The roseate spoonbill is easily identified by the luminous pale pink plumage with red highlights 

and the long bill with the spoon shaped tip. The spoon-shaped (spatulate) bill of this species has 

sensitive nerve endings that help the spoonbill detect prey. As it sweeps the bill from side to side 

through shallow water, the spoonbill encounters, captures and swallows small fish, shrimp, 

crayfish, fiddler crabs and aquatic insects. 

Mammals

Mammals fill a wide range of ecological roles within the terrestrial, freshwater and marine 

habitats of the Reserve. A total of forty-five species of mammals have been identified within the 

Reserve (Appendix A), five of which are non-native species. Terrestrial herbivores such as 
66

rodents and deer are prey to raccoons, foxes and bobcats. Omnivores such as moles, shrews, 

opossums, and bears feed on a wide variety of plant and animal matter and some can function as 

both predator and prey. The endangered West Indian manatee is the largest herbivore as well as 

the largest mammal found in the estuarine and freshwater areas of the Reserve. 

Below are descriptions of listed mammal species within the Reserve.

North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis)

The right whale is the most endangered of the world‟s large whales, with between 300 and 350 

animals known to exist (American Cetacean Society 2009). The right whale winter calving area 

in Florida's coastal waters is officially recognized as part of a critical habitat. Due to their coastal 

nature, right whales are often visible from the beach, and are often seen seaward of the Reserve.

Identifying characteristics of right whales include no dorsal fin, and a V-shaped blow when it 

exhales. They typically have white, raised patches of skin on the head called callosities. They 

have short black flippers on both sides of the body and a triangular tail with a deep notch in the 

middle. Adult whales can be 50-60 feet (15-18 meters) in length and weigh 55 tons (50,000 kg).

Both the Marine Resource Council and FWRI maintain monitoring and research programs on the 

right whale. The FWRI right whale research program is discussed under the Research section 

below.

Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeanglinae)

The endangered humpback whale also migrates through northeast Florida coastal waters and is 

periodically observed offshore of the Reserve. The humpback has a bulky head with bumpy 
67

protuberances (tubercles), each with a bristle. The name humpback describes the motion it makes 

as it arches its back out of the water in preparation for a dive. Humpbacks also have huge, 

mottled white flippers with rough edges that are up to one-third of its body length; these are the 

largest flippers of any whale.

Humpbacks have a small dorsal fin toward the flukes and grow to be about 52 feet (17 meters) 

long, weighing 35-50 tons (31,000-45,000 kg) (Marine Mammal Center 2002). 

Anastasia Island beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus phasma)

The Anastasia Island beach mouse is listed as an endangered species, and is restricted to 

Anastasia Island and an introduced population within the beach dunes of the northern component

of the Reserve. This subspecies historically occupied about 50 linear miles of beach habitat. In 

1992, the USFWS funded the translocation of 28 males and 27 females from Anastasia Island to 

the Reserve (USFWS 1993). However, the population numbers at the Reserve‟s beach dunes 

remain very low. Quarterly monitoring at both Anastasia State Park and GTMNERR are

discussed in the Section on Monitoring Activities.

West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) 

Manatees are large, somewhat seal-shaped gray to brown mammals with flat, rounded tails. 

Adults are typically about 9 to 10 feet (3-3.5 meters) long and weigh around 1,000 pounds (453 

kg). They are herbivores, spending up to eight hours a day grazing on seagrasses and other 

aquatic plants. A manatee can consume up to 20% of its body weight in aquatic vegetation daily 

(Zieman 1982). The manatee uses its muscular lips to tear plants much like an elephant uses its 

trunk.

Manatees are occasionally observed in the vicinity of both Guana River and Pellicer Creek 

during their seasonal migrations along the IWW. They also use the Tolomato and Matanzas 

River estuaries, and seem to congregate on the mainland side of the estuary.

Florida black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus)

The black bear is the largest native terrestrial animal in Florida, and is in danger of becoming 

extinct because of extensive habitat loss (FNAI 2001). They prefer forested areas with dense

understory vegetation and swampy areas, such as within the Twelve Mile Swamp and Snowden 

Bay drainage basins, within the Reserve. Florida black bears are one of three distinct subspecies

of the American black bear recognized in the southeastern United States. They are large, 

powerful mammals weighting up to 600 pounds (182 kg), with rounded ears, short tails, fivetoed feet, and large canine teeth. Though they travel with a slow-shuffling gait, they can run up 

to 30 miles an hour (48 km/hr), and with their stout, heavily-curved claws, climb trees 

exceptionally well.

Black bears are omnivorous, mostly consuming tubers, bulbs, berries, nuts, and young shoots. 

The food items eaten most often and in the greatest volumes are seasonally available fruits and 

colonial insects (Schaefer and Sargent 1990). 
68

Research

From December through March, Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) researchers 

fly aerial surveys to locate right whale mothers as they migrate to the warm protected 

waters off Florida and Georgia to have their calves. Approximately 60 surveys are flown 

each calving season; each survey lasts approximately six hours. Surveys are flown in a 

small, twin-engine plane at an altitude of 1000 feet (300 meters) to distances of up to 30 

miles (48 km) offshore. The primary mission of these surveys is to locate right whales 

within and adjacent to the Southeast Critical Habitat and pass that information on to 

mariners.

Researchers at FWRI use the following methods to keep track of whales:

Each right whale that is located is photographed by the aerial survey team.

The photo is then compared to the photo catalog of right whales. Each right 

whale has a page with a collection of photographs and a unique number or 

name.

The photo is then matched to a whale in the photo catalog.

The information is added to the individual sighting history.

The ability to identify individual whales allows researchers to collect an entire life history 

of each right whale and to track their movements and associations with other whales. In 

the 1980s, photo-ID allowed researchers to determine that the whales sighted in northern 

areas, such as Cape Cod Bay, the Bay of Fundy, and the Great South Channel, were the 

same whales migrating to the waters of Florida to have their offspring. 

(http://research.myfwc.com/features/view_article.asp?id=7511)

The Marineland Right Whale Project begun in 2001 includes about 200 volunteers that 

search for and sight right whales along the coastline from the St. Augustine to Ponce 

Inlets. The purpose of the project is to supplement the observational capabilities of aerial 

surveys. The Project also utilizes an AirCam, a twin-engine, slow-flight aircraft 

developed for National Geographic wildlife surveys, for both aerial surveys and 

sighting/photo responses. The monitoring effort is coordinated by Dr. Jim Hain 

(Associated Scientists of Woods Hole) and Joy Hampp (Marineland).
69

RESEARCH AND MONITORING ACTIVITIES

One of the primary objectives of the ecosystem science program at the GTMNERR is to promote 

research and monitoring within and adjacent to the Reserve. To date, much of this has been 

accomplished by both Reserve staff and by facilitating and/or collaborating with outside 

investigators from universities, government agencies, and private institutions. The benefits of 

encouraging outside investigations include high quality research, a broad range of expertise, 

interdisciplinary approaches, potential participation of graduate and undergraduate students and 

volunteers and a wide range of funding sources that may otherwise be unavailable through 

NOAA or the FDEP. Hence, the work has included a very diverse array of studies (e.g., ranging 

from the development of molecular probes to hydrodynamic modeling) that have significantly 

contributed to our baseline information and insights on the complex structure and dynamics of 

natural processes in the GTM estuarine system. These studies have provided an important 

foundation for the development of the current GTM Research Reserve‟s Management plan, 

through which future research and monitoring efforts will be guided.

Research facilities

The main facility is the Environmental Education Center (EEC), located off State Road A1A in 

Ponte Vedra Beach. The 21, 282 square foot building contains a 250 person auditorium, office 

space, classrooms, a 30 student teaching laboratory designed for hands-on study of the 

environment, as well as a separate laboratory prep area. The facility also houses 2,000 sq ft of 

static and interactive environmental exhibits, interpretive exhibits, aquariums, a nature store and 

an outdoor amphitheater overlooking the Guana River.

The EEC houses a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) resource center with ArcInfo access. 

A Hewlett Packard Model 800 plotter is available for mapping needs. There is a separate 

working lab for visiting scientists and Reserve staff, as well as a locker room and shower 

facilities. A separate aquarium room is available for research purposes, although running 

seawater is not available.

The GTM Research Reserve's office in Marineland includes a classroom/meeting room with full 

audio/visual equipment, a resource library, a 23 foot Carolina Skiff for research and educational 

use, and an adjoining field station. The field station includes a small laboratory used to support 

research and monitoring efforts by Reserve staff and visiting investigators. In addition to the 

work and storage space of the laboratory, lockers and a restroom/shower are also part of this 

facility. Adjacent sleeping quarters with a restroom/shower, small refrigerator and a microwave 

are available for researchers, students and educators. The Reserve‟s office at Marineland is in 

close proximity to the Marineland Oceanarium, River to Sea Preserve and the University of 

Florida‟s Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience.

The laboratory facilities at both Reserve offices have dissecting scopes, refrigeration, freezers, 

and fume hoods. Both facilities also have networked PC computers linked to the internet via an 

FDEP server. 
70

Ancillary Facilities

The Reserve estuaries are easily accessible to several universities and community colleges in the 

region including the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, and Community 

College of Jacksonville in Jacksonville, the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville, Flagler 

College in St. Augustine, St. Johns River Community College in Palatka and Daytona Beach 

Community College in Daytona Beach. The institutons having facilities and programs of direct

relevance to the GTMNERR are described below.

Jacksonville University (JU) is a co-educational, private institution located on 198 acres adjacent 

to the St. Johns River. In addition to laboratories and classrooms, the university houses an 

extensive vertebrate and invertebrate collection, the Maggie Wheldon Shell Collection, a fossil 

collection and herbarium concentrating on the flora of the southeast. Analytical laboratory 

computer facilities and small vessels for research are available.

JU has also established a new Marine Science Research Institute (MSRI) on the banks of the St. 

Johns River. The completed MSRI will house the St. Johns Riverkeeper office, along with the 

FWC, Northeast Florida Fisheries Laboratory, the JU Sailing Program and a new high school 

marine education program in conjunction with Duval County Public Schools.

The University of North Florida is a four-year college in the State University System. Several 

faculty and students in the Department of Biology have conducted research within the 

GTMNERR, and this activity should be further advanced by the department‟s recently 

established Master‟s Degree Program in Biology. Laboratory facilities, several small research 

vessels and field equipment are available for research. Faculty from the University of North 

Florida‟s College of Computing, Engineering and Construction have also been active in the 

Reserve, developing experimental telemetry systems for transmitting environmental data. 

Environmental research is expanding at the University as reflected by the recent establishment of 

a flagship Coastal Biology Program and the Taylor Engineering Research Institute.

The University of Florida (UF), located in Gainesville, has many collegiate, departmental and

interdisciplinary programs in education and research in oceanography and marine related fields. 

Special marine-related facilities include; the Coastal Engineering Laboratory with wind and 

wave tank, model slabs, wave generators, automatic tide level generator, sand tracer laboratory 

and extensive field and remote sensing equipment; The Florida Museum of Natural History with 

research collections of fish, birds, mollusks and mammals; the Coastal Engineering Archives, 

which provides information on beach erosion, coastal protection and historical shoreline changes 

in Florida. UF operates a fully certified QA/QC Nutrient Lab, under the direction of Dr. Edward

Phlips, through which nutrient samples from both the GTMNERR and the Appalachicola NERR 

are processed.

UF also maintains an extensive research program through the Whitney Laboratory for Marine 

Bioscience located at Marineland. Located near the Matanzas Inlet on the border of St. Johns and 

Flagler Counties, the laboratory presently occupies five acres, with over 20,500 square feet of 

laboratory and office space. Extensive aquaria, holding tanks and an excellent sea water system 

can support a variety of marine life studies. Housing is available for visiting scientists and 
71

graduate students. Whitney Laboratory facilities were recently expanded with the opening of a 

17,000 square foot Center for Marine Studies.

SJRWMD provides the scientific, technical, and regulatory support required to identify and 

assess habitat and biological resources deemed critical to the ecological integrity of the NCB 

system which includes the GTMNERR. The District‟s laboratory support services, headquartered 

in Palatka, Florida include in-house water quality analysis, logistical support for field sample and 

data collection, and quality assurance. 

The District maintains an extensive GIS database, containing districtwide data layers that are 

managed by staff in the Department of Information Resources (IR), and project-specific data 

layers managed jointly by project and IR staff.

GTMNERR Monitoring Activities

Water Quality Monitoring

The GTMNERR participates in the System-wide Monitoring Program (SWMP), described 

previously in the section on Water Quality which provides standardized data on national 

estuarine environmental trends while allowing the flexibility to assess coastal management issues 

of regional or local concern. The principal mission of the SWMP is to develop quantitative 

measurements of short-term variability and long-term changes in the integrity and biodiversity of 

representative estuarine ecosystems and coastal watersheds for the purposes of contributing to 

effective coastal zone management. The program is designed to enhance the value and vision of 

the Reserves as a system of national references sites.

Coastal Strand Transect Monitoring

Coastal strand is found on storm deposited ridges of sand, shell, and debris that parallel the shore 

behind the dune ridge. This community exists only on the east coast of Florida, and the northern 

component of the GTMNERR contains 595 acres of this habitat. The goal of the monitoring 

program is to utilize vegetation surveys to monitor changes through time of species occurrence, 

dominance, and composition. A series of 4 transects located just north of the GTMNERR Guana 

River entrance are sampled every April by Reserve volunteers. The transects are located in the 

field of view of permanent photopoints to provide supplemental data to the transect survey. Data 

recorded along each transect include species occurrence, percent cover of each species, and 

average height of the canopy and midstory species.

Vegetation Plot Monitoring

The vegetation plot monitoring program is intended to provide quantitative data to monitor the 

effects of the prescribed fire program at the Reserve. The monitoring program is designed to 

document the response of vegetation to prescribed fire through the analysis of species 

composition and species percent cover. The goal is to understand the vegetative composition 

changes of each community when fire is re-introduced to each of 4 target areas. The general 

schedule of monitoring is for Reserve volunteers to sample each plot during April. Data recorded 

within each plot include species occurrence, percent cover of each species, and average height of 

shrub and tree species.
72

Dune Transect Monitoring

Dune vegetation on the Reserve beaches is defined as those plant communities found on the 

stretch of land between the Atlantic Ocean and U.S. Highway A1A. The goal of this program is 

to monitor changes through time of species occurrence, dominance, and composition. The 

schedule of monitoring is for Reserve volunteers to sample six line transects during April. Data 

recorded within each plot include species occurrence, percent cover of each species, and average 

height of shrub and tree species using the line intercept method. The transects are permanently 

located concurrent with survey areas for the Anastasia Island beach mouse.

Prickly Pear (Opuntia sp.) Population Monitoring

Reserve staff are monitoring the population of prickly pear cactus and assessing the impacts of 

the exotic invasive cactus moth (Cactoblastis cactorum) on the population contained in the beach 

dune strand. Goals of the monitoring are to quantify the numbers of active and previously 

infested plants, assess the ecological impact to other species in the beach dune system if the 

majority of cacti are destroyed, and to consider the implementation of control eradication 

measures.

Laurel Wilt Monitoring

Laurel wilt is a deadly disease of redbay (Persea borbonia) and other tree species in the Laurel 

family (Lauraceae). The disease is caused by a fungus (Raffaelea sp.) that is introduced into host 

trees by a non-native insect, the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus). The fungus plugs 

the water-conducting cells of an affected tree and causes it to wilt. Laurel wilt has caused 

widespread and severe levels of redbay mortality in the Southeastern coastal plain. Reserve staff 

members are monitoring the rate of spread of the disease and will be assessing the impacts on the 

Reserve ecosystem if the species disappears. Reserve staff are also monitoring for possible 

genetic resistance to the effects of the fungus (Raffaelea sp.) with UF and FDOF researchers.

Prescribed Burning Photo-point Monitoring

Permanent photo-points have been established at each of the burn units within the northern 

component of the Reserve to monitor the progress of the Reserve‟s prescribed fire program. 

Images at each unit are acquired every six months and analyzed to track the community response 

to the prescribed burn cycle for each unit. Five photo-points have been established to date.

Butterfly Biodiversity Census

Reserve volunteers undertake the annual butterfly biodiversity census in conjunction with the 

Florida Butterfly Monitoring Network. Butterflies are excellent indicators of biodiversity and 

ecosystem health. The monitoring of adult butterflies is possible as adults of most species are 

relatively easy to identify and species may be observed in a variety of habitats. Except for some 

migrant species, the presence of adult butterflies also shows that all other life stages were 

successfully achieved in the area.

Exotic Crab Monitoring

The GTMNERR was one of nine NERRs involved in a pilot study to detect exotic (nonindigenous) crabs in local waters. The GTM estuary has been invaded by at least two exotic crab 

species, including the Indo-Pacific swimming crab, Charybdis hellerii, and the porcelain crab, 
73

Petrolisthes armatus. The project was designed to have both spatial and seasonal components 

that allow for early detection of the arrival of exotic species; tracking and predicting the direction 

and likelihood of invasive range expansion by those species; and monitoring the abundance and 

diversity of native crabs before, during, and after the invasion process. Monitoring at the 

GTMNERR has continued since the study was initiated. Crabs are obtained using experimental 

habitat trays filled with oyster shell and deployed in patchy mud and oyster habitat. The trays are 

collected quarterly and all crabs identified, measured and sexed. Charybdis hellerii has not been 

detected in the habitat trays but has been found in experimental trawls and by commercial crab 

fisherman. Petrolisthes armatus is found in abundance in the habitat trays. Samples collected 

since 2002 show it to be at least as abundant as the native common mud crab (Panopeus herbstii) 

and the flat mud crab (Eurypanopeus depressus).

Invasive Mussel and Barnacle Monitoring

Invasive species monitoring also includes mapping and monitoring of the green mussel (Perna 

viridis) and a large acorn barnacle (Megabalanus sp.). Study of green mussel distribution is

complemented by research at the University of North Florida, previously discussed under the 

research section on Invertebrates.

American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) Monitoring 

FWC is mandated by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) to monitor 

young-of-year (also known as glass) eels and adult eels in Florida. In 1999, the ASMFC 

developed a Fishery Management Plan for American eel, which is an interstate cooperative effort

to protect and enhance the Atlantic stock of American eel in the United States while providing 
74

for a sustainable harvest of the species. As part of this requirement, FWC and University of 

Florida personnel conduct routine monitoring of glass eels at the Guana River Dam (St. Johns 

County) and juvenile eels at Rodman Reservoir or Kirkpatrick Dam (Putnam County), from 

January to March. Over an eight-week period in January and February, dip-net sweeps are made 

twice every half-hour during flood tide at the Guana River Dam site on four randomly selected 

nights each week. During February and March, lift nets are used to sample juvenile eels twice 

per week at Rodman Reservoir Dam during randomly selected periods at night. In addition to 

obtaining catch data, the eels‟ length, weight, and pigmentation stage are recorded. These data 

have been collected since 2001 and, along with data from the other participating states, were 

used in the 2005 coast-wide stock assessment (Bonvechio 2008). However, the most current 

published report is that detailing the 2003-2004 assessment years (Bonvechio et al. 2004)

FWC biologists also conducted a pilot study at three locations along Pellicer Creek to determine 

if and when glass eels migrate into this freshwater system. Attempts to collect eels were made 

using a special fyke (or hoop) net, that was set overnight for at least two separate nights each 

week during January and February of 2005. The method, however, yielded very few eels.

