# Pinellas County Seagrass Resource

Assessment & Monitoring Program

Status Report 1998-2007

Cynthia A. Meyer and Kelli Hammer Levy

Pinellas County Department of Environmental Management

Watershed Management Division

300 South Garden Avenue

Clearwater, Florida 33756

Email: watershed@pinellascounty.org

www.pinellascounty.org/Environment/

August 2008

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# Acknowledgements

Thank you for all of your support, hard work, long days, and dedication!

Will Davis, Andy Squires, Craig Dye, Kelli Levy, Scott Deitche, Mark Flock, Eric Fehrman,

Melissa Harrison, Don Hicks, Robert McWilliams, Jim Meyer, Sue Myers, Ryan Ryczek,

Melanie Weed, Pamela Leasure, Angela Young, Nancy Page, and Phillip Hoffman.

Walt Avery, Roger Johansson, and John Pacowta from the City of Tampa Bay Study Group;

Paul Carlson and Alice Ketron, Florida Wildlife Commission;

Kris Kaufman and William Grant, Southwest Florida Water Management District

Special thanks to Dr. Bob Mulller, FWRI, for his advice and encouragement.

Melissa Harrison assisting with seagrass assessment.

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# Executive Summary

The seagrass resource provides essential functions to the marine ecosystem including

nutrient cycling, detritus production, sediment formation, and shelter to increase the

productivity of the ecosystem (Dawes et. al., 2004). In an effort to assess and monitor the

seagrass resource, Pinellas County participates in a combination of transect monitoring and

remote sensing programs. Since 1998, the Water Resources Management Section of the

Pinellas County Department of Environmental Management has conducted seagrass

resource monitoring in Boca Ciega Bay (BCB) and Clearwater Harbor and St. Joseph Sound

(CLW/STJS).

Pinellas County monitors 11 fixed transect sites in BCB in accordance with the Tampa Bay

Estuary Program Interlocal Agreement. In CLW/STJS, Pinellas County monitored 14 fixed

transect sites from 1998-2005. In 2006, Pinellas County replaced the 14 fixed transects with

a stratified random transect monitoring design. The stratified random design included 63

sites in 2006 and 65 sites in 2007. Fourteen of the stratified random transects remained

stationary and intersect at the historical monitoring transects. All of the transects were

monitored during October and November of each year after the growing season ended. In

addition to the transect monitoring program, Pinellas County participates in a cooperative

aerial seagrass mapping program managed by the Southwest Florida Water Management

District (SWFWMD). The aerial photointerpret ation mapping provides acreage estimates for

the seagrass resource bi-annually. Results of the seagrass assessment and monitoring

program activities:

General Results:

• The prominent seagrass species in the BCB and CLW/STJS consisted of Halodule wrightii,

Syringodium filiforme, and Thalassia testudinum . Various marine algae were also found

including ten attached algae and four species of Caluerpa.

• The condition of the seagrass varied from poor-v ery good with the majority of the sites rated

as fair-good.



# Fixed Transect Results:

• The seagrass abundance and density along the fixed transects remained relatively stable

along the BCB and CLW/STJS throughout the monitoring program.

• Halophila engelmanni was observed in CLW/STJS along two transects in 2001 and 2002.

• In BCB transects BCB-01 and BCB-04 the seagr ass abundance and length of bed increased,

and remained stable along the other nine transects.

• In CLW/STJS the length of bed increased at CLW-08, decreased at CLW-04, varied at CLW05, and remained stable at the other 11 transect locations.

• Some transects in BCB and CLW/STJS show ed a temporary decrease in density from 2004-

2005, most likely correlated with the hurricane events.



# Stratified Random Transect Results

• The seagrass resource in CLW/STJS remained stable and in good condition.

• Abundance and density of the seagrass showed little variation.

• The geographic extent of the seagrass resource expands beyond the aerial mapping

estimations.

• The study statistically supports the detecti on of spatial distribution and ecotone by strata,

depth zone, and species.



# Overall, the Pinellas County seagrass assessment and monitoring activities suggest that the

seagrass resource remained stable in BCB and CLW/STJS from 1998-2007. This does not

discount the indications of positive and negative variation within the resource. Further

information is necessary to determine the spatial and temporal changes in the seagrass

resource in relation to water quality, especially in the unstable areas of the resource. This

report summarizes the information from the fixed transect and stratified random transect

monitoring activities.



# i

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ii

# Table of Contents

1.0 Background 1

2.0 Introduction 2

2.1 Study Area 2

2.2 Aerial Seagrass Mapping 3

2.3 Seagrass Habitat Components 5

2.4 Project Objectives 7

3.0 Part I: Fixed Transect Monitoring 9

3.1 Methods: Fixed Transect Monitoring 9

3.2 Results: Fixed Transect Monitoring 10

3.2.1 Transect sites in Boca Ciega Bay (BCB) 13

3.2.2 Transects in Clearwater Harbor and St. Joseph Sound 59

(CLW/STJS)

3.3 Discussion: Fixed Transect Monitoring 103

4.0 Part II: Stratified Random Transect Monitoring 105

4.1 Methods: Stratified Random Transect Monitoring 105

4.2 Part II- Results: Stratified Random Transect Monitoring 107

4.2.1 Mean Abundance 107

4.2.2 Shoot Density 110

4.2.3 Blade Length 110

4.2.4 Health and Epibionts 111

4.2.5 Sediment Type and Depth 112

4.2.6 Water Quality 113

4.3 Part II- Discussion: Stratified Random Transect Monitoring 114

5.0 Conclusion and Summary 117

6.0 References 121



# Seagrass bed in St. Joseph Sound, Pinellas County, FL.

iii

# iv 

# List of Figures

Figure 1 Map of Pinellas County Seagrass Areas 3

Figure 2 Estimated SAV acreages calculated from aerial photointerpretation 4

Figure 3 Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) mapped in 2006 5

Figure 4 Prominent seagrass species in Pinellas County, FL 6

Figure 5 Marine algae found in Clearwater Harbor and St. Joseph Sound, FL 6

Figure 6 Common epiphytes/epifauna found on seagrass in Pinellas County, FL 7

Figure 7 Boca Ciega Bay fixed transect locations 1998-2007 13

Figure 8 Clearwater fixed transect locations 1998-2005 59

Figure 9 Map of seagrass strata. 105

Figure 10 Spatial representation of the SAV species mean abundance 108

Figure 11 Mean abundance of marine algae and the presence of scallops 109

Figure 12 Mean shoot density (shoots per m2) by species and year 110

Figure 13 Mean blade length for seagrass species 111

Figure 14 Spatial representation of SAV Health, Epibionts, Sediment type, and Depth 112

Figure 15 Mean water quality data collected during seagrass monitoring 113

Figure 16 Combination of field survey data and aerial SAV map 115

Figure 17 Seagrass data collected by the WQMP in 2006 and 2007 116

Figure 18 Creation of a boat propeller scar through the seagrass monitoring transect 117

Figure 19 Seasonal Spatial Interpolation of the water quality data 2004-2006 119



# List of Tables

Table 1 SAV acreage calculated from aerial photointerpretation 4

Table 2 Change in SAV acreage calculated from aerial photointerpretation 4

Table 3 Summary of fixed transect data 1998-2007. 11



# Acronyms

BCB Boca Ciega Bay

CLW Clearwater Harbor

CLWN Clearwater Harbor North

CLWS Clearwater Harbor South

COT City of Tampa

STJS Saint Joseph Sound

SWFWMD Southwest Florida Water Management District

TBEP Tampa Bay Estuary Program

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 1



# 1.0 Background

In the early 1990s the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) addressed the importance of

monitoring trends and conditions of seagrass beds in Tampa Bay as an indicator of bay

wide health. The Technical Advisory Commi ttee of TBEP outlined an extensive bay wide

seagrass monitoring program in 1994 (Coastal Environmental, Inc., 1994.) This was

accomplished by monitoring fixed transects at various locations throughout the Tampa Bay

area. Objectives of the seagrass transect monitoring program:

• Determination of temporal and spatial seagrass species zonation, water depth, and

seagrass density along transect (Braun-Blanquet rating);

• Determination of relevant water quality and water column light attenuation data

(Avery and Johansson, 2001) at each transect; and

• Measurement of epiphyte/epifauna types and density on seagrass blades.

In 1997, the City of Tampa’s (COT) Bay Study Group set up the first transects. After

completion, COT presented preliminary results to the Tampa Bay Interagency Seagrass

Monitoring Program (Avery and Johansson, 2001). In 1998, Pinellas County began

seagrass monitoring in accordance with the TBEP Interlocal Agreement. Other members of

the Tampa Bay Seagrass Monitoring group include:

• City of Tampa Bay Study Group

• Tampa Bay Watch, Inc.

• Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission - Florida Wildlife Research

Institute

• Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County

• Manatee County Environmental Management Department

• Hillsborough County Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve

• Southwest Florida Water Management District

From 1998-2005, Pinellas County’s seagrass monitoring program had 25 transects: 11 in

Boca Ciega Bay (BCB) and 14 in Clearwater Harbor/St. Joseph Sound (CLW/STJS). The

BCB transects were surveyed as part of the Tampa Bay-wide consortium of organizations

that monitor seagrass transects in the bay to assess long-term and short-term trends in

zonation, abundance, epibiont coverage, and species composition. Due to the extensive

seagrass resource in CLW/STJS (14,700 acres), Pinellas County discontinued monitoring

the 14 fixed transects, and implemented a stra tified random monitoring program to increase

the geographic extent.



# 1

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# 2 

# 2.0 Introduction

Seagrasses are flowering plants, angiosperms, specialized for living in marine nearshore

environments (Short, 2001). Areas containing dense populations of seagrasses are considered

seagrass habitat. Ecological functions provided by seagrass habitat include structural and

physiological characteristics that support specie s living in the seagrass communities. Functions

such as nutrient cycling, detritus production, sediment formation, and shelter increase the

productivity of the ecosystem (Dawes et. al., 2004). Seagrass requires available light for

photosynthesis. Thus, good water clarity is crucial to the persistence and growth of the seagrass

beds. Disturbances in water quality such as nitrification, sediment re-suspension, and illicit

discharges can negatively affect the water quality and clarity. Additionally, anthropogenic and

natural stresses impact the health, sustainability, and persistence of the seagrass resource.

The complexity of the interacting anthropogenic and natural conditions adds to the intricate

dynamics of the Pinellas County marine ecosystem. Managers acknowledge the relationship

between the anthropogenic factors and the degradation of the seagrass resource and realize the

importance of sustaining this valuable ecosystem (Chauvaud et al., 1998). Correlated with

urbanization, anthropogenic factors such as stormwater pollution, hardened shorelines,

development, eutrophication, and boat prop scarring cause direct and indirect damage to the

nearshore habitats and seagrass resources. In turn, natural factors such as water circulation,

beach erosion, climate change, and weather events may also cause changes to occur in the

ecosystem. These interacting environmental issues present a challenge for resource managers to

develop strategies to protect and sustain the quality of the ecosystem (Meyer, 2008). To protect

and manage natural resources managers require reliable data (Mumby, 1999). It is therefore

essential to conduct a monitoring program to gain understanding of the seagrass resource spatial

distribution and characterization.

