Site-Specific Information 

in Support of Establishing 

Numeric Nutrient Criteria in 

the Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Division of Environmental Assessment and Restoration 

Standards and Assessment Section

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Tallahassee, FL 32399

August 25, 2010 
Draft ii August 2010

Table of Contents

Executive Summary ............................................................................................................... 1

Sources of Nutrients.............................................................................................................. 7

Biological Summary............................................................................................................... 7

Salt Marsh ....................................................................................................................................8

Mollusk Reefs................................................................................................................................8

Plankton .......................................................................................................................................9

Water Quality Data Sources and Studies................................................................................ 9

GTMNERR Systemwide Monitoring Program (SWMP) ....................................................................9

St Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) Surface Water Quality Monitoring 

(SWQM)......................................................................................................................................11

Waters on the 303(d) List..................................................................................................... 12

Numeric Nutrient Criteria Recommendation........................................................................ 17

Lines of Evidence................................................................................................................. 18

Chla – [TN] or [TP] Regression Models..........................................................................................18

General Models...........................................................................................................................18

Results and Discussion.................................................................................................................19

Summary and Conclusions................................................................................................... 40

References .......................................................................................................................... 44
Draft iii August 2010

List of Tables

Table 1a. Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary, concentration limits: Annual median (mean), 2000–09. ............. 1

Table 1b. Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary, loading limits: Annual median (mean), 2000–09......................... 2

Table 1. Checklist of nutrient enrichment symptoms in the TME................................................................. 3

Table 3. Estuarywide annual averages based on average annual site geometric means. .......................... 9

Table 5. Selected water quality parameters in the Upper East Coast Basin (1990-2008). ........................11

Table 6. Comparison of nutrient levels in the Tolomato-Matanzas estuary and Pellicer Creek to 

NOAA (1996) and FDEP (1996) state standards..........................................................................12

Table 7. 303(d) waterbodies status for the Northern Coastal Basin extracted from the FDEP 

revised draft Verified Lists of impaired waters for the Group 5 Basins current as of 

9/21/2007*.................................................................................................................................. 12

Table 8a. Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary, reference period results–1st line of evidence: Annual 

median (mean), 2000–09. ...........................................................................................................33

Table 8b. Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary, reference period results–1st line of evidence: Maximum 

wet-season median (mean) (June–September)...........................................................................34

Table 9. Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary, linear regression results–2nd line of evidence: Maximum 

wet-season median (1986–2009; all months).............................................................................35

Table 10. Estimates of current external loadings of TN and TP to Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary 

(2004 land use, 2001–2008 avg. annual rainfall of 48”).............................................................38

Table 12a. Summary of lines-of-evidence results: loading and concentration limits for the 

Tolomato segment. .....................................................................................................................41

Table 12b. Summary of lines-of-evidence results: loading and concentration limits for the North 

Matanzas segment......................................................................................................................41

Table 12c. Summary of lines-of-evidence results: loading and concentration limits for the South 

Matanzas segment......................................................................................................................41

List of Figures

Figure 1. Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary and Planning Units. ............................................................ 6

Figure 2. Monthly TN values at the four GTMNERR monitoring stations for 2002-2006. .........................10

Figure 3. TP at GTMNERR monitoring stations for 2002-2008 from north to south (2007-2008 

data provided directly from NERR – not verified by NOAA). .......................................................10

Figure 4. Monthly chlorophyll a values at the four GTMNERR monitoring stations for 2002-2006. .........10

Figure 5. Tolomato River Planning Unit, including 1998 303(d) list and Planning List waters 

(FDEP 2005). ................................................................................................................................14

Figure 6. Matanzas River Planning Unit, including 1998 303(d) list and Planning List waters..................15

Figure 7. Pellicer Creek Planning Unit, including the 1998 303(d) list and Planning List waters...............16

Figure 8. Locations of water quality sampling sites monitored by the agencies that provided data 

used in this nutrient criteria analysis. The SJRWMD and GTMNERR provided the bulk of 

water quality data. Only salinity data were retrieved from the SEAS database for 

analysis........................................................................................................................................17
Draft iv August 2010

Figure 9. Percent composition of major land uses in TME: Tolomato, N. Matanzas, and S. 