Sea Turtle Monitoring

The Reserve staff monitors sea turtle nesting activity, previously discussed in the section on 

Reptiles. The Reserve‟s beach habitat is an active nesting beach that is part of the statewide 

Index Nesting Beach Survey compiled annually by the FWC. Most of the nests are deposited by 

loggerhead sea turtles, but nests of the endangered green and leatherback sea turtles have also 

been documented.

Gopher Tortoise Population Surveying

The Reserve has established a biennial gopher tortoise survey program to assess the current 

population status of the tortoise within the Guana peninsula. The survey data is also used to 

document trends in population status in response to management activities. Volunteer-led 

surveys were completed in 2005 and 2007 in which borrows were identified, classified as active 

or inactive, and geographically located using a differential GPS unit. 

Striped Newt Surveying

The striped newt survey is an annual survey conducted by volunteers during April. Survey areas 

include a number of pond sites within the northern component of the Reserve.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) Monitoring

The bald eagle is a threatened species both in Florida and nationally and expanding development 

is decreasing suitable habitat. There are several nests within the Reserve boundaries, most 

prominently an active nest located southwest across the Guana River from the EEC. This nest 

has been monitored by onsite staff since 2005. The goals of the monitoring program are to

encourage public interest in the conservation of bald eagles; participation in a statewide program 

monitoring nest disturbance and success; documentation of eagle nest locations to avoid 

disrupting nesting; and collection of data on mated pairs and their nest success each year. 

Monitoring by volunteers begins in October and continues until eaglets are completely fledged,

as late as May. Data on the nest site at the EEC is collected at the beginning of each season and 

adult and eaglet behavior is recorded at least bi-weekly for twenty minutes.
75

Least Tern Nesting Surveys

A Reserve volunteer conducts weekly surveys throughout the nesting season (weather 

permitting) from April-August. The surveys are conducted using an all terrain vehicle (ATV) 

during low tides and usually in the morning, and are conducted in conjunction with the shorebird 

surveys discussed below. 

Other Shorebird Monitoring

Numerous species of listed shorebirds are known to frequent the relatively undisturbed beaches 

of the Reserve. Regular shorebird surveys began at the Reserve in 2006 and are conducted 

weekly throughout the year. Volunteer or staff members use an ATV to traverse the 4.1 miles of 

beach to observe shorebird activity. Surveys are usually performed in the morning during low 

tides and are conducted in conjunction with the least tern nesting survey during nesting season. 

All species and numbers are recorded. Unusual birds are photographed and identified later. 

Beginning in 2007, data is also collected for the International Shorebird Survey which provides 

data to national and international agencies.

Marsh Bird Monitoring 

The monitoring of both short-term variation and long-term trends in marsh bird populations 

throughout the Reserve is being accomplished with volunteers following the protocol outlined in 

the Standardized North American Marsh Bird Monitoring Program (Conway 2005). The primary 

bird groups addressed through this monitoring effort include rails, bitterns, grebes, gallinules, 

moorhens, wrens, and sparrows. 

This standardized monitoring protocol, which uses broadcast calls to elicit vocalizations, is 

designed to address a series of issues relating to the monitoring and conservation of marsh birds. 

Specifically, the goals of this program are: 

1. Determine the population status and breeding distribution of marsh birds; 

2. Determine species-habitat associations of marsh birds; 

3. Determine population trends of marsh birds at local (e.g., NERR Site), regional (e.g., 

Gulf Coast), and national geographic scales as well as various temporal scales; 

4. Determine the environmental factors that influence the distribution of marsh birds; 

5. Increase local volunteer (birders or bird-watchers) participation in research and 

monitoring programs. 

Understanding marsh bird populations within the Reserve is important because they: (1) may be 

affected by the accumulation of environmental contaminants in wetland substrates; (2) are 

vulnerable to invasive plants; (3) potentially serve as “indicator species” for assessing wetland 

ecosystem quality; (4) can be used to evaluate the success of wetland restoration efforts; (5) have 

high recreational value (many species are highly sought-after by recreational birders); and (6)

several rails are game species in many states (NERRS 2007). 

St. Johns Audubon Fall Migration Peregrine Falcon Count

Peregrines from northern North America migrate in the fall to Central and South America. They 

often hunt along the barrier islands on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts during this time. 

The goal of the Audubon monitoring effort is to document the population trends of fall migrating 
76

peregrine falcons and merlins. Audubon Society volunteers have been counting peregrines, 

merlins, and kestrels during the fall migration period extending from September 27 – October 

12th, since 1997. The location of the count is at the north beach access overlook of the Reserve. 

Data are submitted by Audubon to www.hawkcount.org and www.hawkwatch.org for national 

and international coordination.

Anastasia Island Beach Mouse Monitoring

Monitoring of the Anastasia Island Beach Mouse by the Reserve is intended to ascertain the 

population viability and recovery. The population located at the Reserve is one of only 3 

populations of this sub-species. Mouse populations are monitored quarterly in conjunction with 

the monitoring program at Anastasia Island State Park. Trapping is conducted for two nights 

each quarter. Three transects are set with 2 traps every 15m for a total of 40 traps per transect. 

Volunteers record general weather conditions and captured mouse condition. Mouse data 

collected includes sex, pelage condition, weight, reproductive condition, ear tag number, and tail 

clip for genetic analysis. Unmarked mice receive ear tags placed in the left ear for subsequent reidentification.

National Water Level Observing Network

The National Water Level Observation Network (NWLON) is the fundamental observational 

component of the National Water Level Program (NWLP). The NWLON is a network of 175 

long-term, continuously operating water-level stations throughout the USA. There are additional 

stations within the GTMNERR boundaries that are not currently operating but for which 

archived data and predicted tide data are available. The data continuity, the vertical stability and 

careful referencing of NWLON stations have enabled the data to be used to estimate relative sealevel trends for the Nation. Both current and historical tide data can be accessed from the 

NWLON Web site at http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/nwlon.html.

National Data Buoy Center

The NOAA National Data Buoy Center (NDBC), designs, develops, operates, and maintains a 

network of data collecting buoys and coastal stations. NDBC provides hourly observations from 

a network of about 90 buoys and 60 Coastal Marine Automated Network (C-MAN) stations to 

help meet these needs. All stations measure wind speed, direction, and gust; barometric pressure; 

and air temperature. In addition, all buoy stations, and some C-MAN stations, measure sea 

surface temperature and wave height and period. Conductivity and water current are measured at 

selected stations.

There are two NDBC stations in proximity to the Reserve; one is on the St. Augustine Beach 

Pier, with near real-time data available at 

http://seaboard.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=sauf1. The other station is a weather 

buoy 40 nautical miles ENE of the St. Augustine Inlet, with near real-time data available at 

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=41012. The NDBC also carries the data 

generated from the GTMNERR‟s Pellicer Creek stations at 

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=gtqf1 and 

http://www.ndbc.noaa.gov/station_page.php?station=gtxf1.
77

The NERR Graduate Research Fellowship Program

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System‟s (NERRS) Graduate Research Fellowship 

Program was established in 1997 to support graduate students interested in coastal and estuarine 

sciences. By providing stipends, a living laboratory and a broad network of fellow scientists, the 

reserve system aims to encourage and enable talented young scientists to contribute to the 

knowledge base, provide the science to support coastal decision- making and train future coastal 

scientists and policy-makers.

The Graduate Research 

Fellowship Program 

provides master‟s degree 

students and Ph.D. 

candidates with an 

opportunity to conduct 

research of local and 

national significance that 

focuses on enhancing 

coastal zone 

management. Fellows 

conduct their research 

within a National 

Estuarine Research 

Reserve and gain handson experience by

participating in their host 

reserve's research and monitoring programs.

Graduate Research Fellowship projects are based on the reserves' local needs, the reserve 

system's national priorities and the students' interest. A majority of the projects funded to date 

have addressed the pressing issues of non-point source pollution and habitat conservation and 

restoration. All fellowship projects address issues important to coastal zone management and 

enhance our understanding of estuarine ecosystems. National Estuarine Research Reserve 

Fellows are the leaders for the next generation of estuarine scientists; they are influencing the 

decisions made today for a better coast tomorrow. 

GRF projects support the reserve system by studying pressing estuarine management topics with 

local, regional and/or national significance. Fellows also engage with reserve staff members to 

contribute to their host reserves‟ research and monitoring programs, while gaining hands-on 

skills to complement their academic studies.

As of August 2009, 8 research projects have been completed or were currently underway within 

the GTMNERR. One of the projects was funded through the ACE Basin NERR, with portions of 

the research being conducted in the GTMNERR.

Summaries of the abstracts of the research projects, as well as the name of the researcher, 

fellowship date, and academic affiliation are given below. More details of the fellowship
78

program can be found on the NERR Web site at

http://www.nerrs.noaa.gov/Fellowship/welcome.html.

Describing human uses, evaluating existing management and delineating ecological 

resources, the formulation of an estuarine planning strategy: A case study of the 

GTMNERR 

Ashley Murphy (Johnson), Graduate Research Fellow 2001-2004

University of Florida 

The research combined the best of land use zoning and protection strategies to create an 

estuary plan that identifies areas for natural resource protection, while enhancing waterdependent uses. This research has resulted in a scientifically defensible method for creating 

estuarine zones based on resource presence and human use patterns, integrating the 

ecological, sociological, and political components of a coastal area to create zones of marine 

use and space.

Estuary planning in particular is needed in the GTMNERR as this coastal area is under 

development pressure. The results of this research contribute to coastal and marine resource 

management through the development of a methodology for inventorying important coastal 

and estuarine resources, subsequently leading to a better understanding of how humans 

interact with the coastal and marine environment. 

How estuaries respond to nutrient load: the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National 

Estuarine Research Reserve as a model case 

Nicole Dix, Graduate Research Fellow 2006-2009

University of Florida

Predicting the consequences of eutrophication in coastal ecosystems has become a major 

priority for marine researchers. Estuaries are difficult to empirically model, however, due to 

their highly dynamic nature. This three-year research project is using the Reserve as a model 

system for comparing the effects of different nutrient load scenarios in highly flushed 

estuaries. The objective of the research effort is to determine the differences in the response 

of selected components of the benthic and attached biota to the nutrient load scenarios in the 

San Sebastian and Matanzas regions of the GTMNERR. Water quality analyses will provide 

spatial and temporal nutrient gradients, which can be related to benthic macroinvertebrate 

community structure and periphyton colonization rates. In addition, the results will add to the 

baseline knowledge of the GTMNERR and can ultimately be used to create more effective 

management plans for the conservation of estuarine systems around the world.

Winter recruitment of young-of-the-year bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, into Northeast 

Florida estuaries: Aspects of distribution, essential habitat, diet and condition 

Peter Clarke, Graduate Research Fellow 2004-2005

University of Massachusetts

Juvenile bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, spend their first summer in Mid-Atlantic Bight 

estuaries and coastal waters. A southerly fall migration takes places in coastal waters in the 
79

western Atlantic during the fall to over wintering grounds in the Southern Atlantic Bight. 

Very little is known about the wintertime distribution and trophic dynamics of juvenile 

bluefish in southern waters at the edge of their geographical range.

The collection of bluefish and their potential prey during the winter in Northeast Florida was 

focused around estuarine and coastal waters from two sites. The Matanzas Inlet which is 

unique in Northeast Florida as one of the last remaining natural and least environmentally 

impacted inlets within Florida, and St. Augustine Inlet which suffers from results of human 

land development. The comparison of two disparate sampling locations with similar habitat 

and species assemblage within the same geographical location provided an opportunity to 

examine dependent variables responsible for bluefish winter recruitment. Further discussion 

of this project is included in the research section on Fishes.

Assessing and modeling mangrove forest dynamics along the temperate-subtropical 

ecotone in eastern Florida 

Susan E. Leitholf, Graduate Research Fellow 2004-2008

University of Central Florida

Mangrove communities are adapted to intertidal flooding regimes and have historically been 

found along the entire east coast of Florida. Mangroves are freeze intolerant and hence are 

restricted to subtropical environments. The Reserve is home to the northernmost extent of 

mangroves along the Atlantic coast, which have been recovering from a series of freezes in 

the 1970s and 80s. This research hypothesized that increasing temperatures and a reduction 

in the freeze frequency and intensity would result in a northward expansion of mangrove into 

the salt marsh zones in the GTMNERR. Such an expansion represents a major landscape 

change that will have significant impacts on birds, fish, and other species relying on coastal 

vegetation. In addition to mangrove spreading into its historic range, Brazilian pepper 

(Schinus terebinthifolius), an exotic species that competes with mangrove in nearby estuaries 

will benefit under a warming trend. The vagility of this bird-dispersed exotic may permit it to 

establish more rapidly than mangrove. 

The dynamics of these species along this ecotone were investigated by mapping the current 

and historic distributions of mangrove in the GTMNERR using field surveys, GPS, GIS, 

aerial photography and satellite imagery. To understand the growth patterns of the three 

native mangrove species and Brazilian pepper, the growth and demography of leaf and 

reproductive tissues was monitored for two years across the ecotone. With these and related 

environmental measures, a forest gap succession (FORMAN) model was developed to 

simulate mangrove recruitment, growth and competition in the GTMNERR. The model was 

coupled to a dispersal model to make predictions of rate and location of spread of these 

species in the Reserve under different climate and sea level rise scenarios. 
80

Estuarine Response to Extreme Events – The GTMNERR Case Study

Bilge Tutak, Graduate Research Fellow 2007-2009

University of Florida

This project will assess the response of the Reserve, a representative estuary in the 

Southeastern US, to extreme events (e.g., tropical cyclones, strong coastal upwelling events, 

and Northeasters). Extreme events bring sharp changes in environmental conditions (e.g., 

salinity, water temperature, and wave-induce sediment resuspension), which adversely affect 

estuarine resources (e.g., habitat and benthos). In the summer of 2003, the GTMNERR

experienced a rapid and persistent water temperature drop (>7oC) due to a persistent coastal 

upwelling event in the South Atlantic Bight (SAB). In August through October, 2004, the 

Reserve experienced an extreme salinity drop (>20 PSU) due to four major hurricanes in 

August and September. It is hypothesized that the extended low salinity period in the Reserve 

was due to the heavy rainfall and poor exchange in the St. Augustine and Matanzas Inlets 

which prevented the saline ocean water from entering the estuary during the hurricanes. This 

project will quantify the exchange patterns at the two inlets and within the Reserve during 

non-extreme and extreme events. In-situ and satellite data during past and subsequent 

extreme events will be gathered, and numerical models of estuarine hydrodynamics will be 

used to synthesize the data and to assess the system-wide response of the GTM to extreme 

events. Validated numerical models will be used to simulate synoptic-scale environmental 

conditions and to identify regions of sharp changes and gradients, where appreciable impact 

on habitat and benthos are expected.

The effect of salt spray, freshwater supply and forest seed source on ecological 

succession on dredge spoil islands along the intracoastal waterway in northeastern 

Florida 

John Baker, Graduate Research Fellow 2001-2004

University of Florida 

In this study, the effect of salt spray, freshwater supply and forest seed source on ecological 

succession on different aged dredge spoil islands along the IWW in Northeastern Florida was 

determined. The study provided basic knowledge about spoil island habitat, evaluated the 

presence of patterns in the primary succession of maritime forests and spoil islands, provided

information on the ability of spoil islands to support tree growth and provided information on 

how size, shape and location of spoil islands determine specific vegetation patterns. The 

study, when published, will contribute to developing methods for estuarine ecosystem 

restoration and provide information on mechanisms for sustaining resources. It will help 

determine how quickly maritime forest can be restored through primary succession and 

natural seed dispersal mechanisms given certain environmental and spatial variables. Soil 

characteristics measurements included organic matter content, soil moisture and soil particle 

size. The Point-Centered Quarter Method and the Braun-Blanquet Scale was used to measure 

abundance and cover for plant species on randomly located east-west transects. Soil moisture 

and relative elevation were estimated at each vegetation sampling point. Soil cores for 

percent organic matter determination and salt spray were sampled on one-east-west transect 

for each spoil island. Maritime forest tree seeds and seedlings were planted in different 

vegetation zones. Tree growth and survivorship was measured. 
81

Using the reserve system to explore plant-herbivore interactions: Latitudinal variation 

and impacts of climate change 

Chuan-Kai Ho, Graduate Research Fellow 2004-2007 (with ACE Basin)

University of Houston

This project focused on biodiversity, one of the research focus areas for the NERR system. 

This project used an existing suite of 13 reserves and 3 Long Term Ecological Research 

(LTER) sites along the Atlantic Coast as a network to examine latitudinal variation in plantherbivore interactions. This geographic variation is driven in part by different traits of 

populations in different geographic locations. In addition, this project tested the potential 

impacts of climate change on plant-herbivore interactions by examining the importance of 

differing shifts in plant and herbivore population ranges. 

Using a combination of greenhouse experiments (focusing on growth of herbivores from 

different geographic regions feeding on plants from different geographic regions) and field 

sampling (of herbivore abundances, size and damage to plants), the project focused on four 

plant species and their most common 6 herbivores. All of the species are widely distributed 

along the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. Working with multiple species ensured that the results 

are general and not idiosyncratic to a single plant or herbivore species. The ACE Basin 

Reserve was the host reserve.

Do grazers and drought stress interact to drive die-off and foundation plant species 

shifts in Florida marshes? 

Schuyler van Montfrans, Graduate Researh Fellow, 2009

Universitry of Florida

Evidence from salt marshes along the eastern coast of the U.S. suggests that grazers in salt 

marshes have been substantially overlooked as important drivers of changes in community 

structure, as well as large-scale die-off of Spartina, and that these effects are exacerbated by 

drought stress. Droughts have increased in both frequency and intensity, and may be acting to 

accelerate the effects of increasing grazer populations. 

This project focuses on the role of the purple marsh crab, Sesarma reticulatum, and its role as 

a consumer in driving foundation species shifts (specifically from Spartina alterniflora to the 

succulent plant, Salicornia virginica). The goal of this research is to determine the singular 

and relative (vs snails and simulated drought stress) impacts of S. reticulatum grazing on 

marsh productivity, marsh die off expansion and shifts in marsh plant species dominance. To 

test how grazing by S.reticulatum impacts S. alterniflora and the shift in foundation species 

to the succulent S. virginica, crab exclusion cages will be deployed in both healthy and 

heavily-grazed marsh areas, as well as along the borders of S. alterniflora and S. virginica. 