2.1 Study Area

The study area consists of two regions, Clearwater Harbor/ St. Joseph Sound (CLW/STJS) and

Boca Ciega Bay (BCB). The northern region of the study area, CLW/STJS, occurs along the

northwest coastline of Pinellas County (Figure 1) . Approximately 30 km north of the mouth of

Tampa Bay, CLW/STJS consists of open water regions bounded east and west by the coastal

mainland shoreline and the barrier island chain, respectively. Of the 118 km2 in CLW/STJS,

expansive seagrass beds cover nearly 60 km2 providing essential habitat for marine flora and fauna

(Kaufman, 2007). CLW/STJS also encompasses Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island State

Parks. The southern region of the study area, BCB, occurs along the southwest coastline of

Pinellas County (Figure 1). BCB consists of open water and intercoastal regions bounded on the

west by the coastal mainland and on the east by the barrier island chain. The southern portion of

BCB connects directly to the Gulf of Mexico near the mouth of Tampa Bay. Of the 91 km2 in BCB,

seagrass beds cover nearly 36 km2 (Kaufman, 2007). BCB also includes Shell Key Preserve and

Fort De Soto Park.

The study area has diverse natural and anthropogenic features. The ecosystem in BCB and

CLW/STJS provide critical bird nesting areas, sessile algal communities, essential fishery habitats,

marine mammal and turtle habitats, and numerous recreational opportunities. Anthropogenic

features in the study area include dredge and fill operations, boat channels, spoil islands, finger

canal systems, seawalls, and causeways. The co mplexity of the interacting anthropogenic and

natural conditions adds to the intricate dynamics of the managing Pinellas County seagrass

resource.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 2



# 3 Figure 1. Map of Pinellas County Seagrass Areas



# 2.2 Aerial Seagrass Mapping

To assess the extent of the seagrass resource, Pinellas County participates in a cooperative remote

sensing project managed by the Southwest Flori da Water Management District (SWFMWD). The

aerial photointerpretation mapping provides acreage estimates for the submerged aquatic

vegetation (SAV) resource bi-annually. The SAV clas sification results from the inability of the

photointerpretation method to discern seagrass from marine algae. The mapping resolution is 0.5

acres with an 80% ground-truth accuracy. The data can be used to calculate a rate of change

(ROC) for the SAV:

SAV ROC = "New Acreage" - "Old Acreage"

"Old Acreage"

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 2



# 4 In 1950, the estimated SAV acreage in BCB was 10,800 acres as interpreted from single band

photography. In 1982, the estimate dropped drastically to 5,770 acres (Table 1, Figure 2). From

1998-2006, the SAV increased to 8,961 acres. The estimated SAV acreage in BCB increased 19%

from 1996-2006 (Table 2). However, improvements in technology and photointerpretation methods

may have contributed to the variability.

The aerial photointerpretation mapping for CLW/STJS took place from 1999-2006. The SAV

acreage increased from 13,994 to14,982 acres (Table 1, Figure 2.) The overall change in

estimated SAV acreage increased 8% from 1999-2006 (Table 2). Variation in the SAV acreages

may include effects from the improvements in technology and photointerpretation methods.

The aerial photointerpretation mapping project provides an estimate of the geographic extent of the

SAV in the study area (Figure 3). The trends suggest an increase in the SAV which may be

positively correlated with an increase in seagrass. To verify these trends resource managers will

require more detailed information about the seagrass habitat.

Table 1. SAV acreage calculated from aerial photointerpretation (Kaufman, 2007)



# YEAR BAY

SEGMENTS 1950 1982 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1999 2002 2004 2006

BCB 10,800 5,770 6,258 6,805 6,952 7,116 7,699 7,464 7,673 7,731 8,961



# CLW/STJS 13,994 13,393 14,200 14,982



# Table 2. Change in SAV acreage calculated from aerial photointerpretation (Kaufman, 2007)



# Rates of Change BAY

SEGMENTS 82-88 88-90 90-92 92-94 94-96 96-99 99-02 02-04 04-06

BCB 8% 9% 2% 2% 8% -3% 3% 1% 16%



# CLW/STJS -4% 6% 6%

0 2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000 12,000 14,000 16,000

1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010

Y earSAV Acreage



### Boca Ciega Bay

SJS / Clearwater Harbor



# Figure 2. Estimated SAV acreages calcul ated from aerial photointerpretation

for BCB and CLW/STJS.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 2



# 5 Figure 3. Submerged Aquatic Vegetat ion (SAV) mapped in 2006 (Kaufman, 2007).



# 2.3 Seagrass Habitat Components

The seagrass monitoring program provides specific information about the species composition,

abundance, and condition of the resource. In Pinellas County the three prominent species are

Syringodium filiforme, Thalassia testudinum, and Halodule wrightii (Figure 4) (Deitche and Meyer,

2003)

. The common names for the species are manatee, turtle, and shoal grass, respectively. Two

additional species Ruppia maritina and Halophila engelmanni are occasionally observed in the

area. In addition to the seagrass species, the SAV includes a variety of marine algae. Figure 5

shows seven marine algae and an invertebrate common in Clearwater Harbor and St. Joseph

Sound. Field staff found the marine algae integrated with the seagrass species. The habitat also

hosts a plethora of invertebrates including the Bay Scallop ( Argopecten irradians).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 2



# 6 Figure 4. Prominent seagrass species in Pinellas County, FL (Meyer 2008)

Figure 5. Marine algae found in Clearwater Harbor and St. Joseph Sound, FL.

(Meyer, 2008)

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 2



# In the Tampa Bay area, epibionts, including both epiphytes and epifauna, commonly coexist on

seagrass blades. The epibionts contribute to the primary production associated with the seagrass

habitat. While certain epibionts may negatively impac t the seagrass, others live symbiotically

through a mutualistic or commensalistic relationship. Several epibionts found during seagrass

monitoring include polycheates

, attached algae, barnacle spat, coralline algae, and filamentous

algae (Figure 6). A pilot study by Cho et al (2002) focused on the macroalgal epiphytes on

Thalassia . The study identified 13 epiphytic specie s in dense seagrass beds and nine epiphytic

species in sparse seagrass beds. The epiphytes include green, brown, and red algae with several

species such as Enteromorpha flexuosa

, Sphacelaria rigidula

, Ceramium gracillimum var.

byssoideum

, Herposiphonia tenella

, Griffithsia , and Stylonema alsidii (Cho et al., 2002).

Figure 6. Common epibionts found on seagrass in Pinellas County, FL (A- Spirorbis , a filter-feeding

polycheate, B- attached algae, C- barnac le spat, D- encrusting coralline algae, E- Lyngbya , filamentous

algae)



# 2.4 Project Objectives

This report aims to review and synthesize the monitoring and mapping data from 1998-2007. The

results will provide an assessment of the seagrass resource in BCB and CLW/STJS. The report is

separated into two Parts. Part I summarizes the data from the Fixed Transect Monitoring Program

in BCB and CLW/STJS. Part II summarizes the Stratified Random Transect Program in CLW/STJS.

An overview of the status of the seagrass resource, issues of concern, comparison of the sampling

designs, and potential for future studies including the relationship of seagrass to water quality will

be examined in section 6.



# 7

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# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 9 

# 3.0 Part I: Fixed Transect Monitoring

3.1 Methods: Fixed Transect Monitoring

Pinellas County monitored the fixed seagrass transects during October and November. This period

marks the end of the growing season when seagrass biomass peaks. A PVC pole, imbedded in the

bottom, marked the beginning of the transect (0m) and the end of the transect. In most cases the

end of the transect coincided with the edge of bed. Transects are located using spatial coordinates

from a Trimble® GPS unit. In most cases, the transects start on or near shore and then continued

perpendicular to the shoreline (Deitche and Meyer, 2003).

After arriving on site and locating the transect 0m mark, staff swam along the transect line with a

meter square frame (quadrat). For transects less than 100m, seagrass abundance was recorded

every 10m. For transects greater than 100m, only the transect area beyond the 100m was

recorded in 10m increments; the rest of the transect’s seagrass abundance was recorded at 25m

increments.

Seagrass abundance was assessed using the Braun-Blanquet rating system (Braun-Blanquet,

1965):

• 0= no coverage

• 0.1= solitary short shoot

• 0.5= sparse or less than 1%

• 1= 1-5% coverage

• 2= 6-25%

• 3= 26-50%

• 4= 51-75%

• 5= 76-100%

Due to the stability of the seagrass resource determined by Levy et al (2003) the transects were

monitoring every other year beginning in 2004.

Other data collected include: water depth, sediment composition, seagrass condition and algae

occurrence. The sediment composition is qualit atively categorized as sand, sandy mud, mud,

shelly mud, shelly sand, or hard bottom. The seagrass condition is qualitatively categorized as very

good, good, fair, poor, or necrotic. Epibiont density on the seagrass blade was assessed using a

numerical rating scale: 1= clean, 2= light coverage, 3= moderate, 4= heavy. At the transect’s midbed and edge of bed, staff recorded shoot density and canopy height. Three density counts were

made using either a 10x10cm or 25x25cm square frame. Also, five shoot lengths were recorded to

the nearest centimeter. Samplers assess each species independently (Deitche and Meyer, 2003).

Chlorophyll-a, turbidity, Hydrolab®, and LICOR® readings were taken at mid-bed, edge of bed, and

the 2m depth contour. Chlorophyll-a and turbidity samples were collected using a 125ml Nalgene®

bottle. The bottles were placed on ice and transfe rred to COT for analysis. LICOR® readings were

used to calculate water column photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) values for the transect.

Since 2003, water samples are analyzed using a transmissometer to complement the LICOR®

readings to determine relative water clarity and light attenuation. The Hydrolab® provides

measurements of depth, pH, temperature, salinit y, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen (Deitche and

Meyer, 2003).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 10 3.2 Results: Fixed Transect Monitoring

In general, the seagrass beds in BCB and CLW/STJS remained stable throughout the monitoring

program in BCB and CLW/STJS. The species found along the transects were Halodule wrightii,

Thalassia testudinum, Syringodium filiforme, and Halophila engelmanni . The summary results are

shown in Table 3. The sediment composition ranged from mud to sand with most of the

observations recorded sandy mud. The seagrass condition ranged from poor-very good with most

of the observations recorded as good. The epibiont density ranged from light to heavy with the

most prominent assemblages consisting of attached algae and polycheates. However, in 2002 and

2003, there was an increase in observations of barnacle spat and bryozoans in the CLW/STJS

transects. In BCB, the two prominent seagrasses were Halodule and Thalassia . In CLW/STJS, the

prominent seagrasses were mixed beds composed of Halodule, Thalassia , and Syringodium . The

species composition varied throughout the monitoring program in several of the transects. The most

apparent shifts occurred in CLW-08, CLW-10, CLW-11, and CLW-12. In 2001-2005, observers

recorded an increase in the abundance and occurrence of Syringodium along the middle of the

transects. The shift transitioned the species composition from Halodule and/or Thalassia to

Syringodium. The seagrass abundance and length of the bed appeared to increase in BCB-01,

BCB-04, and CLW-08. The abundance and length of the bed appeared to decrease in CLW-04.

Overall, the transects in BCB and CLW represent a stable seagrass resource with few temporal

trends in the data.

This section summarizes the data collected from 1998-2007 for the fixed transects. The transects

were grouped by bay segment, BCB (Figure 7) and CLW/STJS (Figure 8). Each transect was

presented with a summary paragraph, aerial map, transect graphs, epibiont density graph, species

mean canopy height graph, and species mean density graph. The summary paragraph includes

the description of the transect along with a brief compilation of the qualitative data and a synopsis of

the quantitative data. The transect graphs illustrate seagrass abundance by species along the

transect line by year. The abundance was repres ented using the Braun-Blanquet rating system. In

some years, data was not collected from certain points resulting in gaps between readings. The

epibiont density graph displays the mean density for each year. The density found on each

seagrass species was ranked on a scale of 1-4 reflecting the categories of clean, light, moderate,

and heavy, respectively. The mean canopy height and mean density graphs were calculated from

the readings collected at the mid bed and edge of bed. The results are presented for each

seagrass species.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 11 11

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



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# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 13 3.2.1 Transect sites in Boca Ciega Bay (BCB)

The fixed transect seagrass monitoring took pl ace from 1998-2007 in Boca Ciega Bay (BCB).