To test whether physical stress and marsh periwinkle grazing exacerbate the effects of S. 

reticulatum grazing, caging experiments will be conducted to manipulate densities of S. 

reticulatum and snails, as well as the salt content of the soil. This study will be the first to 

quantify these effects, and will be vital to the long-term monitoring and management of these 

habitats.
82

Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET) 

Program

The Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET) is a 

research funding partnership of NOAA and the University of New Hampshire (UNH), 

established to transform the best available science into practical, innovative tools that coastal 

managers need to address their priority challenges. CICEET uses the capabilities of UNH, the 

private sector, academic and public research institutions throughout the U.S., as well as the 27 

NERRS in the reserve system, to develop and apply new environmental technologies and 

techniques. Since its inception in 1997, CICEET has invested in more than 170 environmental 

technology development, demonstration, and application projects. The CICEET toolkit contains 

dozens of field ready tools to address a range of environmental challenges along the nation‟s 

coasts. Listed below are the projects within the GTMNERR that have been funded or have been 

proposed through the CICEET program.

Redox Control Bioreactor for Enhanced Nitrogen Removal from Septic Tank Effluent 

Coordinator: Dr. Jay L. Garland, jay.l.garland@nasa.gov

Nitrogen pollution of coastal waters from on-site septic systems is a widespread problem. 

Advanced onsite treatment based on traditional nitrification/denitrification approaches are 

inherently limited; the low carbon/nitrogen ratio of the waste stream limits denitrification, 

leading to significant levels of residual nitrate which can readily contaminate ground water. 

Introducing hydrogen to on-site waste treatment represents an inexpensive, clean means of 

reducing residual nitrate via the stimulation of hydrogenotrophic denitrification, a microbial 

process which converts nitrate to N2 without the need for organic carbon (i.e., autotrophic 

process). Hollow fiber membranes are an effective means of delivering relatively insoluble 

gaseous substrates to biological reactors, relying on diffusion rather than sparging to provide 

gases to biofilms growing directly on the fiber surfaces. Hollow fiber membrane reactors 

based on either O2 or H2 delivery have been evaluated for aerobic (i.e., nitrification) or 

hydrogenotrophic processes.

The work involved an innovative 

membrane reactor design in which 

juxtaposed fibers receiving O2 and 

H2 allow for simultaneous 

nitrification and hydrogenotrophic 

denitrification within a single 

reactor. The basic concept of the 

redox control reactor (RCB) was 

validated in tests with a synthetic, 

ammonia-rich waste stream, 

allowing the proposed work to focus 

on its application to septic tank 

effluent (STE) processing. STE 

treatment in the RCB will require 

pretreatment to remove organic 
83

material so that fast growing heterotrophs will not out compete the slowly growing nitrifiers 

for space on the hollow fibers within the RCB. 

The major product of the work is conclusive results of the system performance under actual 

field conditions, allowing for a clear decision regarding the potential development of a 

commercial unit. 

Start Date: 2006-07-15 

End date: 2008-09-15 

Funding Amount: $339,059 

Status: Final report submitted 2009 (Garland and Smith 2009)

Real-Time Detection of Specific Pathogens with a Fiber Optic Biosensor and 

Determination of the Source of Bacterial Contamination Using Antibiotic Resistance 

Analysis and Ribotyping of E. coli in the GTMNERR

Coordinator: Dr. Valerie (Jody) Harwood, vharwood@cas.usf.edu

As coastal areas are increasingly impacted by development and pollution from stormwater 

runoff and sewer discharges, there is an increasing need to rapidly and specifically identify 

microbial pathogens that can affect human health. An ideal water test should be able to: (1) 

detect specific disease-causing human pathogens (not simply indicator organisms) in real 

time (within a few minutes or few hours of sampling), (2) quantitate and differentiate 

between viable and nonviable microorganisms, (3) be performed on a compact portable 

platform that can be operated by minimally trained field personnel, and (4) be automated or 

adapted to process numerous samples for multiple target pathogens simultaneously. An 

innovative fiber optic biosensor system developed in our laboratory has these capabilities. 

The national significance of rapid detection of pathogens is difficult to overestimate, and will 

have a positive impact on our ability to forestall incidences of human illness related to the 

use of Florida water resources. 

The project objectives were as follows:

Develop biosensor assays for representative waterborne pathogens Vibrio vulnificus and 

indicator organisms (Enterococcus spp) for use in marine and estuarine waters.

Evaluate the use of the Analyte 2000 biosensor for real-time detection of pathogens and 

indicator organisms (Enterococcus spp.) in marine and estuarine waters of the 

GTMNERR. Sample sites included San Sebastian Creek, a watershed that is heavily 

impacted by the shipping industry, Marshall Creek, which empties into the Tolomato 

River and which is the site of a large housing development, and the relatively pristine 

Pellicer Creek, which empties into Matanzas inlet. As many as five sites per watershed 

were sampled on a monthly basis over twelve months. 

Start Date: 2001-09-01 

End Date: 2004-09-01 

Funding Amount: $198,433 

Status: Final Report 2005
84

This work suggests that fiber optic biosensors/immunosensors with the sensitivity and 

specificity needed to detect low numbers of target bacteria in environmental samples may 

eventually be developed; however, the instrument used in this study could not achieve that 

goal given the antibodies and fluorophores available. Sample enrichment improved the 

sensitivity of detection for V. vulnificus, and ultimately 100 CFU could be detected in 

saltwater in one working day. The differences between the assays conducted with enterococci 

vs. V. vulnificus illustrate the necessity of a high-affinity antibody preparation for success of 

immunosensors. Because antisera are a biological product, they are generally a less 

reproducible ligand or identifier than other types such as oligonucleotides. Furthermore, as 

proteins, they are subject to degradation over time, and may not be ideal for use in remote 

platforms. However, in many instances high-affinity antiserum preparations have proven 

useful in the medical field, and the goal of optimization of biological ligands for use in 

sensor technology remains worthwhile. (Harwood and Lim 2005).

Multichannel Handheld Sensor for Microbial Contaminants

Coordinator: Dr. John Paul, jpaul@marine.usf.edu

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) such as red tide threaten human and ecological health, and are 

responsible for an estimated $50 million in medical expenses and losses in the shellfish, 

finfish, recreation, and tourist industries. Current red tide monitoring methods are labor-, 

skill-, and equipment-intensive, and sometimes inaccurate. This project's investigators have 

already developed a faster, more sensitive method of detecting Florida's red tide microbe. 

Working with the State of Florida's Bureau of Aquaculture Environmental Services, 

investigators adapted this costly, sophisticated technology into a field-ready, fast acting, 

handheld sensor for use by non-technical personnel. The objectives of the research were to 

develop a multichannel handheld analyzer to detect microbial contaminants based upon 

Nucleic Acid Sequence Based Maplification (NASBA), and to develop a simple method for 

field nucleic acid extraction from environmental samples.

Start Date: 2005-09-01 

End Date: 2008-09-01 

Funding Amount: $300,956

Status: Final Report 2009 (Paul and Fries 2009)

Other research activities

The Reserve also sponsors or supports a variety of other research activities. Listed below are 

brief descriptions of other research that is either completed or underway within the Reserve.

Investigation of Sympatric Speciation by Host-Race Formation in the Gall Midge 

Asphondylia borrichae (Rossi & Strong)

Keith Stokes from the UNF‟s Department of Biology is using the gall midge (Asphondylia 

borrichiae) to investigate sympatric speciation. The gall midge oviposits in the shoot apical 

meristem of three species of coastal plants with overlapping ranges. Ovipositing results in the 

formation of galls, nearly sphericalgrowths of plant tissues surrounding the eggs. He will be 

collecting galls from three geographically disparate sites, one of which is within the 
85

GTMNERR. The galls will be held in vials while the flies complete their development. DNA 

analysis of the flies will be used to evaluate relationships between the flies and the different 

host species.

Ecology of Tick-borne Pathogens in the Southeastern USA

Lyme disease is caused by several species of spirochete bacteria within the Borrelia 

burgdorferi genogroup but very little is known about their ecologyin the Southeast. Dr. Kerry 

Clark with UNF‟s Department of Public Health has proposed to gain a more thorough 

understanding of the unique ecology of Borrelia in the southeast to clarify ecologcial 

determinants of the presence, geographic distribution, genetic variability, reservoir hosts, tick 

vectors, and human disease transmission risk for this pathogen. The sampling protocol 

includes the collection of organisms within the GTMNERR.

Assessment of Water Quality in the Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary: A first 

application of the ACES workbench (Fox et al. 2007)

To better assess water quality at estuarine sites, the Surface Water Quality Monitoring 

Program at the St. Johns River Water Management District (Florida) created a new approach 

using the Analytical Framework for Coastal and Estuarine Study (ACES), a GIS-based 

toolset and geodatabase schema (presented by Bourne et al. 2007; at ERF 2007). The 

methodology focuses on first-principles-analysis of the estuary. First, the relative importance 

of tidal versus terrestrial flow on estuarine hydrodynamics is assessed using bulk parameters 

derived from geomorphology and measured flows in the estuary. Then, a control volume is 

defined by intersecting the tidal-plane and estuary bathymetry. Boundaries of the control 

volume are user-defined through qualitative knowledge of the flow field. Regression or other 

model approaches aimed at finding the correlative relationships between the influential 

factors of upstream riverine drainage, coastal drainage, and estuarine non-point source 

pollution are subsequently derived. 

A case study applying the methodology to the GTM estuary indicates that while the estuary 

is heavily affected by tide, there is significant correlation between land-based pollutants and 

water quality. The ACES tool has been designed to augment the successful ArcHydro data 

model that falters in coastal applications, by creating an environment where data from 

diverse sources can be synthesized.

Northern Coastal Basin 2006 Oyster Mapping

SJRWMD‟s NCB SWIM Plan (Haydt and Frazel 2003) identified the mapping of the extent 

of oyster habitat as an important data need for developing habitat protection and restoration 

in the basin. Spatial data regarding the extent of intertidal oyster habitat and subsequent GIS 

mapping of oyster habitat within the NCB, including the GTMNERR, was completed by 

Linda Walters and Paul Sacks from UCF. The GIS-based oyster coverage and maps were 

created by analyzing aerial imagery taken at low tides. The final product also included 

ground truthing and an assessment of accuracy. SJRWMD staff members are continuing to 

ground truth the existing map in order to expand the coverage.
86

Mapping GTMNERR Offshore Habitats

During October of 2008 Reserve staff coordinated with Rutgers University scientists from 

the NOAA Undersea Research Program for a side-scan sonar and current-profiling survey 

within the northern oceanic region of the GTMNERR using REMUS, a multifunctional 

autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). REMUS was programmed to run a series of 

transects in a zig-zag pattern at a fixed speed and three meters above the bottom from the 

north to south end of the offshore section of the Reserve. Information on bottom topography

and current profiles in addition to temperature, salinity and turbidity along the course of each 

transect was generated. This mission provided an important first look at the habitat 

characteristics of the oceanic portion of the Reserve‟s northern component.

Quantification, Analysis, and Management of Intracoastal Waterway Channel Margin 

Erosion in the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, 

Florida (Price 2006)

A GIS based study implicated and quantified the extent of marsh shoreline erosion brought 

about by boat wakes along the IWW in the southern component of the Reserve. Analyses of 

aerial photographs of the southern half of the Reserve showed high rates of erosion along the 

margin of the IWW. From 1970/1971 to 2002 nearly 70 hectares (approximately 170 acres) 

of shoreline habitat were degraded by erosion along the 64.8 kilometers of channel margin 

analyzed. Essential habitats including oyster bars and salt marshes were reduced to intertidal 

sand flats. 

Exposure to boat wakes was found to be the causal factor most strongly correlated with the 

rate of lateral margin movement. Margin movement rates were also found to vary 
87

significantly with exposure to wind waves and with the type of channel margin eroded. A 

reduction in nearshore wave energy appears to be necessary to allow the recovery of 

impacted ecosystems.

Linking Atmospheric Mercury Deposition to Methylmercury Bioaccumulation in 

Estuarine Fish at Atlantic NERR Sites

The transport and transformation processes connecting atmospheric deposition of mercury to 

its bioaccumulation in fish are many, complex and uncertain. In 2009 a collaborative study 

with the Center for Coastal Fisheries and Habitat Research in Beaufort, NC [one of NOAA‟s 

National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS)] was initiated to investigate links 

between atmospheric mercury deposition and bioaccumulation of methylmercury in estuarine 

biota at selected east coast NERR sites. GTM staff are collecting oysters (Crassostrea 

virginica) and fish (Fundulus heteroclitus) at strategic locations within tidal creeks of the 

Reserve for subsequent chemical analyses at the NCCOS laboratory in Beaufort. The project 

will examine whether or not a latitudinal gradient in mercury concentration in estuarine 

sentinel organisms parallels the latitudinal gradient in atmospheric mercury deposition.
88

ASSESSMENT OF RESEARCH AND MONITORING NEEDS

Interviews with Reserve staff, academic scientists, outside agency personnel, and other interested 

parties have identified the following research facility needs, research gaps, monitoring priorities 

and needs, and research priorities and needs for the GTMNERR.

Research Facility Needs

Several investigators have indicated the desire for an additional water quality sampling 

station in the vicinity of the SR 206 bridge that crosses the IWW. This region of 

theMatanzas estuary is tidally influenced by both the St. Augustine and Matanzas Inlets 

and is reltively narrow by virtue of the causeway and bridge structure. It therefore 

representing an interesting choke point in the estuary worthy of water quality monitoring; 

moreover, this area is one of the NOAA sites for the Mussel Watch program. Ideally, this 

station would be equipped with the same SWMP water quality sampling devices as the 

Pellicer Creek station.

An expansion of sleeping accommodations at both Reserve locations will enable larger 

groups of researchers to work in close proximity to the Reserve. 

The installation of an auxiliary sampling platform at the Pellicer Creek site would 

provide space for additional sampling equipment such as an ISCO sampler and 

periphyton samples.

Research Gaps

Ideally, biological monitoring should focus on multiple trophic levels (e.g., 

phytoplankton, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, fishes, and marine mammals) and 

habitats incorporating measures of both species/habitat biodiversity and condition. This 

multiple trophic level monitoring is not yet in place. It will complement the expansion of 

the national SWMP effort to include assessments of habitat changes in biodiversity, 

population structure, and productivity in coastal communities related to anthropogenic 

and climate change impacts.

The GTMNERR submerged habitats are not well characterized. An up-to-date baseline 

inventory of habitats and species together with the development of protocols for 

conducting change analyses and predictive modeling is needed. In addition, mapping of

submerged habitat sediment grain size, bathymetry and hard-bottom resources to serve as 

baseline for future change analyses and habitat suitability modeling efforts is needed.

There is a need for information concerning the status and trends in recreational and 

commercial fisheries within the Reserves boundary.

Storms are often the cause of major coastal shoreline changes, exacerbating the impact of 

anthropogenic influences, such as sea level rise, inlet management, beach renourishment 

and channel dredging, on natural sediment dynamics (Michener 1997). Sediment 
89

transport modeling is necessary to quantify these processes and predict the outcome of 

anthropogenic and natural events.

Our understanding of coastal circulation in the nearshore and offshore waters of the 

Reserve is lacking due to very few observations, except at NDBC buoy 41012 

approximately 40 nautical miles offshore, and NDBC 41009 at about 20 nautical miles 

offshore of Cape Canaveral. The proximity of these waters to estuarine outflows from St. 

Augustine Inlet and the Matanzas Inlet heightens the potential for serious impacts to the 

integrity of all elements of the coastal environment, including plankton, invertebrate and 

fish communities, as well as the quality of recreational resources, such as beaches. 

Installation of a chain of offshore buoys and associated sampling equipment would 

enable researchers to begin to develop a hydrodynamic understanding of the offshore 

environment. This basic research could then be used to study the effects of nutrient flows 

from the estuary and offshore, as well as the bio-physical interactions between the two 

environments.

Previous analysis of erosive trends of shoreline suggests that increased nearshore wave 

energy caused by boat wakes is the primary cause; however, further research may be 

necessary to accurately relate wake energy to erosion rates. Such work should be 

followed by the development and implementation of a plan intended to address the 

problem of erosion in the Reserve. 

Monitoring Priorities and Needs

There is an immediate need to evaluate existing ecosystem science information to 

establish baseline conditions in order to evaluate and prioritize future management 

activities. Long-term systematic monitoring of pollutants, habitats, and estuarine species 

has not been initiated throughout the GTMNERR, and in particular in the Reserve‟s

CAMA managed boundaries.

Long-term standardized monitoring is needed to assess trends in the condition of the 

Reserve‟s water quality and biological resources. Monitoring has been initiated through 

the SWMP but data collected from other entities needs to be collated and analyzed.

Analysis and monitoring of the composition of estuarine and oceanic species is needed to 

track short-term variability and long-term trends.

The initial GRMAP and PCAP management plans include habitat and species inventories 

(DNR 1991) that should be updated, or a general GTMNERR inventory should be 

conducted using standardized methods to facilitate change detection.

Basic biological monitoring of phytoplankton, zooplankton, and macroinvertebrate

communities is needed to develop an understanding of the basic trophic status of the 

estuarine ecosystem.
90

Establishing long-term baseline mapping of the Reserve‟s upland habitats is necessary to 

track short-term variability and long-term trends. Habitat change monitoring is necessary 

to set management priorities and to assess the resiliency of the Reserve‟s habitats. 

The influence of long-term climate change, particularly global warming and sea level 

rise, on the Reserve‟s habitat and species composition will need to be monitored closely 

to guide future long-term management strategies.

Consolidating research and monitoring information from a variety of local, state and 

national programs is needed to produce a comprehensive watershed plan for sustainable 

protection of the water quality and coastal habitats of the Reserve.

Research Priorities and Needs

There is aneed for continued coordination with the GTM Research Reserve‟s CTP and 

Education programs to facilitate translation and communication of the Reserve‟s research 

results. The GTM Research Reserve‟s Management Plan emphasizes such educational 

linkages and particularly the use of research and monitoring information in guiding 

adaptive management decisions.

Climate change is predicted to strongly affect coastal areas due to sea level rise, increase 

in storm frequency, and changes in weather patterns. Since human populations are 

increasingly drawn to coastal areas, the continued interactions of human activities with 

the natural environment need to be understood, especially in light of a changing climate, 

which may alter these interactions (NERR 2007). 

As the national effort develops, the SWMP program is being expanded to include 

assessments of habitat loss and changes in biodiversity, population structure, and 

productivity in coastal communities as a result of climate change impacts. One of the 

main objectives of the climate change assessment will be to establish a surface elevation 

table (SET) network within wetland habitats (e.g. marsh, mangroves, etc.) of the 

Reserves to support long-term monitoring and research of factors affecting the elevation 

of coastal wetlands with respect to sea level. SET data will be analyzed to develop 

surface elevation trajectories which will allow the evaluation of whether the wetland 

surfaces are keeping pace with sea level. Coupled with other components of SWMP, this 

information could be used to investigate processes resulting in elevation change, and 

community responses to this change.

Primary production, respiration and the balance between the two, or net ecosystem 

metabolism (NEM), has been assessed for many of the NERR estuaries (Caffrey 2003). 

The GTMNERR was not included as sufficient data for the system had not been acquired. 

Sufficient data is now available such that the NEM for the GTMNERR can be assessed. 

This assessment is consistent with the NERR SWMP goal to examine short-term 

variability and long-term changes in representative estuarine ecosystems (Wenner et al. 

2001).
91

Habitat suitability modeling or similar efforts should be implemented as a predictive tool 

to guide management decisions affecting natural biodiversity.

The influence of anthropogenic water diversions from aquifers for drinking water, 

irrigation and lake management on the Reserve‟s natural resources requires further study

Researchers from UF have numerous biological samples collected in conjunction with 

ongoing projects that have been archived, but have yet to be analyzed. Analysis and 

characterization of the samples would greatly expand the knowledge base of basic 

biological information in the Reserve. A catalog of samples collected is included in 

Appendix C.

More in-depth work aimed at establishing a stronger causal correlation to shoreline 

erosion and boat wakes could involve field measurement of wave energy and an attempt 

to correlate wave energy with fetch, nearshore bathymetric profile, local sediment type, 

and erosion rates. Such a study could develop a comparison of the net volumes of 

sediment transported by relatively small but frequent wind waves and larger but less 

frequent boat wakes. 
92

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APPENDIX A. LIST OF SPECIES

Common Name Scientific Name

Kingdom Plantae

Phylum Pterophyta (ferns)

Carolina Mosquito Fern Azolla caroliniana 

Cinnamon Fern Osmunda cinnamomea 

Royal Fern Osmunda regalis 

Golden Polypody Phlebodium aureum 

Resurrection Fern Pleopeltis polypodioides var. michauxiana 

Lacy Bracken Pteridium aquilinum var. caudatum 

Water fern Salvinia auriculata

Southern Shield Fern Thelypteris kunthii 

Shoestring Fern Vittaria lineata 

Netted Chain Fern Woodwardia areolata 

Virginia Chain Fern Woodwardia virginica 

Phylum Pinophyta (cone-bearing plants)

Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana 

Sand Pine Pinus clausa 

Slash Pine Pinus elliottii 

Longleaf pine Pinus palustris

Pond Pine Pinus serotina 

Loblolly Pine Pinus taeda 

Pond cypress Taxodium ascendens

Phylum Magnoliophyta (flowering plants)

Blue Maidencane Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum 

Florida Bluestem Andropogon floridanus 

Purple Bluestem Andropogon glomeratus var. glaucopsis 

Bushy Bluestem Andropogon glomeratus var. pumilus 

Broomsedge Andropogon longiberbis

Splitbeard Bluestem Andropogon ternarius 

Broomsedge Bluestem Andropogon virginicus var. virginicus 

Green Dragon Arisaema dracontium 

Wiregrass Aristida beyrichiana 

Woollysheath Three-awn Aristida lanosa 

Bottlebrush Three-awn Aristida spiciformis 

Switchcane Arundinaria gigantea 

Switch cane Arundinaria tecta

Common Oat Avena fatua 

Bamboo Bambusa spp.

Capillary Hairsedge Bulbostylis ciliatifolia 

Sandyfield Hairsedge Bulbostylis stenophylla 

Greenwhite sedge Carex albolutescens

Sandywoods Sedge Carex dasycarpa 

Hammock Sedge Carex fissa var. aristata 

Long's Sedge Carex longii 
106

Common Name Scientific Name

Blackedge Sedge Carex nigromarginata 

Southern Sandspur Cenchrus echinatus 

Coastal Sandspur Cenchrus incertus 

Sanddune Sandspur Cenchrus tribuloides 

Class Magnoliopsida (woody flowering plants)

Slender Woodoats Chasmanthium laxum var. laxum 

Spanglegrass Chasmanthium laxum var. sessiliflorum 

Sawgrass Cladium jamaicense

Whitemouth Dayflower Commelina erecta 

Spring Coralroot Corallorhiza wisteriana 

Bermudagrass Cynodon dactylon 

Cyperus brevifolius

Baldwin's Flatsedge Cyperus croceus 

Swamp Flatsedge Cyperus distinctus 

Yellow Nutgrass Cyperus esculentus 

Umbrella sedge Cyperus filicinus

Globe sedge Cyperus globulosus

Haspan Flatsedge Cyperus haspan 

Fragrant Flatsedge Cyperus odoratus 

Manyspike Flatsedge Cyperus polystachyos 

Pinebarren Flatsedge Cyperus retrorsus 

Nutgrass Cyperus rotundus 

Strawcolored Flatsedge Cyperus strigosus 

Tropical Flatsedge Cyperus surinamensis 

Fourangle Flatsedge Cyperus tetragonus 

Crowfootgrass Dactyloctenium aegyptium 

Panicum Dicanthelium erectifolium

Variable Witchgrass Dichanthelium commutatum 

Forked Witchgrass Dichanthelium dichotomum 

Hemlock Witchgrass Dichanthelium portoricense 

Dichanthelium sabulorum

Southern Crabgrass Digitaria ciliaris 

Slender Crabgrass Digitaria filiformis var. filiformis 

Shaggy crabgrass Digitaria villosa

Saltgrass Distichlis spicata

Coast Cockspur Echinochloa walteri 

Baldwin's Spikerush Eleocharis baldwinii 

Yellow Spikerush Eleocharis flavescens 

Sand Spikerush Eleocharis montevidensis 

Viviparous Spikerush Eleocharis vivipara 

Indian Goosegrass Eleusine indica 

Green-fly Orchid Epidendrum magnoliae var. magnoliae 

Purple Lovegrass Eragrostis spectabilis 
107

Common Name Scientific Name

Coastal Lovegrass Eragrostis virginica 

Centipedegrass Eremochloa ophiuroides 

Pinewoods Fingergrass Eustachys petraea 

Slender Fimbry Fimbristylis autumnalis 

Carolina Fimbry Fimbristylis caroliniana 

Chesnut sedge Fimbristylis castanea

Marsh Fimbry Fimbristylis spadicea 

Fringe rush Fimbristylis vahlii

Dwarf Umbrellasedge Fuirena pumila 

Southern Umbrellasedge Fuirena scirpoidea 

Waterspider Orchid Habenaria repens 

Watergrass Hydrochloa carliniensis

Fringed Yellow Stargrass Hypoxis juncea 

Blue flag Iris virginica

Tapertip Rush Juncus acuminatus 

Leathery Rush Juncus coriaceus 

Forked Rush Juncus dichotomus 

Soft Rush Juncus effusus 

Bog Rush Juncus elliottii 

Shore Rush Juncus marginatus 

Bighead Rush Juncus megacephalus 

Manyhead Rush Juncus polycephalus 

Creeping Rush Juncus repens 

Black Needle Rush Juncus roemerianus 

Shortleaf Spikesedge Kyllinga brevifolia 

Carolina Redroot Lachnanthes caroliniana 

Bogbuttons Lachnocaulon spp.

Southern Cutgrass Leersia hexandra 

Duckweed Lemna valdiviana 

Bearded Spangletop Leptochloa fascicularis 

Frog's-bit; American Spongeplant Limnobium spongia 

Italian Ryegrass Lolium perenne 

Southern Watergrass Luziola fluitans 

Big moss Mayaca fluviatilis

Gulf Hairawn Muhly Muhlenbergia capillaris var. filipes 

Marine naiad Najas marina

Southern naiad Najas quadalupenis

Woodsgrass Oplismenus hirtellus 

Bitter Panicgrass Panicum amarum 

Beaked Panicum Panicum anceps 

Fall Panicgrass Panicum dichotomiflorum 

Maidencane Panicum hemitomon 

Guineagrass Panicum maximum 
108

Common Name Scientific Name

Torpedograss Panicum repens 

Redtop Panicum Panicum rigidulum 

Bluejoint Panicum Panicum tenerum 

Warty Panicgrass Panicum verrucosum 

Switchgrass Panicum virgatum 

Bull paspalum Paspalum boscianum

Bahiagrass Paspalum notatum var. saurae 

Thin Paspalum Paspalum setaceum 

Vaseygrass Paspalum urvillei 

Pearl millet Pennisetum americanum

Blackseed Needlegrass Piptochaetium avenaceum 

Annual Bluegrass Poa annua 

Rabbitsfootgrass Polypogon monspeliensis 

Pickerelweed Pontederia cordata

Sago pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus

Giant Orchid Pteroglossapsis ecristata 

Rose Natalgrass Rhynchelytrum repens 

Anglestem Beaksedge Rhynchospora caduca 

Starrush Whitetop Rhynchospora colorata 

Shortbristle Horned Beaksedge Rhynchospora corniculata 

Fascicled Beaksedge Rhynchospora fascicularis 

Threadleaf Beaksedge Rhynchospora filifolia 

Sandyfield Beaksedge Rhynchospora megalocarpa 

Southern Beaksedge Rhynchospora microcarpa 

Bunched Beaksedge Rhynchospora microcephala 

Bald rush Rhynchospora nitens

Widgeon grass Ruppia maritima

Cabbage Palm; Sabal Palm Sabal palmetto 

Sugarcane Plumegrass Saccharum giganteum 

American Cupscale Sacciolepis striata 

Floating leaf sagittaria Sagittaria filiformis

Grassy Arrowhead Sagittaria graminea var. graminea 

Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium var. scoparium 

Saltmarsh bulrush Schoenoplectus robustus

Soft stem bulrush Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani 

Woolgrass Scirpus cyperinus 

Netted Nutrush Scleria reticularis 

Tall Nutgrass Scleria triglomerata 

Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens 

Giant Foxtail; Giant Bristlegrass Setaria magna 

Knotroot Foxtail Setaria parviflora 

Pointed blue eyed grass Sisyrinchium angustifolium

Annual Blue-eyed Grass Sisyrinchium rosulatum 
109

Common Name Scientific Name

Earleaf Greenbrier Smilax auriculata 

Saw Greenbrier Smilax bona-nox 

Cat Greenbrier; Wild Sarsaparilla Smilax glauca 

Sarsaparilla Vine Smilax pumila 

Hog Brier; Bristly Greenbrier Smilax tamnoides 

Lopsided Indiangrass Sorghastrum secundum 

Smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora

Smooth Cordgrass; Saltmarsh Cordgrass Spartina alterniflora var. glabra 

Sand Cordgrass Spartina bakeri 

Marshhay Cordgrass; Saltmeadow Cordgrass Spartina patens 

Prairie Wedgescale Sphenopholis obtusata 

Ladies tresses Spiranthes praecox

Woodland Ladies'-tresses Spiranthes sylvatica 

Spring Ladies'-tresses Spiranthes vernalis 

Duckmeat; Dotted Duckweed Spirodela punctata 

Smutgrass Sporobolus indicus var. indicus 

Seashore Dropseed Sporobolus virginicus 

St. Augustine grass Stenotaphrum secundatum 

Yellow Hatpins Syngonanthus flavidulus 

Bartram's Airplant Tillandsia bartramii 

Ballmoss Tillandsia recurvata 

Southern Needleleaf Tillandsia setacea 

Spanish Moss Tillandsia usneoides 

Bluejacket; Ohio Spiderwort Tradescantia ohiensis 

Purpletop; Tall Redtop Tridens flavus var. flavus 

Arrowgrass Triglochin striata 

Purple Sandgrass Triplasis purpurea 

Narrow leaved cattail Typha angustifolia

Tropical cattail Typha domingensis

Broadleaf Cattail Typha latifolia 

Sea Oats Uniola paniculata 

Sixweeks Fescue Vulpia octoflora 

Bog mat Wolffiella gladiata

Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass Xyris brevifolia 

Richard's Yelloweyed Grass Xyris jupicai 

Spanish Bayonet Yucca aloifolia 

Lawn Orchid Zeuxine strateumatica 

Slender Threeseed Mercury Acalypha gracilens 

Red Maple Acer rubrum 

Shyleaf; Joint-vetch Aeschynomene americana 

Agalinis fasciculata

Hammock Snakeroot Ageratina jucunda 

Alligatorweed Alternanthera philoxeroides 
110

Common Name Scientific Name

Southern Amaranth Amaranthus australis 

Pigweed Amaranthus spp.

Common Ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia 

Fly poison Amianthium muscaetoxicum

Toothcup Ammannia latifolia 

False indigo Amorpha fruticosa

Peppervine Ampelopsis arborea 

Devil's Walkingstick Aralia spinosa 

Mexican Pricklypoppy Argemone mexicana 

Savannah Milkweed Asclepias pedicellata 

Velvetleaf Milkweed Asclepias tomentosa 

Smallflower Pawpaw Asimina parviflora 

Climbing Aster Aster carolinianus 

Rice Button Aster Aster dumosus 

Swamp Aster; Elliott's Aster Aster elliottii 

Annual Saltmarsh Aster Aster subulatus 

Perennial Saltmarsh Aster Aster tenuifolius 

Whitetop Aster; Dixie Aster Aster tortifolius 

Walter's Aster Aster walteri 

Sea beach atriplex Atriplex arenaria

Crested Saltbush; Seabeach Orach Atriplex pentandra 

Black Mangrove Avicennia germinans 

Saltwater Falsewillow Baccharis angustifolia 

Silverling Baccharis glomeruliflora 

Salt Bush; Groundsel Tree; Sea Myrtle Baccharis halimifolia 

Blue Waterhyssop Bacopa caroliniana 

Smooth Waterhyssop; Herb-of Grace Bacopa monnieri 

Saltwort; Turtleweed Batis maritima 

Tarflower Bejaria racemosa 

Rattan Vine Berchemia scandens 

Beggarticks Bidens alba 

Spanish Needles Bidens bipinnata 

Burrmarigold Bidens laevis 

Crossvine Bignonia capreolata 

False Nettle; Bog Hemp Boehmeria cylindrica 

Red Spiderling; Wineflower Boerhavia diffusa 

Bushy Seaside Oxeye Borrichia frutescens 

American Bluehearts Buchnera americana 

Tough bumelia Bumelia tenax

American Searocket Cakile edentula subsp. harperi 

American Beautyberry; French Mulberry Callicarpa americana 

Matted Waterstarwort Callitriche peploides 

Trumpetcreeper Campsis radicans 
111

Common Name Scientific Name

Bitter cress Cardamine hirsuta

Pennsylvania Bittercress Cardamine pensylvanica 

Thistle Carduus spp.

Vanillaleaf Carphephorus odoratissimus 

Pignut Hickory Carya glabra 

Wild sensitive plant Cassia nictitans

Sicklepod Cassia obtusifolia

Sugarberry; Hackberry Celtis laevigata 

Spadeleaf; Coinwort Centella asiatica 

Spurred Butterfly Pea Centrosema virginianum 

Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis 

Florida Rosemary; Sand Heath Ceratiola ericoides 

Coontail Ceratophyllum spp.