There are 11 transect locations. The BCB transects are included in the Tampa Bay Estuary

Program Seagrass Monitoring Program.

Figure 7. Location of Boca Ciega Bay fixed transects.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



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# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 15 3.2.1.1 BCB-01

BCB-01 is located on the east side of the Intercoastal Waterway at the northern reach of Boca

Ciega Bay. The transect extends 300m from the shore of a mangrove island to the edge of the boat

channel. The depth ranged from 10-120cm. The sediment composition consisted of mud along the

transect. The prominent seagrass was Halodule . The condition of the seagrass varied from fair to

good.

The length of the transect, BCB-01, expanded throughout the monitoring program. In 1998 the data

indicated the edge of bed at 77m. By 2002, the bed extended to 143m continuing to 223m in the

2007 survey. The epibiont density decreased slightly over the years to a light/moderate rating

consisting mainly of attached algae, polycheates, and barnacles. The Halodule canopy height

remained stable and ranged from 5-25cm. The shoot density ranged from 170-1150 shoots (per

m 2 

# ) with the highest density of nearly 1800 shoots (per m 2 

# ) reported in 2001.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 16 BCB-01 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 5-17-15-7-6-5-20110162025303340434550556062657075778090100110120125130137140150160170180190200210215220223Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 5-17-15-7-6-5-20110162025303340434550556062657075778090100110120125130137140150160170180190200210215220223Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 5-17-15-7-6-5-20110162025303340434550556062657075778090100110120125130137140150160170180190200210215220223Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 5-17-15-7-6-5-20110162025303340434550556062657075778090100110120125130137140150160170180190200210215220223Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 5-17-15-7-6-5-20110162025303340434550556062657075778090100110120125130137140150160170180190200210215220223Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 5-17-15-7-6-5-20110162025303340434550556062657075778090100110120125130137140150160170180190200210215220223Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 17 2004

0 1 2 3 4 5-17-15-7-6-5-20110162025303340434550556062657075778090100110120125130137140150160170180190200210215220223Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2005

0 1 2 3 4 5-17-15-7-6-5-20110162025303340434550556062657075778090100110120125130137140150160170180190200210215220223Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2007

0 1 2 3 4 5-17-15-7-6-5-20110162025303340434550556062657075778090100110120125130137140150160170180190200210215220223



### Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank



# BCB-01 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearEpiphyte Density



# Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 18 BCB-01 Canopy Height Graph

BCB-01 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule



# BCB-01 Shoot Density Graph

BCB-01 Shoot Density

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 19 3.2.1.2 BCB-02

BCB-02 is located on the west side of Veterans Memorial Park in the Intercoastal Waterway. The

transect extends 230m from the shore to the edge of the boat channel. The depth ranged from 35-

140cm. The sediment composition consisted of mud from 0-100 m; however, the sediment

transitioned between 100m and 120m to shelly sand then to sand from 120m to 230m. The

prominent seagrass was Halodule with occurrences of Thalassia between 70m-130m. The

condition of the seagrass varied from fair to good.

BCB-02 remained stable throughout the monitoring program. The data indicated that the edge of

bed varied from 133m to 137m. The observation of Thalassia on the transect varied with a high

abundance in 2000-2002, less abundance in 2003 and 2004, and rebounding in 2005 and 2006.

The epibiont density was light in 1999, heavy in 2000, and moderate from 2001 to 2006. The

epibiont assemblages consisted of attached algae and polycheates with fewer bryozoans and

barnacles. The canopy height remained stable from 5cm-35cm. The shoot density ranged from

100-1190 shoots (per m 2 

# ) with the highest Halodule density of nearly 4000 shoots (per m 2 

# ) recorded

in 2000.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 20 BCB-02 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1999

0 1 2 3 4 504.55610202530334050606270717580839095100102110120125130133134136137Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 504.55610202530334050606270717580839095100102110120125130133134136137Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 504.55610202530334050606270717580839095100102110120125130133134136137Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 504.55610202530334050606270717580839095100102110120125130133134136137Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 504.55610202530334050606270717580839095100102110120125130133134136137Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2004

0 1 2 3 4 504.55610202530334050606270717580839095100102110120125130133134136137Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 21 2005

0 1 2 3 4 504.55610202530334050606270717580839095100102110120125130133134136137Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2006

0 1 2 3 4 504.55610202530334050606270717580839095100102110120125130133134136137



### Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank



# BCB-02 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearEpiphyte Density



# Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 22 BCB-02 Canopy Height Graph

BCB-02 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule

Thalassia



# BCB-02 Shoot Density Graph

BCB-02 Shoot Density

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000

1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

Thalassia

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 23 3.2.1.3 BCB-03

BCB-03 is located south of the Bay Pines boat ramp. The transect extends 50m from the mangrove

shoreline towards the boat channel. The depth ranged from 10cm-90cm. The sediment

composition was sandy mud along the transect. The prominent seagrass was Halodule . The

condition of the seagrass varied between poor and fair with a few observations of good.

BCB-03 remained stable throughout the monitoring program. The data indicated that the edge of

bed varied from 40m to 44m. The abundance of Halodule varied along the transect. The epibiont

density ranged from light to moderate with heavy coverage in 2005. The epibiont assemblages

consisted of attached algae. The canopy height showed an increasing trend from 1998-2002 from

5cm to 20 cm. In 2004, the canopy height dropped to 5cm, recovered in 2005 to 25-35cm, then

drastically fell to 2-4cm in 2007. Field comments from 2007 indicated the Halodule was buried

under sediment. The shoot density ranged from 200-850 shoots (per m 2 

# ). The shoot density in

2001 and 2005 reflected the highest abundance recorded.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 24 BCB-03 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 5012101520253040445060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 5012101520253040445060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 5012101520253040445060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 5012101520253040445060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 5012101520253040445060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 5012101520253040445060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 25 2004

0 1 2 3 4 5012101520253040445060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2005

0 1 2 3 4 5012101520253040445060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2007

0 1 2 3 4 5012101520253040445060708090100



### Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank



# BCB-03 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearEpiphyte Density



# Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 26 BCB-03 Canopy Height Graph

BCB-03 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule



# BCB-03 Shoot Density Graph

BCB-03 Shoot Density

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 27 3.2.1.4 BCB-04

BCB-04 is located on the south side of Jungle Prada Park on the east edge of the Intercoastal

Waterway. The transect extends 50m from the shoreline towards the boat channel. The depth

ranged from 50cm-140cm. The sediment composition shifted between mud and sandy mud. The

prominent seagrass was Halodule . The condition of the seagrass was good with a few

observations of fair.

BCB-04 remained stable and possibly increased throughout the monitoring program. The data

indicated that the edge of bed varied from 33m in 1998 to 40m in 2005 and 38m in 2006. The

abundance of Halodule was high along the transect. The epibiont density varied from light

coverage in 2000 and 2004 to heavy coverage in 2001, 2002, and 2006. The epibiont assemblages

consisted of attached algae and polycheates. The canopy height ranged from 10cm-45cm with a

median observation of 30cm. The shoot density ranged from 150 shoots (per m 2 

# ) in 1998 to 1800

shoots (per m 2 

# ) in 2004 with no apparent trend.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 28 BCB-04 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 50110162030333638394041.25060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 50110162030333638394041.25060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 50110162030333638394041.25060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 50110162030333638394041.25060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 50110162030333638394041.25060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 50110162030333638394041.25060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 29 2004

0 1 2 3 4 50110162030333638394041.25060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2005

0 1 2 3 4 50110162030333638394041.25060708090100Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2006

0 1 2 3 4 50110162030333638394041.25060708090100



### Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank



# BCB-04 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearEpiphyte Density



# Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 30 BCB-04 Canopy Height Graph

BCB-04 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule



# BCB-04 Shoot Density Graph

BCB-04 Shoot Density

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 31 3.2.1.5 BCB-05

BCB-05 is located in the central portion of Boca Ciega Bay. The transect extends 80m towards the

boat channel and Pasadena Island. The depth ranged from 40cm-120cm. The sediment

composition was mud from 0-50m then shifted to sand for the remainder of the transect. The

prominent seagrass was Halodule . The condition of the seagrass was rated as fair to good.

BCB-05 remained stable with some variation on the nearshore edge and edge of bed. The data

indicated that the edge of bed fluctuated between 50m in 2002 to 61m in 2007. The abundance of

Halodule was high along the transect. The epibiont density varied from moderate to heavy with

assemblages consisting of attached algae, pol ycheates, barnacles, and bryozoans. The canopy

height ranged from 5cm to 40cm. The canopy hei ght steadily increased from 15cm in 2000 to 40cm

in 2006, then dropped to 25cm in 2007. The shoot density ranged from 50 shoots (per m 2 

# ) to over

5000 shoots (per m 2 

# ) with most of the recorded density values between 500-2000 shoots (per m 2 

# ).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 32 BCB-05 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 5012102027283040505254555660617580Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 5012102027283040505254555660617580Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 5012102027283040505254555660617580Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 5012102027283040505254555660617580Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 5012102027283040505254555660617580Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 5012102027283040505254555660617580Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 33 2004

0 1 2 3 4 5012102027283040505254555660617580Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2005

0 1 2 3 4 5012102027283040505254555660617580Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2006

0 1 2 3 4 5012102027283040505254555660617580Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2007

0 1 2 3 4 5012102027283040505254555660617580

Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank



# BCB-05 Epibiont Density Graph



# y y

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearEpiphyte Density



# Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 34 BCB-05 Canopy Height Graph

BCB-05 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule



# BCB-05 Shoot Density Graph

BCB-05 Shoot Density

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 35 3.2.1.6 BCB-06

BCB-06 is located near Gulfport just south of the mouth of Clam Bayou. The transect extends

115m west from the shoreline. The depth ranged from 20cm-140cm. The sediment composition

shifted between sandy mud and sand throughout the transect. There appeared to be a trend in the

sediment between 0m-30m from sandy m ud to mud. The prominent seagrass was Halodule with

Thalassia consistent from 70m to 100m. The condition of the seagrass varied greatly from poor to

good.

BCB-06 remained relatively stable throughout the monitoring program with the exception of 2000

when the abundance of seagrass dropped significantly. The data indicated that the edge of bed

decreased from 107m in 1998 to 100m in 2000 then increased steadily to 115m in 2006. The

epibiont density varied from light to heavy on the Halodule and Thalassia with assemblages

consisting mainly of attached algae, polycheates, and bryozoans. The canopy height ranged from

10cm to 30cm. The shoot density varied greatly from 25 shoots (per m 2 

# ) to nearly 7000 shoots (per

m 2 

# ).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 36 BCB-06 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 5013102030405060708090100103105107108109110115125Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 5013102030405060708090100103105107108109110115125Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 5013102030405060708090100103105107108109110115125Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 5013102030405060708090100103105107108109110115125Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 5013102030405060708090100103105107108109110115125Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 37 2003

0 1 2 3 4 5013102030405060708090100103105107108109110115125Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2004

0 1 2 3 4 5013102030405060708090100103105107108109110115125Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2005

0 1 2 3 4 5013102030405060708090100103105107108109110115125Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2006

0 1 2 3 4 5013102030405060708090100103105107108109110115125



### Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank



# BCB-06 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50Epiphyte Density



# 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

Year Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 38 BCB-06 Canopy Height Graph

BCB-06 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule

Thalassia



# BCB-06 Shoot Density Graph

BCB-06 Shoot Density

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

Thalassia

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 39 3.2.1.7 BCB-07

BCB-07 is located on the southeast side of the Tierra Verde Bridge. The transect extends north

200 m from the middle of the seagrass bed towards the boat channel. Strong currents influence the

north edge of the transect. The depth ranged from 20cm-100cm. The sediment composition varied

from mud to sand throughout the monitoring program. Boat propeller scars were recorded in the

comments increasing in frequency throughout the monitoring program. The prominent seagrass

was Thalassia with occasional Halodule and sparse Syringodium . The condition of the seagrass

varied from fair to very good. In 2005, the condition of the seagrass appeared necrotic to poor most

likely due to the combination of heavy epibiont densities, very low tides, and below normal

temperatures of 40-50 degrees Fahrenheit the week prior to the field survey.