Partridge Pea Chamaecrista fasciculata 

Sensitive Pea Chamaecrista nictitans var. aspera 

Dixie Sandmat Chamaesyce bombensis 

Eye-bane; Hyssopleaf Sandmat Chamaesyce hyssopifolia 

Spotted Sandmat Chamaesyce maculata 

Lamb's-quarters Chenopodium album 

Mexican Tea;Pigweed Chenopodium ambrosioides 

Bull Thistle; Yellow Thistle Cirsium horridulum 

Nuttall's Thistle Cirsium nuttallii 

Sour Orange Citrus aurantium 

Butterfly Pea; Atlantic Pigeonwings Clitoria mariana 

Stinging Nettle; Tread-softly; Finger-rot Cnidoscolus stimulosus 

Dwarf Canadian Horseweed Conyza canadensis var. pusilla 

Golden Tickseed Coreopsis tinctoria 

Swamp dogwood Cornus stricta

Pursh's Rattlebox Crotalaria purshii 

Rabbitbells Crotalaria rotundifolia 

Showy Rattlebox Crotalaria spectabilis 

Hogwort; Woolly Croton Croton capitatus 

Vente Conmigo Croton glandulosus 

Beach Tea; Gulf Croton Croton punctatus 

Colombian Waxweed Cuphea carthagenensis 

Compact Dodder Cuscuta compacta 

Bigseed Alfalfa Dodder Cuscuta indecora 

Gulfcoast Swallowwort Cynanchum angustifolium 

Western Tansymustard Descurainia pinnata 

Hoary Ticktrefoil; Beggarweed Desmodium incanum 

Panicledleaf Ticktrefoil Desmodium paniculatum 

Dixie Ticktrefoil Desmodium tortuosum 

Threeflower Ticktrefoil Desmodium triflorum
112

Common Name Scientific Name

Carolina Ponysfoot Dichondra caroliniensis 

Poor Joe Diodia teres 

Virginia Buttonweed Diodia virginiana 

Common Persimmon Diospyros virginiana 

Wedgeleaf Whitlowgrass Draba cuneifolia 

Dwarf Sundew Drosera brevifolia 

Pink Sundew Drosera capillaris 

Oblong Twinflower Dyschriste oblongifolia 

False Daisy Eclipta prostrata 

Tall Elephantsfoot Elephantopus elatus 

Fireweed Erechtites hieracifolia 

Oakleaf Fleabane Erigeron quercifolius 

Baldwin's Eryngo Eryngium baldwinii 

Coralbean; Cherokee Bean Erythrina herbacea 

Coastal white snakeroot Eupatorium aromaticum

Dog Fennel Eupatorium capillifolium 

Yankeeweed Eupatorium compositifolium 

Falsefennel Eupatorium leptophyllum 

Mohr's Thoroughwort Eupatorium mohrii 

Roundleaf Thoroughwort Eupatorium rotundifolium 

Lateflorwering Thoroughwort Eupatorium serotinum 

Slender Goldenrod Euthamia caroliniana 

Flat topped goldenrod Euthamia minor

Florida Swampprivet Forestiera segregata 

Firewheel; Blanketflower Gaillardia pulchella 

Elliott's Milkpea Galactia elliottii 

Eastern Milkpea Galactia regularis 

Downy Milkpea Galactia volubilis 

Coastal Bedstraw Galium hispidulum 

Stiff Marsh Bedstraw Galium tinctorium 

Southern Beeblossom Gaura angustifolia 

Dwarf Huckleberry Gaylussacia dumosa 

Blue Huckleberry Gaylussacia frondosa var. tomentosa 

Dangleberry Gaylussacia nana

Yellow Jessamine Gelsemium sempervirens 

Carolina Cranesbill Geranium carolinianum 

Narrowleaf Purple Everlasting Gnaphalium falcatum 

Rabbit Tobacco; Sweeteverlasting Gnaphalium obtusifolium 

Pennsylvania Everlasting Gnaphalium pensylvanicum 

Loblolly bay Gordonia lasianthus

Rough Hedgehyssop Gratiola hispida 

Hedge hyssop Gratiola ramoa

Innocence; Fairy Footprints Hedyotis procumbens 
113

Common Name Scientific Name

Clustered Mille Graine Hedyotis uniflora 

Pinebarren Frostweed; Rock-rose Helianthemum corymbosum 

East Coast Dune Sunflower Helianthus debilis subsp. Debilis 

Camphorweed Heterotheca subaxillaris 

Swamp Rosemallow Hibiscus grandiflorus 

Queendevil Hieracium gronovii 

Largeleaf Marshpennywort Hydrocotyle bonariensis 

Manyflower Marshpennywort Hydrocotyle umbellata 

Whorled Marshpennywort Hydrocotyle verticillata var. verticillata 

Bedstraw St. John's-wort Hypericum galioides 

Roundpod St. John's-wort Hypericum cistifolium 

Pineweeds; Orangegrass Hypericum gentianoides 

St. Andrew's-cross Hypericum hypericoides 

Dwarf St. John's-wort Hypericum mutilum 

Myrtleleaf St. John's-wort Hypericum myrtifolium 

Naked St. John's wort Hypericum nudiflorum

Atlantic St. John's-wort Hypericum reductum 

St. Peter's wort Hypericum stans

Fourpetal St. John's-wort Hypericum tetrapetalum 

Carolina Holly; Sand Holly Ilex ambigua var. ambigua 

Dahoon Ilex cassine var. cassine 

Large gallberry Ilex coriacea

Inkberry; Gallberry Ilex glabra 

American Holly Ilex opaca var. opaca 

Yaupon Ilex vomitoria 

Hairy Indigo Indigofera hirsuta 

Trailing Indigo Indigofera spicata 

Woody Indigo Indigofera suffruticosa 

Tievine Ipomoea cordatotriloba 

Beach Morningglory Ipomoea imperati 

Man-of-the-Earth; Wild Potato Vine Ipomoea pandurata 

Railroad Vine; Bayhops Ipomoea pes-caprae var. brasiliensis 

Saltmarsh Morningglory Ipomoea sagittata 

Beach morning glory Ipomoea stolonifera

Littlebell Ipomoea triloba 

Standing Cypress; Spanish Larkspur Ipomopsis rubra 

Juba's Bush; Bloodleaf Iresine diffusa 

Marsh Elder Iva frutescens 

Seacoast Marshelder Iva imbricata 

Piedmont Marshelder Iva microcephala 

Virginia Saltmarsh Mallow Kosteletzkya virginica 

Virginia Dwarfdandelion Krigia virginica 

Woodland Lettuce Lactuca floridana 
114

Common Name Scientific Name

Grassleaf Lettuce Lactuca graminifolia 

Lantana; Shrub Verbena Lantana camara 

Hairy Pinweed Lechea mucronata 

Pin weed Lechea racemulosa

Virginia Pepperweed Lepidium virginicum 

Hairy Bush Clover Lespedeza hirta

Slender Gayfeather Liatris gracilis 

Gopher Apple Licania michauxii 

Japanese Privet Ligustrum japonicum 

Carolina Sea Lavender Limonium carolinianum 

Canada Toadflax Linaria canadensis 

Florida Toadflax Linaria floridana 

Yellowseed False Pimpernel Lindernia dubia var. anagallidea 

Moistbank False Pimpernel Lindernia dubia var. dubia 

Carpetweed Lippia nodiflora

Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua 

Lobelia Lobelia nuttalii

Curtiss' Primrosewillow Ludwigia curtissii 

Seaside Primrosewillow Ludwigia maritima 

Mexican Primrosewillow Ludwigia octovalvis 

Creeping Primrosewillow Ludwigia repens 

Shrubby Primrosewillow Ludwigia suffruticosa 

Christmasberry Lycium carolinianum 

Rusty Lyonia; Rusty Staggerbush Lyonia ferruginea

Coastalplain Staggerbush Lyonia fruticosa 

Fetterbush; Shiny Lyonia Lyonia lucida 

Wild Bushbean Macroptilium lathyroides 

Southern Magnolia Magnolia grandiflora 

Sweetbay Magnolia virginiana 

Angularfruit Milkvine Matelea gonocarpa 

Black Medick Medicago lupulina 

Burclover Medicago polymorpha 

Chinaberry Melia azedarach 

White Sweetclover Melilotus albus 

Indian Sweetclover Melilotus indicus 

Creeping Cucumber Melothria pendula 

Alamo Vine; Noyau Vine Merremia dissecta 

Shade Mudflower; Globifera Micranthemum umbrosum 

Florida Keys Hempvine Mikania cordifolia 

Climbing Hempvine Mikania scandens 

Sensitive Brier Mimosa quadrivalvis

Spotted Beebalm; Spotted Horsemint Monarda punctata 

Indianpipe Monotropa uniflora 
115

Common Name Scientific Name

Pigmypipes Monotropsis reynoldsiae 

Red Mulberry Morus rubra 

Wax Myrtle; Southern Bayberry Myrica cerifera 

Cutleaf Watermilfoil; Green Parrot's-feather Myriophyllum pinnatum 

American White Waterlily Nymphaea odorata 

Swamp Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora 

Seabeach Evening Primrose Oenothera humifusa 

Cutleaf Evening Primrose Oenothera laciniata 

Devil Joint; Cockspur Pricklypear Opuntia pusilla 

Erect Pricklypear Opuntia stricta 

Wild Olive; Devilwood Osmanthus americanus 

Yellow Woodsorrel Oxalis corniculata 

Violet wood sorrel Oxalis corymbosa

Wood sorrell Oxalis florida

Yellow wood sorrel Oxalis stricta

Florida Pellitory Parietaria floridana 

Baldwin's Nailwort Paronychia baldwinii 

Virginia Creeper; Woodbine Parthenocissus quinquefolia 

Purple Passionflower Passiflora incarnata 

Corkystem Passionflower Passiflora suberosa 

Red Bay Persea borbonia var. borbonia 

Swamp Bay Persea palustris 

Oak Mistletoe Phoradendron leucarpum 

Mistletoe Phoradendron serotinum

Capeweed; Turkeytangle Fogfruit Phyla nodiflora 

Drummond's Leafflower Phyllanthus abnormis 

Chamber Bitter Phyllanthus urinaria 

Walter's Groundcherry Physalis walteri 

American Pokeweed Phytolacca americana 

Pokeweed Phytolacca rigida

Violet butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris

Grassleaf Goldenaster Pityopsis graminifolia 

English Plantain Plantago lanceolata 

Virginia Plantain Plantago virginica 

Camphorweed Pluchea camphorata 

Stinking Camphorweed Pluchea foetida 

Saltmarsh fleabane Pluchea purpuracens

Rosy Camphorweed Pluchea rosea 

Painted-leaf; Fire-on-the-Mountain Poinsettia cyathophora 

Polygala Polygala cymosa

Procession Flower Polygala incarnata 

Yellow milkwort Polygala lutea

Orange milkwort Polygala nana
116

Common Name Scientific Name

Racemed Milkwort Polygala polygama 

Hairy Smartweed Polygonum hirsutum 

Mild Waterpepper Polygonum hydropiperoides 

Dotted Smartweed Polygonum punctatum 

Hairy Leafcup Polymnia uvedalia 

Rustweed; Juniperleaf Polypremum procumbens 

Little Hogweed Portulaca oleracea 

Pink purslane Portulaca pilosa

Pink Purslane; Kiss-Me-Quick Portulaca pilosa 

Combleaf Mermaidweed Proserpinaca pectinata 

Carolina Laurelcherry Prunus caroliniana 

Black Cherry Prunus serotina var. serotina 

Flatwoods Plum Prunus umbellata 

Common Hoptree; Wafer Ash Ptelea trifoliata 

Blackroot Pterocaulon pycnostachyum 

Mock Bishopsweed Ptilimnium capillaceum 

Carolina Desertchicory; False Dandelion Pyrrhopappus carolinianus 

Chapman's Oak Quercus chapmanii 

Sand Live Oak Quercus geminata 

Laurel Oak; Diamond Oak Quercus laurifolia 

Myrtle Oak Quercus myrtifolia 

Water Oak Quercus nigra 

Live Oak Quercus virginiana 

Low Spearwort Ranunculus pusillus 

Wild Radish Raphanus raphanistrum 

Maryland Meadowbeauty Rhexia mariana 

Winged Sumac Rhus copallinum 

Climbing Dollar-weed; Least Snoutbean Rhynchosia minima 

Tropical Mexican Clover Richardia brasiliensis 

Rough Mexican Clover Richardia scabra 

Sawtooth Blackberry Rubus argutus 

Sand Blackberry Rubus cuneifolius 

Southern Dewberry Rubus trivialis 

Carolina Wild Petunia Ruellia caroliniensis 

Hastateleaf Dock Rumex hastatulus 

Swamp Dock Rumex verticillatus 

Marsh pink Sabatia bartramii

Shortleaf Rosegentian Sabatia brevifolia 

Smallflower Mock Buckthorn Sageretia minutiflora 

Annual Glasswort Salicornia bigelovii 

Perennial Glasswort; Virginia Glasswort Salicornia perennis 

Perennial glasswort Salicornia virginica

Carolina Willow Salix caroliniana 
117

Common Name Scientific Name

Prickly Russian Thistle Salsola kali subsp. pontica 

Tropical Sage Salvia coccinea 

Lyreleaf Sage Salvia lyrata 

American Elder; Elderberry Sambucus canadensis 

Pineland Pimpernel Samolus valerandi subsp. parviflorus 

Blacksnakeroot Sanicula canadensis 

Southern soapberry Sapindus saponaria

Soapberry Sapindus saponaria 

Lizard's tail Saururus cernuus

Sweetbroom Scoparia dulcis 

Sicklepod; Coffeeweed Senna obtusifolia 

Bequilla Sesbania emerus

Danglepod Sesbania herbacea 

Bladderpod; Bagpod Sesbania vesicaria 

Seapurslane Sesuvium portulacastrum 

Common Wireweed; Common Fanpetals Sida acuta 

Cuban Jute; Indian Hemp; Teaweed Sida rhombifolia 

Tough Buckthorn Sideroxylon tenax 

Sleepy Catchfly Silene antirrhina 

Horsenettle Solanum carolinense var. carolinense 

Black Nightshade Solanum chenopodioides 

Tropical Soda Apple Solanum viarum 

Canada Goldenrod Solidago canadensis var. scabra 

Pinebarren Goldenrod Solidago fistulosa 

Chapman's Goldenrod Solidago odora var. chapmanii 

Seaside Goldenrod Solidago sempervirens 

Spiny Sowthistle Sonchus asper 

Common Sowthistle Sonchus oleraceus 

Shrubby False Buttonweed Spermacoce verticillata 

Roughfruit Scaleseed Spermolepis divaricata 

Florida Betony; Florida Hedgenettle Stachys floridana 

Trailing Fuzzybean Strophostyles helvula 

Sea Blite; Annual Seepweed Suaeda linearis 

Wood Sage; Canadian Germander Teucrium canadense 

Eastern Poison Ivy Toxicodendron radicans 

Puncturevine Tribulus terrestris 

Forked Bluecurls Trichostema dichotomum 

Hop clover Trifolium dubium

White Clover Trifolium repens 

Clasping Venus' Lookingglass Triodanis perfoliata 

Humped Bladderwort Utricularia gibba 

Floating bladderwort Utricularia inflata

Eastern Purple Bladderwort Utricularia purpurea 
118

Common Name Scientific Name

Little Floating Bladderwort Utricularia radiata 

Zigzag Bladderwort Utricularia subulata 

Sparkleberry; Farkleberry Vaccinium arboreum 

Highbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum 

Shiny Blueberry Vaccinium myrsinites 

Deerberry Vaccinium stamineum 

Woolly Mullein Verbascum thapsus 

Wand Mullein Verbascum virgatum 

Purpletop Vervain Verbena bonariensis 

Brazilian Vervain Verbena brasiliensis 

Texas Vervain Verbena officinalis var. halei 

Harsh Vervain Verbena scabra 

Frostweed; White Crownbeard Verbesina virginica 

Giant Ironweed Vernonia gigantea 

Fourleaf Vetch Vicia acutifolia 

Hairypod Cowpea Vigna luteola 

White violet Viola affinis

Bog White Violet Viola lanceolata 

Early Blue Violet Viola palmata 

Common Blue Violet Viola sororia 

Summer Grape Vitis aestivalis 

Muscadine Vitis rotundifolia 

Southern Rockbell Wahlenbergia marginata 

Hercules'-club Zanthoxylum clava-herculis 

Kingdom Animalia

Phylum Porifera (sea sponges)

Boring Sponge Cliona sp.

Purple Sponge Haliclona permollis

Sun Sponge Hymeniacidon heliophila

Red Beard Sponge Microciona prolifera

Phylum Cnidaria (jellyfishes and anemones)

Class Anthozoa (anemones and corals)

Brown Anemone Aiptasia pallida

Anthopleura varioarmata GRM

Astrangia danae GRM

Tricolor Anemone Calliactis tricolor

Sea Tube Anemone Ceriantheopsis americanus

Sea Whip Leptogorgia virgulata

Sea Pansy Renilla reniformis

Class Hydrozoa (hydras)

Pink-hearted hydroid Ectopleura crocea (Tubularia crocea)

Portugese man-of-war Physalia physalia 
119

Common Name Scientific Name

Class Scyphozoa (jellyfishes)

Moon Jelly Aurelia aurita

Sea Nettle Chrysaora quinquecirrha

Lions' Mane Medusa Cyanea capillata

Cannonball jellyfish Stomolophus meleagris 

Phylum Ctenophora (comb jellies)

Beroe Beroe sp.

Sea Walnut Mnemiopsis leidyi

Sea gooseberry Pleurobrachia pileus 

Phylum Platyhelminthes (flatworms)

Horseshoe Crab Worm Bdelloura candida

Phylum Annelida (segmented worms)

Parchment Worm Chaetopterus variopedatus

Tube Worm Diopatra cuprea

Blood Worm Glycera americana

Phylum Arthropoda (spiders, insects, 

crustaceans)

Class Arachnida (spiders, scorpions, mites)

Grass spider Agelenopsis 

Lone star tick Amblyomma americanum 

Black-&-yellow argiope Argiope aurantia

Black and yellow argiope Argiope aurantis

Centruroides scorpion Centruroides spp.

Florida Striped Bark Scorpion Centruroides Hentzi

Wood tick Dermacentor spp.

Chigger/Redbug Eutrombicula spp.

Crablike spiny orb weaver Gasteracantha spp.

Brown Widow Spider Latrodectus geometricus

Southern Black widow spider Latrodectus mactans 

Giant vinegarone Mastigoproctus giganteus 

Golden silk spider Nephila clavipes 

Green lynx spider Peucetia viridans 

Brown daddy long legs Phalangium opilio 

Daring jumping spider Phidippus audax 

Sub-phylum Crustacea (shrimp, crabs, 

lobsters)

Aviu Shrimp Acetes americanus carolinae

Snapping Shrimp Alpheus heterochaelis

Speckled Swimming Crab Arenaeus cribrarius

Pillbug Armadillium spp.

Square backed marsh crab Armases cinereum

Acorn Barnacle Semibalanus balanoides

Common Barnacle Balanus balanoides
120

Common Name Scientific Name

Ivory Barnacle Balanus eburneus

Barnacles Balanus spp.

Flame Box Crab Calappa flammea

Carolina Ghost Shrimp Callichirus major

Red Blue Crab Callinectes bocourti

Ornate Blue Crab Callinectes ornatus 

Blue crab Callinectes sapidus 

Lesser blue crab Callinectes similis 

Indo-Pacific Swimming Crab Charybdis hellerii 

Gray Barnacle Chthamalus fragilis

Striped Hermit Crab Clibanarius vittatus

Say mud crab Dyspanopeus sayi

Atlantic sand crab Emerita talpoida 

Flat Mud Crab Eurypanopeus depressus

Broadback Mud Crab Eurytium limosum

Brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus 

Pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum

Scuds Gammarus spp.

Calico Crab Hepatus epheliticus

Smooth Mud Crab Hexapanopeus augustifrons

Veined Shrimp Hippolysmata wurdemanni

Duck Barnacle Lepas anatifera

Portly Spider Crab Libinia emarginata

Wharf Roach Ligia exotica

White shrimp Penaeus setiferus 

Lucifer faxoni

Cinnamon river shrimp Macrobrachium acanthurus

Stone Crab Menippe spp.

Florida Stone crab Menippe mercenaria

Gulf Stone Crab Menippe adina

Neopanope texana sayi 

Ghost crab Ocypode quadrata 

Mottled Shore Crab Pachygrapsus transversus

Banded Hermit Crab Pagurus annulipes

Long clawed hermit crab Pagurus longicarpus 

Flat-Clawed Hermit Crab Pagurus pollicaris

Hermit crab Pagurus spp.

Daggerblade Grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio 

Panaeid shrimp Panaeus spp. 

Common Mud Crab Panopeus herbstii

Furrowed Mud Crab Panopeus occidentalis

Green Porchelain Crab Petrolisthes armatus

Sea Spider Phoxichilidium femoratum
121

Common Name Scientific Name

Tube Pea Crab Pinnixa chaetopterana

Pea crab Pinnixa retinens 

Mussel Crab Pinnotheres maculatus

Oyster Crab Pinnotheres ostreum

Tidal Spray Crab Plagusia depressa

Eastern Tube Crab Polyonyx gibbesi

Iridescent Swimming Crab Portunus gibbesii 

Sargassum Crab Portunus sayi

Blotched Swimming Crab Portunus spinimanus

Crayish Procambarus spp.

Estuarine Mud Crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii

Wharf Crab Sesarma cinereum

Purple Marsh Crab Sesarma reticulatum

Beach fleas Talorchestia spp.