BCB-07 remained stable throughout the monitoring program. The data indicated that the edge of

bed was consistently at 193m-194m. The epibiont density was moderate to heavy on the

Thalassia , and light to moderate on the Halodule and Syringodium with assemblages consisting of

attached algae, polycheates, bryozoans, and barnacles. In 2005, Lyngbya sp. covered a large

portion of the seagrass bed. The canopy height ranged from 10cm to 40 cm. The shoot density

ranged from 100-1000 shoots (per m 2 

# ). The shoot density for Thalassia decreased from 1998-2003

then increased from 2004 to 2007.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 40 BCB-07 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila



## 1998

0 1 2 3 4 501020253040506070758090100110120125130140150160170175180190193194200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 501020253040506070758090100110120125130140150160170175180190193194200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 501020253040506070758090100110120125130140150160170175180190193194200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 501020253040506070758090100110120125130140150160170175180190193194200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 501020253040506070758090100110120125130140150160170175180190193194200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 501020253040506070758090100110120125130140150160170175180190193194200Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 41 2004

0 1 2 3 4 501020253040506070758090100110120125130140150160170175180190193194200Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2005

0 1 2 3 4 501020253040506070758090100110120125130140150160170175180190193194200Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2006

0 1 2 3 4 5013671020253040506070758090100110120125130140150160170175180190193194200Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2007

0 1 2 3 4 5013671020253040506070758090100110120125130140150160170175180190193194200



### Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank



# BCB-07 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearEpiphyte Density



# Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 42 BCB-07 Canopy Height Graph

BCB-07 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule

Thalassia



# BCB-07 Shoot Density Graph

BCB-07 Shoot Density

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearMean Density per m2 

# Halodule

Thalassia

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 43 3.2.1.8 BCB-08

BCB-08 is located on the east side of the Skyway bridge causeway south of Pinellas Point. The

transect extends 150m from a sand bar towards the boat channel. The depth ranged from 10cm225cm. The sediment composition was sand. The s eagrass species along the transect consisted of

Halodule, Thalassia , and Syringodium . The condition of the seagrass varied from fair to very good

for all three species.

BCB-08 remained stable throughout the monitoring pr ogram; however, the distribution of seagrass

species along the transect fluctuated. The data indicated that the edge of bed decreased from

150m in 1998 to 100m in 2000 then increased and stabilized at 125m in 2002. The epibiont

coverage was light to moderate with assemblages consisting of attached algae, bryozoans, and

polycheates. The canopy height ranged from 20cm to 50 cm. The shoot density ranged from 50-

1400 shoots (per m 2 

# ).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 44 BCB-08 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 500.5151018.52025304050607075809095100110117120123125126130138140150Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 500.5151018.52025304050607075809095100110117120123125126130138140150Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 500.5151018.52025304050607075809095100110117120123125126130138140150Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 500.5151018.52025304050607075809095100110117120123125126130138140150Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 500.5151018.52025304050607075809095100110117120123125126130138140150Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 500.5151018.52025304050607075809095100110117120123125126130138140150Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 45 2004

-1 1 3 500.5151018.52025304050607075809095100110117120123125126130138140150Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2005

0 1 2 3 4 500.5151018.52025304050607075809095100110117120123125126130138140150Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2006

0 1 2 3 4 500.5151018.52025304050607075809095100110117120123125126130138140150Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2006

0 1 2 3 4 500.5151018.52025304050607075809095100110117120123125126130138140150



### Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank



# BCB-08 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008Epiphyte Density



# Year Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 46 BCB-08 Canopy Height Graph

BCB-08 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearCanopy Height (cm)



# Halodule

Thalassia

Syringodium



# BCB-08 Shoot Density Graph

BCB-08 Shoot Density

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearMean Density per m2 

# Halodule

Thalassia

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 47 3.2.1.9 BCB09

BCB-09 is located east of the Fort Desoto Bridge and north of the boat channel. The transect

extends south 500m from the middle of the seagrass bed towards the boat channel. The depth

ranged from 20cm-120cm. The sediment composit ion was sandy mud. The prominent seagrass

species was Thalassia with occasional Halodule . The condition of the seagrass varied from fair to

good.

BCB-09 remained stable throughout the monitoring program. The data indicated that the edge of

bed is consistent at 499m. The epibiont density was moderate to heavy with assemblages

consisting of attached algae, polycheates, and bryozoans along with hydroids and Lyngbya sp. The

canopy height ranged from 15cm to 50cm. The shoot density ranged from 50-1400 shoots (per m 2 

# ).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 48 BCB-09 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 50255075100125150175200225250275300325350375400410420430440450460470480490499500Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 50255075100125150175200225250275300325350375400410420430440450460470480490499500Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 50255075100125150175200225250275300325350375400410420430440450460470480490499500Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 50255075100125150175200225250275300325350375400410420430440450460470480490499500Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 50255075100125150175200225250275300325350375400410420430440450460470480490499500Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 50255075100125150175200225250275300325350375400410420430440450460470480490499500Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 49 2004

0 1 2 3 4 50255075100125150175200225250275300325350375400410420430440450460470480490499500Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2005

0 1 2 3 4 50255075100125150175200225250275300325350375400410420430440450460470480490499500Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2006

0 1 2 3 4 50255075100125150175200225250275300325350375400410420430440450460470480490499500Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2007

0 1 2 3 4 50255075100125150175200225250275300325350375400410420430440450460470480490499500

Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank



# BCB-09 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearEpiphyte Density



# Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 50 BCB-09 Canopy Height Graph

BCB-09 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

# Halodule

Thalassia



# BCB-09 Shoot Density Graph

BCB-09 Shoot Density

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearMean Density per m2 

# Halodule

Thalassia

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 51 3.2.1.10 BCB10

BCB-10 is located in South Mullet Key Bayou. The transect extends northeast 150m from the

mangrove shoreline towards the boat channel. The depth ranged from 30cm-140cm. The

sediment composition was sandy mud. The seagrass bed was a mixture of Halodule and

Thalassia . The condition of the seagrass varied from fair to good.

BCB-10 varied in species composition and abundance while maintaining a stable seagrass bed.

The data indicated that the edge of bed is consistent at 150m throughout the monitoring program.

In 1998 the prominent seagrass was Halodule . In 1999-2000, Thalassia increased in abundance

becoming the prominent seagrass. By 2001, Halodule and Thalassia were both prominent species

along the transect. The abundance of both seagrasses decreased in 2002, and then increased

slightly through 2003-2004. The abundance of the Halodule increased drastically in 2005-2006. In

November 2004, the Fort De Soto Recirculation Project restored the connection between the east

and west side of the causeway. Improved circulation may have contributed to the increase in

seagrass abundance along the transect. The epibiont density was light to heavy consisting of

attached algae, polycheates, and barnacles. The canopy height ranged from 15cm-35cm with

Thalassia consistently higher than the Halodule . The shoot density showed separate trends for the

species. The Thalassia ranged from 25-200 shoots (per m 2 

# ) with a decreasing density. The

Halodule ranged from 25-1600 shoots (per m 2 

# ) with a exponential increase in density from 2004-

2006.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 52 BCB-10 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 50123152550607075788090100102110120130140150151160169170175Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 50123152550607075788090100102110120130140150151160169170175Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 50123152550607075788090100102110120130140150151160169170175Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 50123152550607075788090100102110120130140150151160169170175Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 50123152550607075788090100102110120130140150151160169170175Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 50123152550607075788090100102110120130140150151160169170175Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 53 2004

0 1 2 3 4 50123152550607075788090100102110120130140150151160169170175Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2005

0 1 2 3 4 50123152550607075788090100102110120130140150151160169170175Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2006

0 1 2 3 4 50123152550607075788090100102110120130140150151160169170175



### Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank



# BCB-10 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearEpiphyte Density



# Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 54 BCB-10 Canopy Height Graph

BCB-10 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

# Halodule

Thalassia



# BCB-10 Shoot Density Graph

BCB-10 Shoot Density

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

YearMean Density per m2 

# Halodule

Thalassia

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 55 3.2.1.11 BCB11

BCB-11 is located on the southeast side of Shell Key. The transect extends 100m from the

mangrove island towards Shell Key. The area exper iences dynamic circulation and sedimentation

patterns due to the long shore currents and geographic orientation between two significant passes.

The depth ranged from 5cm-80cm. The sediment com position was sandy mud from 0m-70m. The

sediment composition shifted to sand from 70m-100m. The prominent seagrass was Halodule

. The condition of the seagrass varied from fair to good.

BCB-11 remained stable throughout the monitoring program. The data indicated that the edge of

bed varied from 70m-77m from 1998-2002 and t hen increased to 80m-87m in 2003-2005. The

epibiont density was moderate to heavy with assemblages consisting of attached algae,

polycheates, and Lyngbya sp . The canopy height ranged from 15cm-30cm. The shoot density

ranged from 50-3000 shoots (per m 2 

# ) averaging near 1000 shoots (per m 2 

# ).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 56 BCB-11 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 501351020304050607075767778808185868790100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 501351020304050607075767778808185868790100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 501351020304050607075767778808185868790100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 501351020304050607075767778808185868790100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 501351020304050607075767778808185868790100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 501351020304050607075767778808185868790100Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 57 2004

0 1 2 3 4 501351020304050607075767778808185868790100Braun-Blanquet Rank



## 2005

0 1 2 3 4 501351020304050607075767778808185868790100



### Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank



# BCB-11 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearEpiphyte Density



# Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 58 BCB-11 Canopy Height Graph

BCB-11 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

# Halodule



# BCB-11 Shoot Density Graph

BCB-11 Shoot Density

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearMean Density per m2 

# Halodule

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 59 3.2.2 Transects in Clearwater Harbor and St. Joseph Sound (CLW/STJS)

The fixed transect seagrass monitoring program took place from 1998-2005 in CLW/STJS. There

were 14 transect locations. The transect names were abbreviated as CLW-01 through CLW-14.

Only one transect, CLW-14, was located in STJS. The program was discontinued in 2006 and

replaced with a different monitoring design to increase geographic coverage.

Figure 8. Clearwater fixed transect locations 1998-2005.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 60 This page is intentionally blank.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 61 3.2.2.1 CLW-01

CLW-01 is located north of the Walsingham Causeway Bridge on the east side of the Intercoastal

Waterway. The transect extends 200m from the shoreline towards the boat channel. The depth

ranged from 30cm-110cm. The sediment compositi on was sandy mud. The prominent seagrass

was Halodule with occasional Thalassia . The condition of the seagrass was good.