Arrow Shrimp Tozeuma carolinense

Mussel Pea Crab Tumidotheres maculatus

Red-Jointed Fiddler Uca minax

Sand fiddler crab Uca pugilator 

Atlantic Marsh Fiddler Uca pugnax

Coastal Mud Shrimp Upogebia affinis

Oyster Pea Crab Zaops ostreum

Class Insecta (insects)

Green stink bug Acrosternum hilare 

Luna moth Actias luna 

Eastern salt marsh mosquito Aedes sollicitans 

Salt marsh mosquitos Aedes taeniorhynchus 

Virescent green metallic bee Agapostemon virescens 

Gulf fritillary Agraulis vanillae 

Pink spotted hawk moth Agrius cingulata 

Eastern eyed click beetle Alaus oculatus 

White Peacock Anartia jatrophae 

Common green darner Anax junius 

Comet darner Anax longipes 

Mosquito Anopheles 

Polyphemus moth Antheraea polyphemus 

Honeybee Apis mellifera 

Gray green clubtail Arigomphus pallidus 

Great southern white Ascia monuste 

Io moth Automeris io

Pipevine swallowtail Battus philenor 

Love bug Bibio 

Bumblebee Bombus pensylvanicus 

Four spotted pennant Brachymesia gravida 
122

Common Name Scientific Name

Fiery searcher Calosoma scrutator 

Black carpenter ant Camponotus pennsylvanicus 

Halloween pennant Celithemis eponina 

Double ringed pennant Celithemis verna 

Deerflies Chrysops 

Mosquito Coquillettidia 

Goldsmith beetle Cotalpa lanigera 

Sand flies Culicoides 

Monarch Danaus plexippus 

Virginia creeper sphinx Darapsa myron 

Cow killer Dasymutilla occidentalis

Northern walking stick Diapheromera femorata 

Rosy maple moth Dryocampa rubicunda 

E. pond hawk Erythemis simplicicollis 

Blue dragonlet Erythrodiplax connata

Little sulphur Eurema lisa 

Chigger Futrombicula spp.

Field cricket Gryllus pennsylvanicus

Small whirligig beetle Gyrinus spp.

Ceraunus blue Hemiargus ceraunus 

Riparian earwig Labidura riparia 

Silverfish Lepisma saccharina 

Giant waterbug Lethocerus americanus 

Marl pennant Macrodiplax balteata 

Tent caterpillar moth Malacosoma americanum 

Freshwater mosquitos Mansonia spp.

American carrion beetle Necrophila americana 

Northern mole cricket Neocurtilla hexadactyla

Roseate skimmer Orthemis ferruginea 

Blue dasher Pachydiplax longipennis 

Wandering glider Pantala flavescens 

Giant swallowtail Papilio cresphontes 

E. Tiger swallowtail Papilio glaucus 

Palamedes swallowtail Papilio palamedes 

American cockroach Periplaneta americana 

Scarab beetle Phanaeus vindex 

Cloudless sulphur Phoebis sennae 

Phaon crescent Phyciodes phaon

Paper wasp Polistes spp.

Giant root borer Prionus spp.

Flood-water Mosquito Psorophora spp. 

Black ground beetle Pterostichus spp.

Brown water scorpion Ranatra fusca 
123

Common Name Scientific Name

Termite Reticulitermes flavipes 

Termites Reticultermes flavipes

SE. Lubber grasshopper Romalea microptera 

Black/yellow mud dauber Sceliphron caementarium 

Fire ant Solenopsis wagneri

Oleander moth Syntomeida epilais 

Horseflies Tabanus spp.

Violet masked glider Tramea carolina 

Common buckey Unonia coenia

Long tailed skipper Urbanus proteus 

Bella moth Utetheisa ornatrix bella 

American lady Vanessa virginiensis 

Yellowjacket Vespula spp.

Carpenter bee Xylocopa virginica 

Tersa moth Xylophanes tersa 

Class Merostomata

Horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus 

Mantis shrimp Squilla empusa 

Class Gastropoda (snails)

Sea Hare Aplysia braziliana

Striped Sea Slug Armina tigrina

False Cerith Batillaria minima

Variable Bittium Bittium varium

West Indian Bubble Bulla occidentalis

Ragged Sea Hare Bursatella leachi

Knobbed Whelk Busycon carica

Lightning Whelk Busycon sinistrum 

Sculptured Top-Shell Calliostoma euglyptum

Tinted Cantharus Cantharus tinctus

Ladder Horn Shell Cerithdea scalariformis

Miniature Cerith Cerithiopsis greeni

Florida Cerith Cerithium floridanum

Spiny Slipper Shell Crepidula aculeata

Atlantic Slipper Shell Crepidula fornicata

Eastern White Slipper Shell Crepidula plana

Giant Atlantic Cockle Dinocardium robustum

Keyhold Limpet Diodora cayenensis

Angulate Wentletrap Epitonium angulatum

Banded Tulip Fasciolaria hunteria

True Tulip Fasciolaria tulipa

Mortons Egg Cockle Laevicardium mortoni

Marsh periwinkle Littorina irrorata 

Zebra Periwinkle Littorina ziczac
124

Common Name Scientific Name

Common Marsh Snail Melampus bidentatus

Saltmarsh snail Melampus coffeus

Crown Conch Melongena corona

Atlantic Modulus Modulus modulus

Mud snail Nassarius obsoletus 

Eastern Nassa Nassarius vibex

Olive Nerite Neritina reclivata

Virgin Nerite Neritina virginea

Impressed Odostome Odostomia impressa

Olive Shell Oliva sayana

Variable Dwarf Olive Olivella mutica

Horse Conch Pleuroploca gigantea

Shark Eye Polinices duplicatus

Miniature Cerith Seila adamsi

False Limpet Siphonaria pectinata

Terrestrial gastrpod Succinea campestris 

Florida Rock Shell Thais haemastoma floridana

Black-Lined Trifora Triphora nigrocincta

Chestnut Turban Turbo castaneus

Atlantic Oyster Drill Urosalpinx cinerea

Class Polyplacophora (chitons)

Eastern Chiton Chaetopleura apiculata

Class Bivalvia (clams, mussels, oysters)

Common Atlantic Abra Abra aequelis

Paper Mussel Amygdalum papyria

Greedy Dove-Shell Anachis avara

Fat Dove-Shell Anachis obesa

Transverse Ark Anadara transversa

Jingle Shell Anomia simplex

Zebra Turkey Wing Arca zebra

Sawtooth Pen Clam Atrina serrata

Angel Wing Barnea costata

Scorched Mussel Brachidontes exustus

Hooked Mussel Brachidontes recurvus

Cross-Barred Venus Chione cancellata

Conrad's False Mussel Congeria leucophaeata

Contracted Corbula Corbula contracta

Eastern Oyster Crassostrea virginica 

Angelwing Clam Cyrtopleura costata 

Coquina clam Donax variabilis 

Disk Dosinia Dosinia discus 

Jackknife Clam Ensis minor

Razor clams Ensis spp.
125

Common Name Scientific Name

Comb Bittersweet Glycymeris pectinata

Marsh Mussel Guekensia demissa

Ribbed mussel Ischadium demissum

Mahogany Date Mussel Lithophaga bisulcata

Calico clam Macrocallista maculata

Wedge-Shaped Martesia Martesia cuneiformis

Southern Quahog Mercenaria campechiensis

Quahog Mercenaria mercenaria 

Lunar Dove-Shell Mitrella lunata

Dwarf Surf Clam Mulinia lateralis

Pondersous Ark Noetia ponderosa

Crested Oyster Ostrea equestris

Carolina Marsh Clam Polymesoda caroliniana

Florida Marsh Clam Pseudocyrena floridana

Common Rangia Rangia cuneata

Purplish Tagelus Tagelus divisus

Stout Tagelus Tagelus plebius

Rose Petal Tellin Tellina lineata

Class Cephalopoda (squids and octopus)

Squid Loligunculus brevis

Atlantic Octopus Octopus vulgaris

Phylum Bryozoa (Ectoprocta, moss animals)

Zoobotryon verticillatum

Rubber bryozoan Alcyonidium hauffi 

Anguinella palmata

Bugula neritina 

Common sea mat Membranipora tenuis 

Schizoporella errata 

Phylum Echinodermata

Common Starfish Asterias forbesi

Margined Sea Star Astropecten articulatus

Lines Sea Star Luidea clathrata

Class Echnioidea (sea urchins)

Purple Spined Sea Urchin Arbacea punctulata

Variable Urchin Lytechinus variegatus

Sand Dollar Mellita quinquesperforata

Class Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers)

Common Thyone Thyone briatus

Class Ophiuroidea (brittle stars)

Angular brittle star Ophiothrix angulata

Phylum Hemichordata (acorn worms)

Southern acorn worm Ptychodera bahamensis

Phylum Chordata (vertebrates and 
126

Common Name Scientific Name

relatives)

Class Ascidiacea (sea squirts)

Didemnum candidum

Mangrove Tunicate Ecteinascidia turbinata

Common sea grape Molgula manhattensis

Pleated sea squirt Styela plicata

Sea pork Amaroucium stellatum

Class Cephalochordata (lancelets)

Caribean Lacelet Branchiostoma caribaeum

Sub-phylum Vertebrate (vertebrates)

Class Agnatha (jawless fishes)

Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus

Class Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes)

Shortnose Sturgeon Acipenser brevirostrum

Gulf Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi

Spinner shark Carcharhinus brevipinna 

Bull shark Carcharhinus leucas

Blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus 

Sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus

Southern Sting Ray Dasyatis americana

Atlantic stingray Dasyatis sabina 

Smooth butterfly ray Gymnura micrura 

Lemon Shark Negaprion brevirostris

Sand Shark Odontaspis taurus

Clearnose Skate Raja eglanteria

Atlantic Guitarfish Rhinobatos lentiginosus 

Cownose ray Rhinoptera bonasus 

Hammerhead sharks Shyrna spp.

Scalloped Hammerhead Sphyrna lewini

Great Hammerhead Sphyrna mokarran

Bonnethead Sphyrna tiburo 

Super-class Osteichthyes (bony fishes)

Seargeant major Abudefduf saxatilis 

Cowfish Acanthostracion quadricornis

Lined sole Achirus lineatus 

Bonefish Albula vulpes 

Hickory shad Alosa mediocris

Filefish Aluterus spp. 

Yellow bullhead Ameiurus natalis 

Bowfin Amia calva

Striped anchovy Anchoa hepsetus 

Bay anchovy Anchoa mitchilli 

Anchovy Anchoa spp.
127

Common Name Scientific Name

Oscillated flounder Ancylopsetta quadrocellata 

American Eel Anguilla rostrata 

Sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus 

Sea catfish Ariopsis felis 

S. stargazer Astroscopus y-graecum 

Gafftopsail catfish Bagre marinus 

Silver perch Bairdiella chrysoura 

Triggerfish Balistes spp.

Frillfin goby Bathygobius soporator 

Atlantic menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus 

Yellow jack Carangoides bartholomaei 

Crevalle jack Caranx hippos 

Horse-eye jack Caranx latus 

Snook Centropomus undecimalis 

Rock sea bass Centropristis philadelphica 

Black sea bass Centropristis striata 

Atlantic spadefish Chaetodipterus faber 

Striped blenny Chasmodes bosquianus 

Florida blenny Chasmodes saburrae 

Atlantic bumper Chloroscombrus chrysurus 

Striped Burrfish Cilomycterus schoepfi 

Spotted whiff Citharichthys macrops 

Bay whiff Citharichthys spilopterus 

Common Dolphin Coryphaena hippurus

Spotted sea trout Cynoscion nebulosus 

Atlantic weakfish Cynoscion regalis 

Sheepshead minnow Cyprinodon variegatus 

Irish pompano Diapterus auratus 

Striped mojarra Diapterus plumieri 

Balloon fish Diodon holocanthus 

Dwarf sand perch Diplectrum bivittatum 

Sand perch Diplectrum formosum 

Silver porgy Diplodus argenteus 

Spottail pinfish Diplodus holbrooki 

Gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum

Threadfin shad Dorosoma petenense

Sharksucker Echeneis naucrates 

Ladyfish Elops saurus 

Nassau Grouper Ephinephelus striatus

Goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara 

Groupers Epinephelus spp.

Lake chubsucker Erimyzon sucetta

Fringed flounder Etropus crossotus 
128

Common Name Scientific Name

Silver jenny Eucinostomus gula 

Tidewater mojarra Eucinostomus harengulus 

Slender mojarra Eucinostomus jonesi 

Spotfin mojarra Eugerres plumieri

Flying halfbeak Euleptorhamphus velox 

Little tunny Euthynnus alleteratus

Golden topminnow Fundulus chrysotus 

Marsh killifish Fundulus confluentus 

Gulf killifish Fundulus grandis 

Mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus 

Striped/longnose killifish Fundulus majalis 

Tiger shark Galeocerdo cuviera

Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis

Eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki 

Yellowfin Mojarra Gerre cinereus

Skilletfish Gobiesox strumosus 

Violet goby Gobioides broussonetii 

Darter goby Gobionellus boleosoma 

Highfin goby Gobionellus oceanicus 

Freshwater goby Gobionellus shufeldti 

Emerald goby Gobionellus smaragdus 

Marked goby Gobionellus stigmaticus 

Naked goby Gobiosoma bosc 

Twoscale goby Gobiosoma longipala 

Code goby Gobiosoma robustum

Grunts Haemulon spp.

Scaled sardine Harengula jaguana 

Least killifish Heterandria formosa 

Lined seahorse Hippocampus erectus 

Barred blenny Hypleurochilus bermudensis 

American halfbeak Hyporhamphus meeki 

Feather blenny Hypsoblennius hentz 

Brown bullhead Ictalurus nebulosus

FL. Flagfish Jordanella floridae 

Hairy blenny Labrisomus nuchipinnis 

Trunkfish Lactophrys trigonus 

Pinfish Lagodon rhomboides 

Warmouth Lapomis gulosus

Banded drum Larimus fasciatus 

Spot Leiostomus xanthurus 

Longnose gar Lepisosteus osseus 

Redbreasted sunfish Lepomis auritus

Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus
129

Common Name Scientific Name

Redear sunfish Lepomis microlophus

Stumpknocker Lepomis punctatus

Tripletail Lobotes surinamensis 

Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus

Gray snapper Lutjanus griseus 

Lane snapper Lutjanus synagris 

Atlantic Manta Manta birostris

Tarpon Megalops atlanticus 

Rough silvereside Membras martinica 

Tidewater Silverside Menidia beryllina

Atlantic silverside Menidia menidia 

Silverside Menidia spp.

Whiting Menticirrhus americanus 

Gulf kingfish Menticirrhus littoralis 

Northern kingfish Menticirrhus saxatilis 

Clown goby Microgobius gulosus 

Green goby Microgobius thalassinus 

Opposum pipefish Microphis brachyurus 

Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulatus 

Largemouth bass Micropterus floridanus

Filefish Monacanthus spp.

Striped mullet Mugil cephalus 

White mullet Mugil curema 

Gag Myctoperca microlepis

Speckled worm eel Myrophis punctatus 

Golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucus

Polka-dot batfish Ogcocephalus cubifrons 

Leatherjack Oligoplites saurus 

Shrimp eel Ophichthus gomesi 

Cusk-eel Ophidion spp.

Atlantic thread herring Opisthonema oglinum 

Oyster toadfish Opsanus tau 

Pigfish Orthopristis chrysoptera 

Gulf flounder Paralichthys albigutta 

Summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus 

S. flounder Paralichthys lethostigma 

Broad flounder Paralichthys squamilentus 

Harvest fish Peprilus paru 

Sailfin molly Poecilia latipinna 

Mollies Poecilia spp.

Blackdrum Pogonias cromis 

Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix 

Northern searobin Prionotus carolinus 
130

Common Name Scientific Name

Striped searobin Prionotus evolans 

Blackfin searobin Prionotus rubio 

Leopard searobin Prionotus scitulus 

Bighead searobin Prionotus tribulus 

Short bigeye Pristigenys alta 

Cobia Rachycentron canadum

Remora Remora remora

Bonito Sarda sarda

Spanish sardine Sardinella aurita 

Red drum Sciaenops ocellatus 

King Mackeral Scomberomorus cavalla

Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus maculatus

Barbfish Scorpaena brasiliensis 

Spotted scorpionfish Scorpaena plumieri 

Bigeye scad Selar crumenophthalmus 

Atlantic moonfish Selene setapinnis 

Lookdown Selene vomer 

Amberjack Seriola dumerili

Florida Puffer Sphoerodies nephelus

Northernpuffer Sphoeroides maculatus 

Southern puffer Sphoeroides nephelus 

Checkered puffer Sphoeroides testudineus 

Great barracuda Sphyraena barracuda 

Guaguanche Sphyraena guachancho 

Star drum Stellifer lanceolatus 

Planehead filefish Stephanolepis hispida 

Atlantic needlefish Strongylura marina 

Redfin needlefish Strongylura notata 

Blackcheek tonguefish Symphurus plagiusa 

Dusky pipefish Syngnathus floridae 

N. pipefish Syngnathus fuscus 

Chain pipefish Syngnathus louisianae 

Gulf pipefish Syngnathus scovelli 

Inshore lizardfish Synodus foetens 

Pompano Trachinotus carolinus 

Permit Trachinotus falcatus 

Rough scad Trachurus lathami 

Atlantic cutlassfish Trichiurus lepturus 

Hogchoker Trinectes maculatus 

Southern hake Urophycis floridana 

Class Amphibia (frogs and salamanders)

Florida Cricket frog Acris gryllus dorsalis 

Mole salamander Ambystoma talpoideum 
131

Common Name Scientific Name

Oak toad Bufo quercicus 

Southern Toad Bufo terrestris 

Greenhouse frog Eleutherodactylus planirostris 

Dwarf salamander Eurycea quadradigitata

Narrow-mouthed toad Gastrophryne carolinensis 

Green tree frog Hyla cinerea 

Pine woods tree frog Hyla femoralis 

Barking treefrog Hyla gratiosa

Squirrel tree frog Hyla squirella 

Striped newt Notophthalmus perstriatus 

Cuban tree frog Osteopilus septentrionalis 

Spring peeper Pseudacris crucifer 

Florida Chorus frog Pseudacris nigrita verrucosa 

Little grass frog Pseudacris ocularis 

Gopher Frog Rana capito

Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana 

Pig frog Rana grylio 

Florida leopard frog Rana sphenocephala 

Eastern spadefoot Scaphiopus holbrookii 

Class Reptilia (reptiles)