CLW-01 remained stable throughout the monitoring program. The data indicated that the edge of

bed fluctuated from 180m-200m. The epibiont density varied from light to heavy with assemblages

consisting of attached algae, polycheates, barnacles, and tunicates. The canopy height ranged from

5cm-30cm with an increasing trend from 1998 to 2003. The shoot density ranged from 50-2500

shoots (per m 2 

# ).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 62 CLW-01 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 5012550707580859095100110120130140145150160170180181190195200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1 999

0 1 2 3 4 5012550707580859095100110120130140145150160170180181190195200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 5012550707580859095100110120130140145150160170180181190195200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 5012550707580859095100110120130140145150160170180181190195200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 5012550707580859095100110120130140145150160170180181190195200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 5012550707580859095100110120130140145150160170180181190195200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2005

0 1 2 3 4 5012550707580859095100110120130140145150160170180181190195200

Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 63 CLW-01 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearEpiphyte Density



## Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium



# CLW-01 Canopy Height Graph

CLW-01 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule



# CLW-01 Shoot Density Graph

CLW-01 Shoot Density

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 64 3.2.2.2 CLW-02

CLW-02 is located south of the Belleair Causew ay. The transect extends southeast 230m from a

mangrove island towards the boat channel. The depth ranged from 40cm-110cm. The sediment

composition varied from sand (0m-25m) to m ud (25m-100m) and back to sand (100m-230m). The

prominent seagrass was Thalassia with Halodule nearshore. The condition of the seagrass was

good.

CLW-02 remained stable throughout the monitoring program. The data indicated that the edge of

bed varied from 125m-139m. The epibiont density varied from heavy to light with a decreasing

trend from 1998-2003. The epibiont assemblages consisted of attached algae, polycheates, and

barnacles. The canopy height ranged form 18cm-32cm. The shoot density ranged from 25-600

shoots (per m 2 

# ) with shoot counts over 1200 shoots (per m 2 

# ) in 2001 and 2003.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 65 CLW-02 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 501253035404550556065707580859095100105110115120125128130132135139Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 501253035404550556065707580859095100105110115120125128130132135139Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 501253035404550556065707580859095100105110115120125128130132135139Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 20 01

0 1 2 3 4 501253035404550556065707580859095100105110115120125128130132135139Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 501253035404550556065707580859095100105110115120125128130132135139Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 501253035404550556065707580859095100105110115120125128130132135139Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2005

0 1 2 3 4 501253035404550556065707580859095100105110115120125128130132135139

Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 66 CLW-02 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearEpiphyte Density



## Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium



# CLW-02 Canopy Height Graph

CLW-02 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule

Thalassia



# CLW-02 Shoot Density Graph

CLW-02 Shoot Density

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

Thalassia

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 67 3.2.2.3 CLW-03

CLW-03 is located north of the Belleair Causeway Bridge. The transect extends west 260m from

the boat channel. The depth ranged from 20cm-140cm. The sediment composition was sand with

a patch of sandy mud near the middle of the transect. The seagrass consisted of Thalassia and

Halodule . The condition of the seagrass fluctuated from good/fair in 1999 to poor/fair in 2000-2001,

to good in 2002-2003, and back to poor/fair in 2005.

CLW-03 remained stable throughout the monitoring program. The Thalassia was consistent along

the transect and the Halodule decreased in occurrence. The data indicated that the edge of bed

varied from 227m-238m. In 1999 the edge of bed increased to 253m. The epibiont density was

moderate to heavy with assemblages consisting of attached algae, polycheates, barnacles, and

bryozoans. In 1998, the epibiont density on the Halodule was light. The canopy height ranged from

20cm-40cm with the Halodule typically shorter than the Thalassia . The shoot density ranged from

25-1850 shoots (per m 2 

# ). The Halodule shoot density increased from 1998-2005.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 68 CLW-03 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 5-8.701255075100125150160170175180190200210220227230234237238240250253260Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 5-8.701255075100125150160170175180190200210220227230234237238240250253260Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 5-8.701255075100125150160170175180190200210220227230234237238240250253260Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 5-8.701255075100125150160170175180190200210220227230234237238240250253260Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 5-8.701255075100125150160170175180190200210220227230234237238240250253260Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 5-8.701255075100125150160170175180190200210220227230234237238240250253260Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2005

0 1 2 3 4 5-8.701255075100125150160170175180190200210220227230234237238240250253260

Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 69 CLW-03 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearEpiphyte Density



## Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium



# CLW-03 Canopy Height Graph

CLW-03 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule

Thalassia



# CLW-03 Shoot Density Graph

CLW-03 Shoot Density

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

Thalassia

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 70 3.2.2.4 CLW-04

CLW-04 is located north of the Belleair Causeway on the east side of the Intercoastal Waterway.

The transect extends 250m from the shore towards the boat channel. The depth ranged from

15cm-140cm. The sediment composition changed throughout the monitoring program. In 1998-

2000, the sediment composition was sandy m ud from 0m-140m and then changed to sand from

150m-250m. In 2001, the nearshore area was mud and sandy mud, then transitioned to sand at

180m. In 2002-2005, the sediment compositio n was mud from 0m-180m and sand from 190m250m. The field staff noted that the mud was very thick and may have accumulated from the outfall

of Rattlesnake Creek. The prominent seagrass was Halodule with Thalassia from 160m-235m. The

condition of the seagrass varied from poor to good and seemed to be correlated with the distance

from shore, respectively.

The seagrass abundance along the transect, CLW-04, appeared to decrease slightly throughout the

monitoring program. The data indicated that the edge of bed varies from 210m-235m. The edge of

bed decreased from 235m in 1999 to 218m in 2005 with a marked reduction of Thalassia . The

abundance of Halodule also decreased from 1999-2005 mainly between 150m-200m. The epibiont

density varied from light to heavy coverage with a decreasing trend from 1999-2005. The epibiont

assemblages consisted of attached algae and polycheates. The canopy height ranged from 10cm35cm. The shoot density for Thalassia ranged from 20-200 shoots (per m 2 

# ). The shoot density for

Halodule ranged from 20-5200 shoots (per m 2 

# ). The shoot density for Halodule decreased abruptly

from 5200 shoots (per m 2 

# ) in 2001 to 1000 shoots (per m 2 

# ) in 2002 and 2003. In 2004, the shoot

density for Halodule increased to 2000 shoots (per m 2 

# ).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 71 CLW-04 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 5-6.80112255075100110120130140150160170180190200210218220225227230234Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 5-6.80112255075100110120130140150160170180190200210218220225227230234Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 5-6.80112255075100110120130140150160170180190200210218220225227230234Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 5-6.80112255075100110120130140150160170180190200210218220225227230234Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 5-6.80112255075100110120130140150160170180190200210218220225227230234Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 5-6.80112255075100110120130140150160170180190200210218220225227230234Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2005

0 1 2 3 4 5-6.80112255075100110120130140150160170180190200210218220225227230234

Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 72 CLW-04 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearEpiphyte Density



## Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium



# CLW-04 Canopy Height Graph

CLW-04 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule

Thalassia



# CLW-04 Shoot Density Graph

CLW-04 Shoot Density

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

Thalassia

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 73 3.2.2.5 CLW-05

CLW-05 is located near the north end of Sand Key. The transect extends 90m from the middle of

the seagrass bed towards the boat channel. The area experiences strong currents and heavy boat

traffic. The depth ranged from 45cm-200cm. The sediment composition was sand with a few

occurrences of sandy mud. The seagrass consisted of Halodule, Syringodium , and Thalassia . The

condition of the seagrass was good.

CLW-05 varied throughout the monitoring program. In 2000-2002, staff found very sparse seagrass

from 10m-40m. The data indicated that the edge of bed varied from 50m-80m. The epibiont density

ranged from clean to heavy with assemblages c onsisting of attached algae, polycheates, and

bryozoans. The canopy height ranged from 15cm-45cm. The shoot density ranged from 50-1200

shoots (per m 2 

# ).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 74 CLW-05 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 50110202530405060707580Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 50110202530405060707580Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 200 0

0 1 2 3 4 50110202530405060707580Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 50110202530405060707580Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 20 02

0 1 2 3 4 50110202530405060707580Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 501102025304050607075Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2005

0 1 2 3 4 50110202530405060707580

Distance Along Tran sect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 75 CLW-05 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearEpiphyte Density



## Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium



# CLW-05 Canopy Height Graph

CLW-05 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule

Thalassia

Syringodium



# CLW-05 Shoot Density Graph

CLW-05 Shoot Density

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

Thalassia

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 76 3.2.2.6 CLW-06

CLW-06 is located south of the Clearwater Memorial Bridge. The transect extends 100m from the

mangrove spoil island. The area experiences strong currents and heavy boat traffic due to its

proximity to Clearwater Pass. The depth ranged from 5cm-150cm. The sediment composition was

sand and sandy mud. The seagrass consisted of Halodule from 0m-45m and Thalassiafrom 45m100m. The condition of the seagrass was good.

CLW-06 remained stable throughout the monitoring program. The data indicated that the edge of

bed varied from 60m-100m; however, the orientati on or placement of the transect may have been

adjusted in 1999. The epibiont density was moderate to heavy with the assemblages consisting of

attached algae and polycheates. The canopy height ranged from 15cm-45cm. The shoot density

ranged from 100-1000 shoots (per m 2 

# ) with Halodule densities of 2000-3000 shoots (per m 2 

# ) in

1999 and 2001.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 77 CLW-06 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 5-30110203040455060707175809095100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 5-30110203040455060707175809095100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 5-30110203040455060707175809095100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 5-30110203040455060707175809095100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 5-30110203040455060707175809095100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 20 03

0 1 2 3 4 5-30110203040455060707175809095100Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2005

0 1 2 3 4 5-30110203040455060707175809095100

Distance Along Tran sect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 78 CLW-06 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearEpiphyte Density



## Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium



# CLW-06 Canopy Height Graph

CLW-06 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule

Thalassia



# CLW-06 Shoot Density Graph

CLW-06 Shoot Density

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

Thalassia

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 79 3.2.2.7 CLW-07

CLW-07 is located between Caladesi Island and the northern end of Clearwater Beach. The

transect extends west 200m from the mangrov e shore towards the boat channel. The depth ranged

from 40cm-170cm. The sediment composition was sandy mud. The prominent seagrass was

Halodule with occasional Syringodium in 1999-2001. The condition of the seagrass was

consistently good.

CLW-07 remained stable throughout the monitoring program. The data indicated that the edge of

bed varied from 140m-192m. The epibiont density was light to heavy with assemblages consisting

of attached algae, polycheates, bryozoans, and barnacles. The canopy height ranged from 15cm35cm. The shoot density ranged from 50-2500 shoots (per m 2 

# ).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 80 CLW-07 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 5-80125507597100110120130140142150154160170180184190192200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 5-80125507597100110120130140142150154160170180184190192200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 5-80125507597100110120130140142150154160170180184190192200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 5-80125507597100110120130140142150154160170180184190192200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 20 02

0 1 2 3 4 5-80125507597100110120130140142150154160170180184190192200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 5-80125507597100110120130140142150154160170180184190192200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2005

0 1 2 3 4 5-80125507597100110120130140142150154160170180184190192200

Distance Along Tran sect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 81 CLW-07 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearEpiphyte Density



## Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium



# CLW-07 Canopy Height Graph

CLW-07 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule



# CLW-07 Shoot Density Graph

CLW-07 Shoot Density

0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 82 3.2.2.8 CLW-08

CLW-08 is located north of the Clearwater Memorial Bridge on the east shore of the Intercoastal

Waterway. The transect extends west 225m from the shore towards the boat channel. The depth

ranged from 45cm-150m. The sediment composition was mud from 0m-25m then sandy mud from

25m-225m. The seagrass species composition was a mixture of Halodule and Thalassia with

occasional Syringodium and sparse Halophila . The condition of the seagrass was good.