Florida cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti 

American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis 

Green anole Anolis carolinensis 

Brown anole Anolis sagrei 

Florida Softshell Turtle Apalone ferox 

Six-lined racerunner Aspidoscelis sexlineatus 

Loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta 

Florida scarlet snake Cemophora coccinea 

Green sea turtle Chelonia mydas 

Florida Snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina osceola 

Florida cooter Chrysemys floridana

Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata

Black racer Coluber constrictor priapus 

Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus 

Chicken turtle Deirochelys reticularia 

Leatherback sea turtle Dermochelys coriacea 

Southern Ringneck snake Diadophis punctatus punctatus 

Eastern Indigo snake Drymarchon corais couperi 

Red rat snake Elaphe guttata

SE five-lined skink Eumeces inexpectatus 

Broad-headed skink Eumeces laticeps 

Eastern Mud snake Farancia abacura abacura 

Gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus 
132

Common Name Scientific Name

Florida red bellied turtle Grysemys nelsoni

Mediteranian gecko Hemidactylus garnotii 

Striped mud turtle Kinosternon bauri 

Florida Mud turtle Kinosternon subrubrum steindachneri 

Eastern Mud turtle Kinosternon subrubrum subrubrum 

Eastern King snake Lampropeltis getula getula 

Scarlet king snake Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides 

Kemp's Ridley Lepidochelys kempii

Diamondback terrapin Malaclemys terrapin centrata 

E. Coachwhip Masticophis flagellum flagellum 

Coral Snake Micrurus fulvius 

Fl. water snake Nerodia fasciata pictiventris 

Rough green snake Opheodrys aestivus 

E. Glass lizard Ophisaurus ventralis 

Corn snake Pantherophis guttata guttata 

Yellow rat snake Pantherophis obsoleta quadrivittata 

FL. Redbelly turtle Pseudemys nelsoni 

Peninsula cooter Pseudemys peninsularis 

Pine woods snake Rhadinaea flavilata 

Ground skink Scincella lateralis 

Greater siren Siren lacertina

Dusky pigmy rattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius barbouri 

FL. Box turtle Terrapene carolina bauri 

Peninsula ribbon snake Thamnophis sauritus nitae 

E. Garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis 

Yellow-bellied slider Trachemys scripta 

Florida softshell Apalone ferox

Class Aves (birds)

Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperii 

Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus 

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia 

Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus 

Wood Duck Aix sponsa 

Roseate Spoonbill Ajaia ajaja 

Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow Ammodramus caudacutus 

Seaside Sparrow Ammodramus maritimus 

Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow Ammodramus nelsoni 

Grasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum 

Northern Pintail Anas acuta 

American Widgeon Anas americana 

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 

Green-winged Teal Anas crecca 

Blue-winged Teal Anas discors 
133

Common Name Scientific Name

Mottled Duck Anas fulvigula 

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 

American black duck Anas ruprides

American black duck Anas ruprides

Gadwall Anas strepera 

Anhinga Anhinga anhinga 

American Pipit Anthus rubescens 

Water pipit Anthus spinoletta

Florida Scrub Jay Aphelocoma coerulescens

Fox sparrow Apsserella iliaca

Limpkin Aramus guarauna

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris 

Great Egret Ardea alba 

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias 

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis 

Redhead Aythya americana 

Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris 

Greater Scaup Aythya marila 

Canvasback Aythya valisineria 

Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor 

Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum 

American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus 

Brant Branta bernicla 

Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus 

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 

Bufflehead Bucephala albeola 

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula 

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis 

Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus 

Green Heron Butorides virescens 

Sanderling Calidris alba 

Dunlin Calidris alpina 

Red Knot Calidris canutus 

Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri 

Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla 

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla 

Chuck-will's-widow Caprimulgus carolinensis 

Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus vociferus 

Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis 

American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis 

Purple finch Carpodacus purpureus

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura 
134

Common Name Scientific Name

Veery Catharus fuscescens 

Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus 

Gray-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus 

Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus 

Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus 

Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon 

Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica 

Piping Plover Charadrius melodus 

Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus 

Killdeer Charadrius vociferus 

Wilson's Plover Charadrius wilsonia 

Snow Goose Chen caerulescens 

Black Tern Chlidonias niger 

Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus 

Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor 

Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus 

Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris 

Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis 

Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus 

Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus 

Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus 

Rock Pigeon Columbia livia 

Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina 

Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens 

Black Vulture Coragyps altratus 

American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos 

Fish Crow Corvus ossifragus 

Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata 

Tundra swan Cygnus columbianus

Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis

Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolor 

Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens 

Bay-breasted Warbler Dendroica castanea 

Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulea 

Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata 

Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor 

Yellow-throated Warbler Dendroica dominica 

Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca 

Kirtland's Warbler Dendroica kirtlandii

Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia 

Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum 

Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica 

Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia 
135

Common Name Scientific Name

Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus 

Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata 

Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina 

Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens 

Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus 

Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus 

Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis 

Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea 

Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens 

Snowy Egret Egretta thula 

Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor 

Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus 

White Ibis Eudocimus albus 

Merlin Falco columbarius 

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 

American Kestrel Falco sparverius

Magnificent Frigate bird Fregata magnificens 

American Coot Fulica americana 

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago 

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 

Common Loon Gavia immer 

Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata 

Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas 

Florida Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis pratensis

Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea 

American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus 

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus 

Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivora 

Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus 

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 

Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina 

Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula 

Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius 

Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis 

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis 

Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus 

Herring Gull Larus argentatus 

Laughing Gull Larus atricilla 

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis 

Lesser black backed gull Larus fuscus

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus 

Bonaparte's Gull Larus philadelphia 

Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus 
136

Common Name Scientific Name

Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus 

Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa 

Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus 

Wild Turkey Melagris gallopavo 

Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus 

Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus 

White-winged Scoter Melanitta fusca 

Black Scoter Melanitta nigra 

Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata 

Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana 

Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia 

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator 

Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos 

Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia 

Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater 

Northern Gannet Morus bassanus 

Wood Stork Mycteria americana 

Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus 

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea 

Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 

Yellow crowned night heron Nycticorax violaceous

Wilson's Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus 

Eastern Screech-Owl Otus asio 

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis 

Osprey Pandion haliaetus 

Northern Parula Parula americana 

House Sparrow Passer domesticus 

Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis 

Painted Bunting Passerina ciris 

Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea 

American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos 

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis 

Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus 

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus 

Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis

Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens 

Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus 

Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus 

Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea 

Summer Tanager Piranga rubra 

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis 

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 
137

Common Name Scientific Name

Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola 

Horned grebe Podiceps auritus

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena 

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps 

Carolina Chickadee Poecile carolinensis 

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea 

Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus 

Purple Gallinule Porphyrula martinica 

Sora Porzana carolina 

Purple Martin Progne subis 

Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea 

Boat-tailed Grackle Quiscalus major 

Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula 

King rail Rallus elegans

Virginia Rail Rallus limicola 

Clapper Rail Rallus longirostris 

American Avocet Recurvirostra americana 

Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula 

Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa 

Black Skimmer Rynchops niger 

Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe 

American Woodcock Scolopax minor 

Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus 

Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla 

Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis 

American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla 

Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis 

Red breasted nuthatch Sitta canadensis

Brown-headed Nuthatch Sitta pusilla 

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius 

Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina 

Field sparrow Spizella pusilla

Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis 

Least Tern Sterna antillarum 

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia 

Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii

Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri 

Common Tern Sterna hirundo 

Royal Tern Sterna maxima 

Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica 

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis 

Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto 

Barred owl Strix varia 
138

Common Name Scientific Name

Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna 

European Starling Sturnus vulgaris 

Northern rough winged swallow Telgidopteryx serripennis

Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus 

Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum 

Tree Swallow Trachycineta bicolor 

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes 

Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca 

Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria 

House Wren Troglodytes aedon 

American Robin Turdus migratorius 

Gray Kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis 

Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus 

Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis 

Barn Owl Tyto alba 

Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata 

Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera 

Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina 

Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus 

Nashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla 

Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons 

White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus 

Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus 

Blue-headed Vireo Vireo solitarius 

Hooded Warbler Wilsonia citrina 

Wilson's Warbler Wilsonia pusilla 

Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura 

White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis 

White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys 

Class Mammalia (mammals)

Right whale Balaena glacialis

Short tail shrew Blarina brevicauda

Rafinesque's Big-Eared Bat Corynorhinus rafinesquii

Nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus 

Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana 

Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis 

Southeastern pocket gopher Geomys pinetis

S. Flying squirrel Glaucomys volans 

Pygmy Sperm Whale Kogia breviceps

E. Red Bat Lasiurus borealis 

River otter Lontra canadensis 

Bobcat Lynx rufus 

Humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae 
139

Common Name Scientific Name

Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis

House mouse Mus musculus 

Florida mink Mustela vison lutensis

Florida Mink Mustela vison mink

S.E. Myotis Myotis austroriparius 

Round tailed muskrat Neofiber alleni 

Eastern woodrat Neotoma floridana 

Seminole bat Nycteris seminolis

Golden mouse Ochrotomys nuttalli 

White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus 

Marsh rice rat Oryzomys palustris 

Cotton mouse Peromyscus gossypinus gossypinus 

Anastasia Island Beach Mouse Peromyscus polionotus phasma 

Old field mouse Peromyscus polionotus polionotus 

Florida mouse Podomys floridanus 

Raccoon Procyon lotor 

Norway rat Rattus norvegicus 

Black rat Rattus rattus 

Eastern harvest mouse Reithrodontomys humulis 

Eastern mole Scalopus aquaticus 

Gray squirrel Sciurus carolinensis 

Hispid cotton rat Sigmodon hispidus 

Southeastern shrew Sorex longirostris 

Eastern spotted skunk Spilogale putorius

Feral pig Sus scrofa 

Eastern Cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus

Marsh rabbit Sylvilagus palustris 

West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus 

Bottle-nosed dolphin Tursiops truncatus 

Gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus 

Florida Black Bear Ursus americanus floridanus

Red fox Vulpes vulpes 
140

APPENDIX B. LIST OF WATER QUALITY SAMPLING STATIONS

Organization 

Name ID Latitude Longitude Station ID Station Name WBID

FDACS 21FLSEAS 30 1 19.7998 81 19 41.3998 92SEAS600 Tip of Guana River at 

dam 2320

FDACS 21FLSEAS 30 0 2.3998 81 19 34.1998 92SEAS617 Smith's lease mid-way 

up Guana River 2320

FDACS 21FLSEAS 30 0 2.3998 81 19 34.1998 92SEAS617 Smith's lease mid-way 

up Guana River 2320

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 58 41.3998 81 19 20.3999 92SEAS205 Up Sombrero Creek as 

far as possible 2470

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 57 57.6 81 19 28.7998 92SEAS021

Northernmost marker 

Lease 1088 in 

XimaniesC.

2477

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 57 31.1998 81 20 8.9999 92SEAS010 W end of basin adjacent 

to St. Aug. Airport 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 57 43.7998 81 19 43.7999 92SEAS015 ICWW CM 48 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 56 6 81 18 25.7998 92SEAS065 Creek mouth E shore 

north of ICWW CM 55 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 56 11.9998 81 18 45.5998 92SEAS081 Mouth of Robinson 

Creek 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 56 25.8 81 18 49.7999 92SEAS091 Mouth of Pancho Creek 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 56 56.9998 81 18 38.3998 92SEAS111 Fishing pier E of 

ICWW CM 52 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 57 28.8 81 18 54 92SEAS141 Creek on E shore north 

of ICWW CM 51 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 57 20.9999 81 18 50.4 92SEAS145 ICWW CM 51 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 57 31.7999 81 19 32.3998 92SEAS161 Mouth of airport canal 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 58 34.7999 81 19 54.5999 92SEAS190 Mouth of Casa Cola 

Creek 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 58 44.9998 81 19 40.1999 92SEAS200 Mouth of Sombrero 

Creek 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 58 50.9999 81 19 43.1998 92SEAS201 Midway between #200 

and Guana R. 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 58 25.7999 81 19 43.7999 92SEAS210 ICWW CM 47 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 30 3 40.2 81 21 22.2 92SEAS602 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 59 25.1999 81 19 46.7998 92SEAS606 ICWW CM 45 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 59 55.1998 81 19 55.2 92SEAS609

Mouth of creek on E 

shore N of ICWW CM 

44

2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 59 45.6 81 19 57.5998 92SEAS610 ICWW CM 44 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 30 0 5.9998 81 20 37.1998 92SEAS612 ICWW CM 38 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 30 0 46.1999 81 20 56.4 92SEAS613 Mouth of Stokes Creek 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 30 1 21 81 20 55.7999 92SEAS614 Creek E of ICWW CM 

35 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 30 1 47.3999 81 21 40.7999 92SEAS615 Spartina flats NE of 

ICWW CM 33 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 59 4.7998 81 19 37.7998 92SEAS618 Mouth of Guana River 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 30 2 13.2 81 21 54 92SEAS620 Midway between 

ICWW CMs 28 & 29 2363I
141

Organization 

Name ID Latitude Longitude Station ID Station Name WBID

FDACS 21FLSEAS 30 3 43.7998 81 22 13.1999 92SEAS621 W shore across from 

ICWW CM 24 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 30 1 50.3998 81 21 42.5999 92SEAS625 Up Capo Creek as far 

as possible 2363I

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 43 .5999 81 14 22.2 88SEAS011

Across from Fort 

Matanzas at creek 

mouth

2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 43 7.1998 81 14 15 88SEAS012 Up creek from station 

11 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 43 8.9998 81 14 46.7999 88SEAS100 CM 80A 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 46 1.7998 81 15 22.1998 88SEAS150 Marina south of SR 206 

bridge 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 45 55.8 81 15 22.1998 88SEAS155 CM 60 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 45 27 81 15 23.9998 88SEAS183 West of CM 64 lease 

55-AQ-015 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 44 16.8 81 14 57.5999 88SEAS187 Creek mouth west of 

CM 75 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 44 22.7998 81 15 10.1999 88SEAS185 Up creek west of CM 

75 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 43 35.9998 81 14 49.2 88SEAS010 Mouth of creek 

southeast of CM 79 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 43 50.9999 81 14 38.9998 88SEAS015 Up creek from station 

10 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 42 40.1998 81 14 38.4 88SEAS189 Mouth of 2nd creek 

southwest of CM 81C 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 45 10.1999 81 15 2.3998 88SEAS191 CM 70 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 42 32.9998 81 14 45.6 88SEAS174 Up creek from station 

189 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 41 48.5999 81 13 49.8 88SEAS171 Mouth of creek 

southwest of CM 83A 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 45 7.7998 81 14 58.7998 88SEAS050 South of Devils Elbow 

Fish Camp east shore 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 44 36.6 81 14 40.2 88SEAS030 Culvert south of boat 

ramp east of CM 72 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 44 34.8 81 14 43.8 88SEAS130 CM 72 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 44 13.7998 81 14 43.1999 88SEAS031 Mouth of creek east of 

CM 75 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 44 7.8 81 14 40.2 88SEAS032 Up creek from station 

31 2363F

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 52 50.9999 81 16 53.9998 92SEAS777 Southernmost dock in 

Salt Run mainland 2502A

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 52 32.3998 81 16 31.1999 92SEAS778 Salt Run between Jet 

Ski signs 2502A

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 52 12.5998 81 16 27.5999 92SEAS774 Drainage ditch at S end 

of Salt Run 2502A

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 52 57 81 16 46.7998 92SEAS773 Creek mouth E shore of 

Salt Run 2502A

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 40 6.7199 81 13 .0599 88SEAS151 ICWW CM #87 2363E

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 41 48.5999 81 13 27.5999 88SEAS061 East of Summer Haven 

at northwest turn 2363E
142

Organization 

Name ID Latitude Longitude Station ID Station Name WBID

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 42 .5998 81 13 44.9998 88SEAS055 Mouth of residential 

canal south of inlet 2363E

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 40 40.8 81 13 22.8 88SEAS101 Mouth of creek 

northwest of CM 86 2363E

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 40 32.3998 81 13 43.7999 88SEAS102 Upstream from station 

101 2363E

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 40 58.1999 81 13 9.5999 88SEAS091 Tip of small island east 

of Rattlesnake Is 2363E

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 40 33.6 81 13 14.3998 88SEAS105 ICWW @CM 86 near 

Flagler Co. line 2363E

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 41 42.5998 81 13 41.9999 88SEAS176 Culvert on west shore 

of Summer Is 2363E

FDACS 21FLSEAS 29 41 10.1998 81 13 25.7999 88SEAS081 Mouth of creek 

southwest of CM 85 2363E

FDEP 21FLA 29 59 4.8 81 19 15 27010148 ICW AT GUANA 

RIVER 2320

FDEP 21FLA 30 1 18.2 81 19 37.7 27010169

GUANA LAKE 

APPROX 50 YARDS S 

OF DAM

2320

FDEP 21FLA 29 58 45.5 81 19 3.9 27010010 SOMBRERO CR AT N 

BEND AB ICW 2470

FDEP 21FLA 29 58 41.7 81 19 22 27010054 SOMBRERO CR 50 M 

BELOW FORK 2470

FDEP 21FLA 29 57 59 81 19 24.4 27010053 XMANIES CR @ 1st 

SE BEND 2477

FDEP 21FLA 29 49 18.87 81 19 20.81 27010055 MOULTRIE CR @ US 

1

2493

FDEP 21FLA 29 50 50.7 81 21 39 27010188 MOULTRIE CREEK 

AT CR 207 2493

FDEP 21FLA 30 10 30 81 24 .5 20030445

ICW @ EAST TO 

WEST DITCH WEST 

OF ROSCOE RD

2363I

FDEP 21FLA 30 9 39.6 81 23 54.8 20030446

ICW JUST SOUTH 

PLANTATION 

CANAL PALM 

VALLEY

2363I

FDEP 21FLA 30 8 34.233 81 23 29.65 20030447

ICW WEST OF PALM 

LANE ~ 0.8MI N 

SR210

2363I

FDEP 21FLA 30 10 24.9 81 24 5.8 27010124 ICW AT WARDS 

LANDING 2363I

FDEP 21FLA 30 9 45.1 81 23 55.6 27010125

ICW JUST NORTH 

PLANTATION

CANAL PALM 

VALLEY

2363I

FDEP 21FLA 30 9 1.8 81 23 44.2 27010126 ICWW DK PAINTED 

DPC #6 2363I

FDEP 21FLA 30 8 3.4 81 23 12.9 27010127

ICWW RED 

CHANNEL MARKER 

#2

2363I
143

Organization 

Name ID Latitude Longitude Station ID Station Name WBID

FDEP 21FLA 30 7 39.9 81 22 57.1 27010128

CREEK 1/2 MILE 

FROM BRIDGE 

ICWW

2363I

FDEP 21FLA 30 6 1 81 22 2 27010145 ICWW St Johns #9 2363I

FDEP 21FLA 30 3 57 81 22 11.7 27010146

ICWW 10 MARKER 

21 TOLOMATO 

RIVER

2363I

FDEP 21FLA 30 1 58 81 21 55 27010147 ICWW St Johns #11 

MARKER 30 2363I

FDEP 21FLA 30 9 39.8 81 22 37.6 27010167

PONTE VEDRA 

LAKE AT MICKLERS 

CUTOFF

2363I

FDEP 21FLA 30 0 46 81 20 56.7 27010172 STOKES CR AT 

MOUTH 2363I

FDEP 21FLA 29 57 43.6 81 19 14.6 27010175

ICW @ UNNAMED 

CR SE OF XIMANIES 

CR

2363I

FDEP 21FLA 29 57 34.9 81 20 8.7 27010176

ST AUG AIRPORT 

BASIN @ W 

CULVERT

2363I

FDEP 21FLA 29 57 29 81 19 36 27010177 ICW @ DITCH SE OF 

AIRPORT 2363I

FDEP 21FLA 30 1 41.9 81 21 45.8 27010202 ICW AT CM 32 2363I

FDEP 21FLA 29 42 15.1 81 14 1.5 27010098 ICWW AT CHANNEL 

CUT TO MATANZAS 2363F

FDEP 21FLA 29 49 50 81 18 4 27010155

INTRACOASTAL 

WATERWAY AT 

EAST CREEK

2363G1

FDEP 21FLA 29 51 58 81 18 18 27010154

INTRACOASTAL 

WATERWAY AT STP 

II OUTFALL

2363G1

FDEP 21FLA 29 52 27 81 18 15 27010153

INTRACOASTAL 

WATERWAY AT 

OUTFALL OF STP 1

2363G1

FDEP 21FLA 29 53 8.4 81 18 18.6 27010139 MATANZAS R 1/2 MI 

S OF BRIDGE 2363G1

FDEP 21FLA 29 51 26.8 81 18 40 27010140

MATANZAS R BY 

CHANNEL MARKER 

NO

2363G1

FDEP 21FLA 29 51 58.8 81 18 32.3 27010200 ICW 100 FT. SOUTH 

OF SR 312 2363G1

FDEP 21FLA 29 51 10.1 81 18 12.1 27010158 ICW AT ASD WWTP 

POD 2363G1

FDEP 21FLA 29 50 48.8 81 17 59.6 27010157 ICW AT CM 21 2363G1

FDEP 21FLA 29 52 33.3 81 18 30 27010162 ST AUGUSTINE 

WWTP #1 EFF. 2363G1

FDEP 21FLA 29 51 25.9 81 18 44.2 27010201 ICW AT CM 17 2363G1

FDEP 21FLA 29 52 46.4 81 18 11.6 27010161 ICW AT CM 12 2363G1

FDEP 21FLA 29 52 4.2 81 18 23.5 27010160 ICW 50 FEET NORTH 

OF SR 312 2363G1
144

Organization 

Name ID Latitude Longitude Station ID Station Name WBID

FDEP 21FLA 29 51 11.2 81 18 24.3 27010159 ICW AT CM 18 2363G1

FDEP 21FLA 29 51 21.7 81 17 29.6 27010164

ANASTASIA 

SANITARY 

DISTRICT WWTP 

EFF

2363G1

FDEP 21FLA 29 52 49.8 81 16 48.6 27010137

SALT RUN 

OFFSHORE FROM 

ANASTASIA

2502A

FDEP 21FLA 30 4 4.4 81 23 18.1 27010190

DEEP CREEK AT 

TRAIL (WOODEN) 