The length of transect CLW-08 increased throughout the monitoring program. The data indicated

that the edge of bed increased from 140m to 210m . The Thalassia extended from 50m-80m in 1998

and to 50m-130m in 2005. In 2002, the field staff recorded Halophila at 170m-175m; however, it fell

outside within the meter square quadrat and did not appear on the transect graphs. The epibiont

density varied from light to moderate with assemblages consisting of attached algae and

polycheates. The epibionts appeared less dense on the Syringodium and Halodule . The canopy

height ranged from 5cm-30cm for the Halodule and 30cm-50cm for the Thalassia . The shoot

density ranged from 50-1600 shoots (per m 2 

# ). In 2000-2003, the Thalassia shoot density rapidly

increased from 200 shoots (per m 2 

# ) to 1400 shoots (per m 2 

# ).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 83 CLW-08 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 5-10012540506070758090100110120130140148150160170175180190200207210Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 5-10012540506070758090100110120130140148150160170175180190200207210Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 5-10012540506070758090100110120130140148150160170175180190200207210Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 5-10012540506070758090100110120130140148150160170175180190200207210Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 5-10012540506070758090100110120130140148150160170175180190200207210Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 20 03

0 1 2 3 4 5-10012540506070758090100110120130140148150160170175180190200207210Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2005

0 1 2 3 4 5-10012540506070758090100110120130140148150160170175180190200207210

Distance Along Tran sect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 84 CLW-08 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearEpiphyte Density



## Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium



# CLW-08 Canopy Height Graph

CLW-08 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule

Thalassia



# CLW-08 Shoot Density Graph

CLW-08 Shoot Density

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

Thalassia

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 85 3.2.2.9 CLW-09

CLW-09 is located north of the Clearwater Memorial Bridge off the third spoil island. The transect

extends east 150m from the mangrove island towards the boat channel. The depth ranged from

40cm-150cm. The sediment composition was sand and sandy mud. The prominent seagrass was

Halodule with occasional Syringodium . The condition of the seagrass was fair-good.

CLW-09 remained stable throughout the monitoring program. The data indicated that the edge of

bed varies between 117m-141m. The epibiont densit y was moderate with assemblages consisting

of attached algae, polycheates, and bryozoans. The canopy height ranged from 15cm-45cm. The

canopy height of the Halodule increased from 1998-2003. The shoot density ranged from 100-2500

shoots (per m 2 

# ).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 86 CLW-09 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 5-2.501102030405060708090100110117120130131135140141Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 5-2.501102030405060708090100110117120130131135140141Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 5-2.501102030405060708090100110117120130131135140141Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 20 01

0 1 2 3 4 5-2.501102030405060708090100110117120130131135140141Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 5-2.501102030405060708090100110117120130131135140141Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 200 3

0 1 2 3 4 5-2.501102030405060708090100110117120130131135140141Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2005

0 1 2 3 4 5-2.501102030405060708090100110117120130131135140141



### Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 87 CLW-09 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearEpiphyte Density



## Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium



# CLW-09 Canopy Height Graph

CLW-09 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule

Syringodium



# CLW-09 Shoot Density Graph

CLW-09 Shoot Density

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 88 3.2.2.10 CLW-10

CLW-10 is located north of the Memorial Causeway Bridge on the east side of the Intercoastal

Waterway. The transect extends west 200m from the shore towards the boat channel. The depth

ranged from 15cm-150cm. The sediment composit ion was sandy mud. The prominent seagrass

was Halodule with increasing Syringodium throughout the monitoring program. The condition of the

seagrass was good-very good.

CLW-10 remained stable throughout the monitoring program with most variation occurring between

110m-200m. The seagrass species composition varied with the appearance of Syringodium from

75m-160m. The Halodule abundance decreased from 2000-2005. The data indicated that the edge

of bed increased from 149m in 1998 to 172m in 2005. The epibiont density was light to moderate

with assemblages consisting of attached algae, polycheates, bryozoans, and barnacles. The

canopy height ranged from 20cm-40cm. The shoot density ranged from 250-1500 shoots (per m 2 

# )

with a gradual increasing trend throughout the monitoring program.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 89 CLW-10 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 501525506070758090100110120130140142149150157160165170172Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 501525506070758090100110120130140142149150157160165170172Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 501525506070758090100110120130140142149150157160165170172Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 20 01

0 1 2 3 4 501525506070758090100110120130140142149150157160165170Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 501525506070758090100110120130140142149150157160165170172Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 501525506070758090100110120130140142149150157160165170172Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2005

0 1 2 3 4 501525506070758090100110120130140142149150157160165170172

Distance Along Tran sect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 90 CLW-10 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearEpiphyte Density



## Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium



# CLW-10 Canopy Height Graph

CLW-10 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule

Syringodium



# CLW-10 Shoot Density Graph

CLW-10 Shoot Density

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 91 3.2.2.11 CLW-11

CLW-11 is located north of Clearwater Memorial Bridge on the east side of the Intercoastal

Waterway. The transect extends west 300m from the shore towards the boat channel. The depth

ranged from 20cm-150cm. The sediment composition was sandy mud. The prominent seagrass in

1998-2000 was Halodule ; however, by 2003 the prominent species was Syringodium . In 2002 and

2003 staff also found Halophila . The condition of the seagrass was good.

CLW-11 remained stable throughout the study; howev er, the species composition changed. The

data indicated that the edge of bed increased from 220m-290m. The epibiont density varied from

light to heavy with the heaviest density in 2005. The epibiont assemblages consisted of attached

algae, polycheates, bryozoans, and barnacles. The canopy height ranged from 5cm-45cm with an

increasing trend for Halodule from 1998-2003. The shoot density ranged from 100-1100 shoots

(per m 2 

# ).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 92 CLW-11 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 5012550750005000000000000800050047Braun-Blanquet Ran10111212131415161718192021222324242526272728292929k



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 501255075100110120125130140150160170180190200210220230240248250260270275280290294297Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 501255075100110120125130140150160170180190200210220230240248250260270275280290294297Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 501255075100110120125130140150160170180190200210220230240248250260270275280290294297Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 501255075100110120125130140150160170180190200210220230240248250260270275280290294297Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 501255075100110120125130140150160170180190200210220230240248250260270275280290294297Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2005

0 1 2 3 4 501255075100110120125130140150160170180190200210220230240248250260270275280290294297

Distance Along Transect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 93 CLW-11 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearEpiphyte Density



## Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium



# CLW-11 Canopy Height Graph

CLW-11 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule

Syringodium



# CLW-11 Shoot Density Graph

CLW-11 Shoot Density

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 94 3.2.2.12 CLW-12

CLW-12 is located north of the Clearwater Memorial Bridge near the fourth spoil island. The

transect extends east 300m from the spoil island towards the boat channel. The depth ranged from

30cm-160cm. The sediment composition was sandy mud. The prominent seagrass species were

Halodule and Syringodium . The condition of the seagrass was fair-good.

CLW-12 remained stable throughout the study; howev er, the species composition changed. The

frequency of Syringodium increased in abundance along the transect. The data indicated that the

edge of bed varied from 240m-296m. The epibiont density was light to heavy with increased

density from 2001-2005. The epibiont assemblages consisted of attached algae, polycheates,

bryozoans, and barnacles. The canopy height ranged from 10cm-45cm. The shoot density ranged

from 50-1200 shoots (per m 2 

# ). In 2002 and 2003, the Syringodium shoot density was 5333 shoots

(per m 2 

# ) and 3000 shoots (per m 2 

# ) respectively.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 95 CLW-12 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 5-10010255075100125145150160170175180190200210220230235240245250260270280290296300Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 5-10010255075100125145150160170175180190200210220230235240245250260270280290296300Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 5-10010255075100125145150160170175180190200210220230235240245250260270280290296300Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 5-10010255075100125145150160170175180190200210220230235240245250260270280290296300Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 5-10010255075100125145150160170175180190200210220230235240245250260270280290296300Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 5-10010255075100125145150160170175180190200210220230235240245250260270280290296300Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2005

0 1 2 3 4 5-10010255075100125145150160170175180190200210220230235240245250260270280290296300

Distance Along Tran sect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 96 CLW-12 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearEpiphyte Density



## Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium



# CLW-12 Canopy Height Graph

CLW-12 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule

Syringodium



# CLW-12 Shoot Density Graph

CLW-12 Shoot Density

0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 97 3.2.2.13 CLW-13

CLW-13 is located southwest of the Dunedin Causeway near the first spoil island. The transect

extends southeast 450m from the spoil island towards the boat channel. The depth ranged 20cm140cm. The sediment composition was s andy mud. The prominent seagrass was Halodule and

Syringodium with occasional Thalassia and Halophila . The condition of the seagrass was fair-good.

CLW-13 remained stable throughout the monitoring program; however, the species composition

changed. The data suggested that the frequency and abundance of Syringodium increased along

the transect. The data indicated that the edge of bed varied from 270m-422m. The epibiont density

varied from light to heavy with assemblages consisting of attached algae and polycheates. The

canopy height ranged from 20cm-40cm. The shoot density ranged from 100-1500 shoots (per m 2 

# )

with the lowest density in 2005.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 98 CLW-13 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 4 5-501255075100125150160175170180190192200210220225230240250260270275280290300310320330340350360370380390400405410418422Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 1999

0 1 2 3 4 5-501255075100125150160175170180190192200210220225230240250260270275280290300310320330340350360370380390400405410418422Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 200 0

0 1 2 3 4 5-501255075100125150160175170180190192200210220225230240250260270275280290300310320330340350360370380390400405410418422Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 5-501255075100125150160175170180190192200210220225230240250260270275280290300310320330340350360370380390400405410418422Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 5-501255075100125150160175170180190192200210220225230240250260270275280290300310320330340350360370380390400405410418422Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 5-501255075100125150160175170180190192200210220225230240250260270275280290300310320330340350360370380390400405410418422Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2005

0 1 2 3 4 5-501255075100125150160175170180190192200210220225230240250260270275280290300310320330340350360370380390400405410418422

Distance Along Tran sect (m)Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 99 CLW-13 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00phy 

# 2.50 3.00 3.50 4.00 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearEpi te Density



## Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium



# CLW-13 Canopy Height Graph

CLW-13 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40t (cm) 

## 50 60

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

YearCanopy Heigh 

## Halodule

Thalassia

Syringodium



# CLW-13 Shoot Density Graph

CLW-13 Shoot Density

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200y per m 

## 1400 1600 1800 2000

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

YearMean Densit 2 

## Halodule

Thalassia

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 100 3.2.2.14 CLW14

CLW-14 is located north of the Dunedin Causeway near the second spoil island. The transect

extends north 200m from the spoil island towards the boat channel. The depth ranged from 30cm200cm. The sediment composition was sand and sandy mud. The prominent seagrass was

Syringodium with some Halodule . The condition of the seagrass was good-very good in 1998-

2003. In 2005, the condition was poor-fair.

CLW-14 remained stable throughout the monitoring program. The transect may have been

realigned in 2000 accounting for the variation in the length of the seagrass bed. The data indicated

that the edge of bed varied from 110m-198m. The epibiont density varied from light to heavy with

assemblages consisting of attached algae and polycheates from 1998-2003. In 2005, the epibionts

consisted of attached algae, bryozoans, holothuroidians, and tunicates. The shift in epibionts may

have correlated with the condition of the seagrass. The canopy height ranged from 25cm-50cm with

the lowest height recorded in 2002. The shoot density ranged from 75-1400 shoots (per m 2 

# ).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 101 CLW-14 Transect Graphs Halodule

Thalassia 

## Seagrass Species

Syringodium

Halophila

1998

0 1 2 3 40110253040506070758090100110120130140150160168170175180198200Braun-Blanquet 5Rank



### 1999

3 4 5quet Ran

0 1 20110253040506070758090100110120130140150160168170175180198200Braun-Blank



### 2000

0 1 2 3 4 50110253040506070758090100110120130140150160168170175180198200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2001

0 1 2 3 4 50110253040506070758090100110120130140150160168170175180198200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2002

0 1 2 3 4 50110253040506070758090100110120130140150160168170175180198200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2003

0 1 2 3 4 50110253040506070758090100110120130140150160168170175180198200Braun-Blanquet Rank



### 2005

0 1 2 3 4 50110253040506070758090100110120130140150160168170175180198200

Distance Alon g Transect ( m )Braun-Blanquet Rank

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 102 CLW-14 Epibiont Density Graph

0.00 0.50 1.00 1.50 2.00 2.50 3.00 3 0 4. 0ity 

# .5

0 4.50

1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006

YearEpiphyte Dens



## Halodule

Thalasia

Syringodium



# CLW-14 Canopy Height Graph

CLW-14 Canopy Height

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

YearCanopy Height (cm) 

## Halodule

Syringodium



# CLW-14 Shoot Density Graph

CLW-14 Shoot Density

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

YearMean Density per m2 

## Halodule

Syringodium

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 103 3.3 Discussion: Fixed Transect Monitoring

The fixed transect monitoring program focused on temporal variation of the seagrass abundance,

species composition, and condition. Throughout t he ten year monitoring program, the data showed

very few trends that would indicate a change in the seagrass resource. Some of the variation in the

data may be attributed to natural variability as well as sampling inconsistencies.

Several factors contributed to the variation in the transect data. The logistics of monitoring fixed

transects were challenging and resulted in sampling inconsistencies. The placement of the

transects may have varied between years due to the inability to find the PVC marker stakes and

bowing of the transect line from currents. In addition, variation may also be attributed to the

observer. Different field crews conducted t he study throughout the monitoring program. Even

though all the staff attended a training session hosted by the City of Tampa, many of the data

variables were subjective and/or qualitative in nature. The results were based solely on the data

recorded within the meter square quadrat recorded incrementally along the transect. This allowed

d conditions to occur in the vicinity of the transect without being

reflected in the data.

Weather patterns, storm events, and other natural and anthropogenic factors may affect the yearto-year results (Deitche and Meyer, 2003). A source of natural variability revolves around the

placement of the transects near the boat channels. The migration of the boat channels results from

the natural fluctuations in the tides and currents. This may cause changes to the edge of bed.

Additionally, the exponential increase in boat traffic may be correlated with a higher frequency of

propeller scar damage within the seagrass beds. Natural events also prompt variation in the

seagrass resource. Four hurricane events in 2004 caused an increase in currents, tides, and

turbidity in the area. These disturbances may be reflected in the lower seagrass abundances on

some of the transects in 2004 and 2005.

In summary, the seagrass transects monitored by Pinellas County provided time-series information

for the transect locations. The data indicated that the seagrass along the transects appeared to be

in good health and remained stable throughout the monitoring program. the possibility of other species an

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 3



# 104 tentionally blank. This page in

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 4



# 105 

# 4.0 Part II: Stratified Random Transect Monitoring

.1 Methods: Stratified Random Transect Monitoring

The site selection for this program was based on a probabilistic stratified random sampling design.

The area was divided into three strata Clearwater Harbor North (CLWN), Clearwater Harbor South

(CLWS), and St. Joseph Sound (STJS) (Figure 9). The 2004 seagrass map from the aerial

photointerpretation project was used as a bounda n of sites in the areas

classified as contiuous or patchy grassbeds. Fifteen percent of the sampling sites were allocated to

the areas classified as “no grass”. The sites were stratified into depth zones (0-0.5m, 0.51-1.2m,

Within each strata and each zone, seven transects were sampled. Fourteen of the

ansects aligned with the previous fixed trans ect monitoring sites. In 2006, Pinellas County

monitored 21 sites in each strata. In 2007, the sampling design was modified to reallocate the

sampling sites on a seagrass acreage basis. Pinellas County allocated approximately one transect

per 250 acres of seagrass. The 1:250 ratio resulted in 40 sites in STJS, 17 sites in CLWN, and 10

sites in CLWS.

Figure 9. Map of seagrass strata.

Transect starting points were located using spatial coordinates from a Trimble® GPS unit. In most

cases, the transects were oriented north to south, parallel to the shoreline, and perpendicular to the

depth gradient. After deploying the 30 meter transect and dive flags, staff swam along the transect

line with a half meter square frame. Starting at the zero meter mark, the seagrass condition was

recorded at five meter intervals. Seagrass abundance was assessed by estimating the percent of

coverage within the quadrat evaluating each species independently. At 0, 15, and 30 meter marks

three shoot density counts and five blade length measurements were also collected for each

seagrass species present. The density counts were made using the subdivisions of the half meter

square frame which measure 10cmx10cm. 4

ry for the stratificatio

and 1.2-2.0m).

tr

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 4



# 106 ass appearance, and algae

erical rating scale: 1= clean, 2= light

transmissivity, turbidity,

AR)

n of ther data collected included: water depth, sediment composition, seagr O

occurrence. Epibiont coverage was assessed using a num

overage, 3= moderate, 4= heavy. Water quality parameters included c Hydrolab®, and LICOR®. Transmissivity samples were collected using a 100ml Nalgene bottle.

Transmissivity was measured at 660nm to determine relative water clarity. The Hydrolab®

provided measurements of: depth, pH, temperature, salinity, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen.

LICOR® readings were used to calculate water co lumn photosynthetically active radiation (P

values for the transects.

The data analysis included the use of ESRI ArcM ap and SAS software. The statistical analyses for

the seagrass abundance and density applied the univariate and general linear model procedures.

The comparisons included significant differences between strata, depth zone, and the interactio

strata*depth zone. The depth zones for each transect were determined by applying a tide correction

to the recorded depth. Depth zones A, B, and C represented 0-0.6m, 0.6-1.2m, and >1.2m,

respectively. The mean submerged aquatic vegetat ion coverage was calculated by transect from

e recorded observations. th

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 4



# 107 e

ue to

ence between depth zones (p= 0.0001, alpha= 0.05). The mean

bundance in depth zone A (77%) was significant different than zone C (37%) (p=0.0007,

alpha=0.05).

Halodule was geographically distributed across the study area (Figure 10). Halodule occurred at the

highest mean abundance in CLWN and the least JS. The highest mean

abundances were found in depth zones A and B. There was a significant difference in mean

abundance of Halodule between strata (p=0.0001, alpha = 0.05). The mean abundance in STJS

(13%) was significantly different than CLWN (42% (p=0.0004, alpha = 0.05).

Thalassia was geographically distributed throughout the study area (Figure 10). The highest mean

abundance occurred in STJS and CLWS. There was a significant difference in mean abundance

between depth zones (p=0.0001, alpha=0.05). The mean abundance in depth zone A (35%) was

significantly different from zone B (14%)(p=0.0006, alpha= 0.05) and zone C (6%)(p= 0.019,

alpha=0.05).

Syringodium was observed in the northern portions of the study area (Figure 10). Syringodium

occurred at the highest mean abundance in STJS and depth zones B and C. There was a

significant difference in mean abundance between strata (p= 0.0001, alpha = 0.05) and depth

zones (p= 0.0117, alpha = 0.05). The mean abundance in STJS (29%) was significantly different

than CLWN (7%)(p=0.0007, alpha =0.05) and CLWS (2%)(p=0.0003, alpha=0.05). The mean

abundance in depth zone A (7%) was significantly different than zone B (19%) (p=0.0204,

alpha=0.05). 4.2 Part II- Results: Stratified Random Transect Monitoring

The sampling design allowed for the comparison between strata and depth zones for several

parameters; however, the qualitative parameters were only presented with descriptive statistics du

to the subjectivity of the data. The 2006 and 2007 were combined for most of the analyses d

the lack of a significant difference detected between the years



# .

4.2.1 Mean Abundance

The Submerged Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) covered most of the study area (Figure 10). SAV

occurred at the highest mean abundance in STJS and the least mean abundance in CLWS. The

highest mean abundances of SAV were found in STJS zone A and the least in CLWS zone C.

here was a significant differ T

a ly

mean abundance in ST

)

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 4



# 108 Figure 10. Spatial representation of the SAV species mean abundance per transect.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 4



# 109 Several marine algae species occurred in the stud area (Figure 11). The marine algae consisted

of drift algae, rhizophytic algae, and Caluerpa prolifera . The drift algae were recorded throughout

the study area (Figure 11). The highest mean abundance of drift algae occurred in STJS and

nearshore in CLWS. The rhizophytic algae constituents (Figure 5) were most abundant in STJS in

depth zones A and B (Figure 11). Caluerpa prolifera was analyzed separate from the rhizophytic

algae due to local concerns regarding this species. C. prolifera was most abundant in STJS in

depth zone A (Figure 11). In addition to the marine algae, staff recorded the presence of bay

scallops ( Argopecten irradians ) along the transects (Figure 11). The scallops were most abundant

in STJS and CLWN and commonly noted in areas with rhizophytic algae. y

Figure 11. Mean abundance of marine algae and the presence of scallops per transect.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 4



# 110 ry

rred

ot significantly

different between years. 4.2.2 Shoot Density

The shoot density varied between the seagrass species. The seagrass shoot density did not va

greatly between the 2006 and 2007 sampling events. Halodule had the highest shoot density and

the greatest variability (Figure 12). The combined mean was 1318 shoots per m 2 

# (SD= 1124). The

highest shoot density was in CLWS zone A. Thalassia had the lowest combined mean shoot

density and smallest variability, 555 shoots per m 2 

# (SD= 365). The highest shoot density occu

in STJS and CLWN in depth zone A. Syringodium had the highest shoot density in strata STJS and

in depth zones A and B. Overall, the shoot densities for each species were n

0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600

Halodule Thalassia Syringodium



## Seagrass SpeciesShoot Density per m2 

## 2006&2007

2006

2007



# Figure 12. Mean shoot density (shoots per m2) by species and year.

4.2.3 Blade Length

The mean blade lengths varied by species and by year. The blade lengths tended to be longer in

2006 than 2007 for all the species (Figure 13). Due to the distribution of the data, the general linear

model was not calculated for the mean blade length.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 4



# 111 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45ade Length (cm) 

# 50

Halodule Thalassia Syringodium

Seagrass SpeciesMean Bl 

## 2006&2007

2006

2007



# Figure 13. Mean blade length for seagrass species.

4.2.4 Health and Epibionts

The qualitative assessments of the health and epibiont fouling on the seagrass assisted in the

determination of the seagrass resource condition. However, there was no previous research to

support a correlation between seagrass health and epibiont density. Due to the subjective nature of

these qualitative parameters, only the descriptive statistics are presented.

The health of the seagrass ranged from very poor to very good. The majority of the resource was

classified as fair to good throughout the study area (Figure 14). There were a few occurrences of

poor health.