BRIDGE

2406

FDEP 21FLA 30 3 26.7 81 22 47.9 27010166 DEEP CR AT 

SWEETWATER CR 2406

FDEP 21FLA 29 39 36.4 81 13 .2 27011115 MARINELAND R/O 

WATER PLANT EFF 2363E

FDEP 21FLA 29 39 32.2 81 13 2.6 27010143 ICW S OF 

MARINELAND 2363E

FDEP 21FLA 29 39 40.6 81 13 2.9 27010142

ICW N OF 

MARINELAND 2363E

FDEP 21FLA 29 39 12 81 13 5 27010100 ICWW MARKER 94 

AT PELLICER CR CO 2363E

FDEP 21FLA 29 40 7 81 13 2 27010099 ICWW MARKER 87 

AT MARINELAND 2363E

FDEP 21FLGW 29 53 18.474 81 22 14.886 14799 SJB-SL-1003 

WILSONS PIT 2493

FDEP 21FLGW 29 50 49.937 81 21 38.914 21201 MTC 2493

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 58 25.02 81 19 44.28 ST.-STJ1-417 St. Johns-STJ1-417 2363I

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 58 25.68 81 19 43.32 ST.-STJ1-428 St. Johns-STJ1-428 2363I

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 58 26.7 81 19 46.02 ST.-STJ1-445 St. Johns-STJ1-445 2363I

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 56 54.54 81 18 45.9 ST.-STJ2-909 St. Johns-STJ2-909 2363I

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 56 54.6 81 18 45.24 ST.-STJ2-910 St. Johns-STJ2-910 2363I

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 56 55.02 81 18 46.74 ST.-STJ2-917 St. Johns-STJ2-917 2363I

FDEP

21FLKWA

T

29 55 16.5 81 18 9.42 ST.-STJ3-275 St. Johns-STJ3-275 2363I

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 55 17.7 81 18 8.88 ST.-STJ3-295 St. Johns-STJ3-295 2363I

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 55 18.42 81 18 8.94 ST.-STJ3-307 St. Johns-STJ3-307 2363I

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 42 37.62 81 14 32.28 ST.-STJ14-627 St. Johns-STJ14-627 2363F

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 42 37.32 81 14 32.34 ST.-STJ14-622 St. Johns-STJ14-622 2363F

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 44 5.34 81 14 49.5 ST.-STJ13-089 St. Johns-STJ13-089 2363F
145

Organization 

Name ID Latitude Longitude Station ID Station Name WBID

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 42 39.3 81 14 33.6 ST.-STJ14-655 St. Johns-STJ14-655 2363F

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 44 5.28 81 14 48.6 ST.-STJ13-088 St. Johns-STJ13-088 2363F

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 44 4.56 81 14 49.5 ST.-STJ13-076 St. Johns-STJ13-076 2363F

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 50 20.64 81 18 3.12 ST.-STJ6-344 St. Johns-STJ6-344 2363G1

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 50 19.14 81 18 5.46 ST.-STJ6-319 St. Johns-STJ6-319 2363G1

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 50 18.9 81 18 5.04 ST.-STJ6-315 St. Johns-STJ6-315 2363G1

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 51 59.1 81 18 24.48 ST.-STJ5-985 St. Johns-STJ5-985 2363G1

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 51 57.9 81 18 24.3 ST.-STJ5-965 St. Johns-STJ5-965 2363G1

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 51 56.52 81 18 24.72 ST.-STJ5-942 St. Johns-STJ5-942 2363G1

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 41 4.08 81 13 22.98 ST.-STJ15-068 St. Johns-STJ15-068 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 41 43.62 81 13 27.3 ST.-STJ15-727 St. Johns-STJ15-727 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 37 24.7 81 12 12.7 FLA-AVALON-3 Flagler-Avalon-3 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 37 24.7 81 12 12.7 FLA-AVALON-2 Flagler-Avalon-2 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 37 28.9 81 11 45.2 FLA-SEAVISTA1Flagler-Sea Vista-1 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 37 26 81 11 47.88 FLA-MEDFORD2Flagler-Medford-2 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 37 26 81 11 47.88 FLA-MEDFORD1Flagler-Medford-1 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 37 24.7 81 12 12.7 FLA-AVALON-1 Flagler-Avalon-1 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 38 54.4 81 12 19.6 FLA-LAKESIDE3Flagler-Lakeside-3 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 39 2.7 81 12 30.6 FLA-LAKESIDE2Flagler-Lakeside-2 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 39 8.4 81 12 29.1 FLA-LAKESIDE1Flagler-Lakeside-1 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 37 49.68 81 12 39 FLA-FLG2-828 Flagler-FLG2-828 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 39 16.62 81 13 9 FLA-FLG1-277 Flagler-FLG1-277 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 39 16.56 81 13 5.22 FLA-FLG1-276 Flagler-FLG1-276 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 39 15.48 81 13 6 FLA-FLG1-258 Flagler-FLG1-258 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 37 28.9 81 11 45.2 FLA-SEAVISTA2Flagler-Sea Vista-2 2363E
146

Organization 

Name ID Latitude Longitude Station ID Station Name WBID

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 37 31.44 81 11 42.9 FLANANTUCKET-3Flagler-Nantucket-3 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 37 31.44 81 11 42.9 FLANANTUCKET-2Flagler-Nantucket-2 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 37 31.44 81 11 42.9 FLANANTUCKET-1Flagler-Nantucket-1 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 37 50.58 81 12 41.16 FLA-FLG2-843 Flagler-FLG2-843 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 37 50.4 81 12 40.44 FLA-FLG2-840 Flagler-FLG2-840 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 38 17.04 81 12 58.86 FLA-FLG5-284 Flagler-FLG5-284 2363E

FDEP 21FLKWA

T

29 41 6.06 81 13 22.68 ST.-STJ15-101 St. Johns-STJ15-101 2363E

FDOH 21FLDOH 29 51 56.8742 81 16 10.4786 St Johns244 FL300583 2502A

FMRI 21FLFMRI 30 5 24 81 21 36 HAL200101 Halifax - Tolomato 

River 2363I

FMRI 21FLFMRI 29 59 24 81 19 48 HAL200102 Halifax - Tolomato 

River 2363I

FMRI 21FLFMRI 29 57 0 81 18 36 HAL200103 Halifax - Tolomato 

River 2363I

FMRI 21FLFMRI 30 7 12 81 22 12 HAL200128 Halifax - SE Side CR 

210 2363I

FMRI 21FLFMRI 29 43 48 81 14 24 HAL200106 Halifax - Intracoastal 

Waterway 2363F

FMRI 21FLFMRI 29 52 48 81 16 48 HAL200104 Halifax - Salt Run 2502A

GTMNERR 21FLGTM 30 3 3 81 22 3 GTMPINUT Pine Island Channel 

Marker 25 2363I

GTMNERR 21FLGTM 29 44 13.2 81 14 45.6 GTMFMNUT Matanzas River 

Channel Marker 75 2363F

GTMNERR 21FLGTM 29 52 6 81 18 16.8 GTMSSNUT

San Sebastian & 

Matanzas River 

confluence Channel 

Marker 1

2363G1

GTMNERR 21FLGTM 29 40 9 81 15 22.2 GTMPCNUT Pellicer Creek 2580A

SJRWMD 21FLSJWM 30 1 15.17 81 19 38.19 GAR

GUANA RIVER 100 

meters south of the 

Dam

2320

*SJRWMD 21FLSJWM 29 49 40 81 18 46 MCICW MOULTRIE CREEK 

OFF ICWW 2493

*SJRWMD 21FLSJWM 29 50 49.94 81 21 38.91 MTC Moultrie Creek @ SR 

207 2493

SJRWMD 21FLSJWM 29 53 18.474 81 22 14.886 SJB-SL-1003 WILSONS PIT 2493

SJRWMD 21FLSJWM 29 59 5 81 19 42 JXTR17

Confluence of 

Tolomato and Guana 

Rivers - ICWW

2363I

SJRWMD 21FLSJWM 30 5 25 81 22 15 SMITHSCR Smith's Creek 2363I

*SJRWMD 21FLSJWM 30 3 43.86 81 22 9.03 TOL

TOLOMATO R 1 MI 

N DEEP CR @ 

SPANISH LNDG

2363I
147

Organization 

Name ID Latitude Longitude Station ID Station Name WBID

*SJRWMD 21FLSJWM 29 51 58.28 81 18 21.27 MR312 MATANZAS RIVER 

AT CR 312 2363G1

*SJRWMD 21FLSJWM 29 39 53 81 13 5 MRT Confluence of Pellicer 

Creek and ICWW 2363E

*Primary SJRWMD Stations
148

APPENDIX C. BIOLOGICAL AND WATER QUALITY DATA AND 

SAMPLES AVAILABLE FOR THE GTMNERR, FROM THE 

UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (Revised April 17, 2008)

Contact Person: Nikki Dix, graduate student

 7922 N.W. 71st Street

 Dept. Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences

 University of Florida

 Gainesville, Florida 32653

 Phone: 352-392-9617 Ext. 248

 E-mail: dixnikki@hotmail.com

1) Monthly grab sampling

Monthly grab samples were collected at four stations within the Reserve. These samples were 

taken at the four principal datasonde stations (Pine Island, San Sebastian, Fort Matanzas and 

Pellicer Creek). Samples were analyzed for nutrient and chlorophyll a concentrations as well as 

water clarity characteristics. In addition, aliquots of the monthly grab samples were separately 

preserved for plankton analyses. See Reserve nutrient metadata report for details.

2) Diel sampling 

Diel sampling was carried out at the Pellicer Creek site generally during the same time periods as 

the monthly grab samples. All water samples were collected automatically at 2.5 hour intervals 

for a 25 hour (lunar day) period using an ISCO sampler. Samples were processed for nutrients, 

chlorophyll, and water clarity in the same manner as described for the grab samples.

In addition to monthly diel sampling at Pellicer Creek, ISCO samplers were set up on docks at 

other locations throughout theReserve. 

Dates Station Locations

8/23-8/24/2005 St. Augustine Inlet - private dock

8/23-8/24/2005 Matanzas Inlet - fort dock

9/13-9/14/2005 San Sebastian River - St. Augustine Marine dock

10/4-10/5/2005 Matanzas River - private dock

12/7-12/8/2005 Matanzas Inlet - fort dock

2/13-2/14/2006 St. Augustine Inlet - private dock

2/13-2/14/2006 San Sebastian River - St. Augustine Marine dock 

4/23-4/24/2007 Matanzas River - private dock

4/23-4/24/2007

10/4-10/5/2007

10/4-10/5/2007

San Sebastian River - St. Augustine Marine dock

Matanzas River - private dock

San Sebastian River - St. Augustine Marine dock

3) Spatial nutrient sampling 

Grab samples were collected at 41 stations within the GTM near the San Sebastian and Fort 

Matanzas water quality stations. Samples were analyzed for total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and 

turbidity. In the field, temperature, salinity, and dissolved oxygen were measured at the bottom, 

middle, and surface of the water column. Spatial nutrient surveys will be continued 
149

approximately every four months through 2008.

Dates Station Locations

2/22/2007, 6/28/2007, 

10/4/2007

Matanzas region, south of 206 bridge to 

Summerhaven (20 stations)

2/23/2007, 6/29/2007, 

10/5/2007

San Sebastian region, south of Bridge of Lions, 

up San Sebastian River, and south to Moultrie 

and East Creeks (21 stations)

4) Periphyton sampling 

Periphyton collection trays were tied to docks and channel markers throughout the GTM and left 

to float just under the surface of the water for various time periods corresponding to diel water 

quality sampling events. Samples were processed for chlorophyll a and biomass (i.e., dry weight 

and ash-free dry weight).

Dates Station Locations

8/22-9/1/2005 Matanzas Inlet - fort dock

10/3-10/10/2005 Matanzas River - private dock

10/3-10/10/2005 Pellicer Creek - Faver Dykes dock

11/14-11/28/2005 Pellicer Creek - Faver Dykes dock

11/22-12/20/2005 Matanzas Inlet - fort dock

2/13-3/14/2006 San Sebastian River - St. Augustine Marine dock

4/23-5/15/2007 San Sebastian River - St. Augustine Marine dock

4/23-5/4/2007

3/10-3/24/2008

Matanzas River - private dock

Matanzas River – channel marker #74

5) Infauna sampling 

Infaunal organisms were collected with petite ponar grabs at various locations near the GTM San 

Sebastian and Fort Matanzas water quality stations. Samples were sieved and sorted at the lab 

and preserved for identification. Presently, organisms in all samples from three of the five 

stations have been identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. 

Dates Station Locations

2/23/2007 29°49‟49.9”N 81°18‟0.2”W – mouth of East Creek

6/7/2007 29°44‟16.2”N 81°14‟52.9”W – west side of ICW near marker #75

6/7/2007 29°42‟39.9”N 81°13‟53.2”W – mud flat between Fort Matanzas and 

Matanzas Inlet

6/8/2007 29°52‟40.0”N 81°18‟55.7”W – San Sebastian River across from St. 

Augustine Marine

6/8/2007 29°52‟07.7”N 81°18‟29.2”W – south side of San Sebastian River near the 

mouth

6) Sediment grain size analysis 

Sediment was collected with three replicate petite ponar grabs at the infauna sampling stations. 

In the lab, sediment was sieved to determine grain size composition. 
150

7) Oyster community sampling 

Oysters were collected from 0.25-m

2

quadrats by hand at 8 reefs near the GTM San Sebastian 

and Fort Matanzas water quality stations during February 2008. Living oysters were classified 

by size to be used in density measurements. Condition indices will be measured for a subset of 

oysters from each collection quadrat. Percent cover of living oysters was also determined in the 

field at six 1.0-m

2

quadrats per transect (one transect at the highest elevation and one at the 

lowest elevation of each reef). Additional reefs will be sampled in the summer of 2008.
151

APPENDIX D. ADDITIONAL SCIENTIFIC STUDIES AND REFERENCES 

RELEVANT TO THE GTMNERR

The Board of Trustees of the Internal Improvement Trust Fund, F.S. § 253.03 (1967).

Deagan, K. 1978. Cultures in Transition: Fusion and Assimilation among the Eastern Timuca. 

Pp.89-119 In J. T. Milanich and S. Proctor, eds., Tacachale--Essays on the Indians of 

Florida and Southeast Georgia. University Presses of Florida, Gainesville.

Deagan, K. 1981. Downtown Survey: The Discovery of Sixteenth-Century St. Augustine in and 

Urban Area. American Antiquity. 46(3).

Deagan, K. 1987. Artifacts of the Spanish Colonies of Florida and the Caribbean 1500-1800, 

Vol. 1. Ceramics, Glassware and Beads. Washington, DC: Smithsonian Institution Press. 

244 pp.

Durako, M.J., M.D. Murphy, and J.D. Haddad. Assessment of fisheries habitat: Northeast 

Florida. Fla. Mar. Res. Publ. No. 45. Florida Department of Natural Resources Bureau 

Marine Science, St. Petersburg. 51pp.

Florida Coastal Engineers, Inc. 1976. St. Johns County Beach Erosion Study.

Florida Department of Natural Resources. 1985. Guana River State Land Conceptual Plan. 52 

pp.

Foster, E. R., Spurgeon, D. L., and Cheng, J. 2000. Shoreline Change Rate Estimates, St. Johns 

County, June 2000, Report No. BCS-00-03.

Goggin, J. 1952. Space and Time Perspective in Northern St. Johns Archeology, Florida. Yale 

University Publications in Anthropology, No. 47. Yale University Press, New Haven. 147 

pp.

Hann, J. 1990. Summary Guide to Spanish Florida Missions and Vistas, with Churches in the 

Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries. The Americas. 46(4). 

HDR Engineering, Inc. 2008. Hydrology Assessment of the Guana River Wildlife Management 

Area. Report prepared for the FWC. Tallhassee, FL.

Johnson, D.W. et al. (2001). Effects of Elevated Carbon Dioxide on Soils in a Florida Scrub Oak 

Ecosystem. Journal of Environmental Quality. 30:501-507.

Ross, S. T. 1983. A review of surf zone icthyofaunas in the Gulf of Mexico. U.S. Department of 

the Interior, National Park Service SE Reg. Off. Proceedings of the northern Gulf of 

Mexico Estuaries and Barrier Islands Research Conference Atlanta, GA, 25-34.

The Randall Act, Chapter 67-393 Laws of Florida (1967).