The epibiont fouling also contributed to the condit n of the seagrass. The epibiont fouling ranged

Figure 14) with the majority of the observations from light to moderate. The

d between seagrass species. Epibiont fouling on Halodule was greatest in

t fouling on Syringodium varied by strata

nd depth zone. The epibiont density was greatest in STJS and in depth zone B. Epibiont

ssemblages consisted of attached algae, barnacles, polycheates, bryozoans, holothuroidians, and

ydroids. In 2006, staff recorded eggs deposited on the Syringodium and Thalassia blades in strata

STJS. io

from clean to heavy (

pibiont fouling varie e CLWN and zones A and B, and least in STJS and zone C. Epibiont fouling on Thalassia showed

the most variation between depth zones. The epibiont density on Thalassia was highest in depth

zone A and CLWS and lowest in STJS zone C. Epibion

a

a

h

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 4



# 112 Figure 14. Spatial representation of SAV health, epibiont density, sediment type, and depth for

seagrass transects. the

he sediment type and depth of the transect may be co rrelated to the habitat suitability for SAV.

a,

a 4.2.5 Sediment Type and Depth

T

The sediment type recorded for the transects varied throughout the study area (Figure 14). The

sediment type of mud commonly occurred in shallow nearshore areas. The majority of STJS

sediment consisted of sand and shelly sand. Due to the lack of bathymetry data in the study are

the water depth was collected with each transect (Figure 14). The tidal fluctuation in the study are

varied by +/- 1.0 meter during the sampling event. The increased depths required staff to utilize

SCUBA for data collection.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 4



# 113

.2.6 Water Quality

ater quality data was collected at each seagrass transect during monitoring (Figure 15). The

mean dissolved oxygen was highest in STJS (6.41 mg/L) and CLWS (6.44 mg/L). The mean salinity

was surprisingly lowest in STJS (32.55 ppt). The mean pH was highest in STJS (8.31) and lowest

in CLWS (8.04). The mean transmissivity, measured at 660nm, was highest in STJS (93.17 %) and

lowest in CLWS (72.85 %). Overall, the water quality collected on the day of seagrass monitoring

only provided a brief snapshot and should not be used solely to correlate with seagrass condition. 4

W

Figure 15. Mean water quality data collected during seagrass monitoring. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9



## STJS CLWN CLWSMean Dissolved Oxygen (mg/L)



### 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40



## STJS CLWN CLWSMean Salinity (ppt)



## 7.4

STJS CLWN CLWS 7.6 7.8 8.2 8.4 8.6M 

## 8ean pH



### 0



## STJS CLWN CLWS 10 20 30 40 50 70 80 90 100Mean Transmissiv @ 660nm)



### 60ity (%

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 4



# 114 ssion: Stratified Random Transect Monitoring

S

fluence of weather patterns, storm events, and other factors that may have affected year-to-year

results from the transect monitoring. Another factor may be natural events that affected long-term

water quality but were not reflected in data taken on the day of sampling (Deitche and Meyer,

2003). The density by year variation may be related to the expansion of the sampling design to

include deeper areas that may consist of more “patchy” beds.

The sampling design for this seagrass study diverged from the traditional methods. The goal of the

design was to increase the geographic extent and statistical defensibility of the seagrass monitoring

program.

The increased geographic extent of the program provided an opportunity to characterize a greater

portion of the resource. Prior to this study, the abundance and extent of the rhizophytic algae in

STJS and CLWN was unknown. Additionally, the extent of the edge of bed in STJS toward the Gulf

of Mexico was assumed to be limited to the two meter contour similar to the Tampa Bay ecosystem.

Findings from this study indicated that the seagrass resource extends in to water depth of 3m-4m.

This extent has not been represented in the previous monitoring or remote sensing studies for the

area. Interesting spatial trends arose during the analyses including an apparent ecotone for the

distribution of Syringodium which rarely occurred in CLWS and increased in frequency heading

north through the study area into CLWN and STJS. Further examination of the spatial correlation

between the physical and biological parameters may provide explanation for variation of the

resource.

Using a stratified random sampling design allowed for the calculation of statistics to compare the

seagrass by variables such as year, strata, depth zone, and species. Although the power of the

design to detect change in the resource has not yet been assessed, the initial information from the

study has far surpassed the data provided from t he previous fixed transect monitoring program for

the study area. In addition to the random sites, 14 sites remain stationary and coincide with the

previous fixed transect to maintain backwards compatibility with the existing dataset. This data will

be analyzed in a subsequent report.

There is also potential to combine the field survey data from this study with ancillary data from

water quality and remote sensing studies to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the

resource. The results of this study were combined with the results of the 2006 aerial

to the limitation of the

aerial photography to penetrate the water column, seagrass beds growing at depths greater than

2m may not be visible for mapping. Current studies investigating the mapping of seagrass from

remote sensing multispectral satellite imagery may provide increased depth penetration to further

assess the extent of the seagrass resource (Meyer, 2008). 4.3 Part II- Discu

Overall, the data from this study indicated that the seagrass resource in CLWN, CLWS, and STJ

were stable and in relatively good condition. The abundance and density of seagrass showed little

variation. The seagrass species spatial distribution indicated a possible ecotone through the study

area consisting of variation by strata and depth zone.

Variability in the data may be contributed to a number of issues. Natural variation may include the

in

photointerpretation mapping study conducted by SWFW MD (Figure 16). Due

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 4



# 115 time of seagrass monitoring is not adequate to assess the

patial and temporal trends of water quality or the response of the seagrass condition. The

n to

diment type

ground-truthing of maps delineated

om remote sensing data. Figure 16. Combination of field survey data and

SAV map from the aerial photointerpretation

study (Kaufman, 2007).

The water quality data collected at the

s

integration of ancillary data from the Pinellas County Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Program

(WQMP) enhances the knowledge of the water quality in the study area (Figure 19). In additio

water quality parameters, staff collected environmental habitat information such as se

and seagrass presence/absence for each sampling site (Levy et al, 2008). The data from the

WQMP also provided additional spatial seagrass data (Figure 17). During the two years of the

stratified random seagrass monitoring progr am, 124-30m transects and 216 WQMP sites were

evaluated. This greatly exceeds the data collected from the previous 14 transect locations. This

provides a robust independent dataset for the validation and

fr

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 4



# 116 ft). Figure 17. The presence/absence of seagrass was collected by the WQMP in 2006 and 2007 (le

The WQMP data was combined with the seagrass monitoring data (right).

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 5



# 117



# .0 Conclusion and Summary

summary, the seagrass monitoring activities conducted by Pinellas County Water Resources

anagement Section suggest that the seagrass resource in Boca Ciega Bay and Clearwater

arbor/St. Joseph Sound is currently in good health and shows no trends indicating degradation.

he species found during monitoring included Halodule wrightii, Thalassia testudinum, Syringodium

liforme, and Halophila engelmanni. Although the seagrass resource is currently stable, many

atural and anthropogenic factors may threaten the persistence of the resource. Natural concerns

include weather events such as hurricanes, sea level rise, and climate change. Anthropogenic

factors include damage from increased boat tra ffic and propeller scarring, dredging activities, and

degradation of water quality from stormwater runoff. Throughout the monitoring program, boat prop

scars have been recorded frequently along the transects and seem to be increasing in frequency.

During the imagery acquisition in 2007, two boats caused an 800 m propeller scar in the seagrass

bed adjacent to BCB-01 (Figure 18). Education and enforcement is required to reduce the damage

to the seagrass resource. 

# 5

In

M

H

T

fi

n

Figure 18. Creation of a boat propeller scar through the seagrass

monitoring transect.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 5



# 118 transect sampling designs provided valuable

a cluding information on the species composition,

ng

pproach may have provided a good balance between the timee scale, geographic extent, and statistical defensibility and power for the evaluation of the

seagrass resource.

Future studies to better assess the seagrass resour ce in Pinellas County will include examining the

correlation between seagrass and water quality, and interpretation of remote sensing data. The

County conducts a water quality monitoring program which provides spatial and temporal water

quality information for the study area (Levy et al, 2008). The design focuses on the ability to detect

trends in the water quality parameters and allows for spatial interpolation analyses. Parameters

such as dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a concentration, and transmissivity are thought to be

correlated with the condition and response trends of seagrass resources. The spatial analysis of

these parameters reveals seasonal trends which may contribute to the seagrass trends. While

chlorophyll-a concentrations are generally low during the dry season, the concentrations increase

during the wet season in the southern portion of the study area (Figure 19). The spatial and

temporal assessment of the water quality may al low the development of a model relating seagrass

and water quality (Meyer 2008). Fourqurean (2003) used water quality data to develop a response

model to predict the change in seagrass distribution. This would be a valuable tool to manage the

seagrass resource. Another tool to assess the seagrass resource applies the interpretation of

remote sensing satellite imagery to produce coarse scale maps of the resource (Meyer, 2008).

Detailed habitat maps aid in the assessment and monitoring of changes within the seagrass

meadows. The ability to integrate field monitoring data with remote sensing methods may be a

cost-effective method to develop a comprehensive spatial change assessment of the seagrass

resource. Both the fixed transect and stratified random

form tion concerning the seagrass resource in in

health, and condition of the seagrass. However, the most notable difference between the sampli

programs was in the geographic extent and scale of the information. While the fixed transect

program provided time-series fine scale data, the data proved difficult to examine with statistically

viable trend analyses. The nature of the fixed transect design severely limited the ability to

extrapolate the data and conclusions to the rest of the seagrass resource. Additionally, the number

of fixed transects to monitor the geographic extent of the resource would be cost prohibitive to most

resource management agencies. The stable nature of the Pinellas County seagrass resource in

STJS, CLWN, and CLWS allowed for the development of a new sampling design. The stratified

random transect sampling design improved the geogr aphic extent of the monitoring program and

increases the ability to calculate viable statistical trend analyses. The design maintained the fine

scale data collection for species composition, biomass, and density estimates; however, it lost the

specific time-series data. This design encouraged the use of data from complementary monitoring

programs, such as the WQMP, to further anal yze the correlation between physical and biological

ariables. Ideally a hybrid design a v

series, fin

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 5



# 119 Figure 19. Seasonal Spatial Interpolation

of the water quality data available in the

study area for 2004-2006 for the wet

season (May-September) and the dry

season (October-April) reproduced from

Levy et al (2008). The Chlorophyll-a data

(top left) suggests an increase in

concentration during the wet season in

the southern portion of the study area.

The Dissolved Oxygen data (top right)

suggests that the concentration is higher

during the dry season. The transmissivity

data (bottom left) only shows slight

variation in the study area between the

wet and dry seasons.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 6



# 120 This page intentionally blank.

# PCDEM/WRMS Seagrass Resource Assessme nt & Monitoring Report Section 6



# 121 

# 6.0 References

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Tampa Bay National Estuary Program.

Cho T.O

., S. Fredericq and K. Yates

. 2002. Characterization of macroalgal epiphytes on Thalassia

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University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette LA 70504, U.S. Geological Survey, 600 4th

Street South, St. Petersburg FL 33701)

http://gulfsci.usgs.gov/tampabay/reports/seagrass/index.html

Braun Blanquet, J. 1965. Plant Sociology: The Study of Plant Communities . London: Hafner.

Coastal Environmental, Inc 1994. Monitoring program to assess environmental changes in Tampa

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Fourqurean, J. W. 1995. Long-term seagrass monitoring stations on cross bank: The effects of

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Retrieved February 25, 2002, from: http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/flbay/seag95.html

. Fourqurean, J.W. 2003. Forecasting responses of seagrass distribution to changing water quality

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# Haining, R. 2003. Spatial Data Analysi s: Theory and Practice (Cambridge,

U.K.: Cambridge University Press).

Kaufman, K. 2007.Southwest Florida Water Management District, unpublished data.

Levy, K. L., M. Flock and C. A. Meyer. 2008. Pinellas County Ambient Water Quality Monitoring

Report.

Deitche, S. and C.A. Meyer. 2003. Pinellas County Seagrass Transect Monitoring Program: Status

Report 1998-2003.

Meyer, C.A. 2008 (in press). Master’s Thesis: As sessment of Seagrass Resource using remote

sensing Landsat TM imagery. USF: Department of Geography.

Mumby, P.J., E.P. Green, A. J. Edwards, and C.D. Clark. 1999. The costeffectiveness of remote sensing for tropical coastal resources assessment and

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Mumby, P.J. and A. J. Edwards. 2002. Mapping marine environments with

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Schmidt, K. S. and A.K. Skidmore 2003. Spectral discrimination of vegetation types in a

coastal wetland. Remote Sensing of Environment 85: 92-108.

Short, Fredrick T. and Robert G. Coles (eds.).2001. Global Research

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Epiphyte photo website sources:

www.marlin.ac.uk www.sms.si.edu

www.augsburg.edu ux.brookdalecc.edu