Matanzas (based on 2004 aerial imagery)..................................................................................20

Figure 10a. Location of tidal node at boundary between the TME and Lower St. Johns River 

Estuary.........................................................................................................................................21

Figure 10b. Location of tidal node at near Crescent Beach Bridge, midway between St. Augustine 

Inlet to the north and Matanzas Inlet to the south.....................................................................21

Figure 10c. Location of tidal node at boundary between the Matanzas and Halifax River 

Estuaries. .....................................................................................................................................22

Figure 11. Spatial distribution of salinity and turbidity (mean and std. deviation) by sampling site 

with median levels by segment included (1986–2009 period of record). The 

SEAS/FDACS sites are included only in the salinity graph; both graphs include the 

SJRWMD and GTMNERR sites. ....................................................................................................23

Figure 12. Spatial distribution of TN, TP, and Chla (mean ± std deviation) by SJRWMD or 

GTMNERR sampling site with segment mean and median included (1986–2009 period 

of record).....................................................................................................................................24

Figure 13. Spatial distribution of TSI values by SJRWMD or GTMNERR sampling site with 

segment mean and median included (1986–2009 period of record). .........................................25

Figure 14. Time series graphs of annual mean [TN] ± Std dev, dry and wet season, in the S. 

Matanzas, N. Matanzas, and Tolomato segments. ....................................................................29

Figure 15. Time series graphs of annual mean [TP] ± Std dev, dry and wet season, in the S. 

Matanzas, N. Matanzas, and Tolomato segments. ....................................................................30

Figure 16. Time series graphs of annual mean [TP] ± Std dev, dry and wet season, in the S. 

Matanzas, N. Matanzas, and Tolomato segments. ....................................................................31

Figure 17. Time series graphs of annual mean [Chla] ± Std dev, dry and wet season, in the S. 

Matanzas, N. Matanzas, and Tolomato segments. ....................................................................32

Figure 18. Time series graphs of annual mean Trophic State Index (TSI) values ± Std dev, dry and 

wet season, in the S. Matanzas, N. Matanzas, and Tolomato segments....................................33

Figure 19. Average monthly [TN], [Chl a], and [TP] in the TME overall. Monthly rainfall data are 

shown for comparison. The 1986 – 2009 period was used for the average monthly 

water quality data; and the 1986 – 2008 period was used for average monthly rainfall...........36

Figure 20. Mean turbidity by year (1992–2008) for TME in comparison to the North and South 

Halifax River Estuary (N. HRE and S. HRE) and the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). ...........................37

Figure 21. The log-linear plot of TN and TP load limits (g/m2

/yr) vs. hydraulic loading (qs) 

adapted and improved from Steward and Lowe (2010) by the incorporation of 

additional data points from mesotrophic estuaries initially used to validate the models. 

A point lying above the 95% confidence interval for the line-of-best-fit (=upper 

mestrophic line or UML) is considered eutrophic; below the lower mesotrophic line 

(LML) is considered oligotrophic.................................................................................................. 39
Draft 1 June 2010

Executive Summary

This report was prepared by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), in cooperation 

with local scientists, to support the development of numeric nutrient criteria for the TolomatoMatanzas Estuary (TME). The primary purpose of the proposed numeric nutrient criteria is to protect 

healthy well-balanced natural populations of flora and fauna from the effects of excess nutrient 

enrichment. Available information demonstrates that biological communities in this coastal area are 

healthy and well balanced. There are extensive salt marshes and mollusk reefs and a high diversity of 

plants and animals, including many protected species. The evidence presented in this document shows 

that aquatic life designated use in the TME is fully supported. FDEP therefore proposes that the numeric 

nutrient criteria be crafted to maintain the existing nutrient regime.

The TME is an 80-kilometer-long tidal estuary located on the Atlantic coast near the city of St Augustine, 

its major ocean connections are the St. Augustine and Matanzas Inlets (Figure 1). The basin morphology 

is typical of the Florida east coast, with a series of flat, low-gradient terraces separated by ancient 

barrier beaches (Scholl et al. 1980). 

Nutrients to the TME originate from natural sources (leaf litter inputs from the extensive forests and 

marshes),as well as from stormwater runoff, agriculture, silviculture, urban/suburban land uses, 

atmospheric deposition, sediment loading and turbidity from shoreline erosion, septic tanks, and 

wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs).

Oyster beds are the primary sensitive aquatic resource in the TME, roughly analogous in form and 

function to seagrasses in other estuaries throughout Florida. Unfortunately, there is no functional 

relationship between nutrient levels and oysters (as there is with seagrasses) that would be useful for 

setting nutrient limits in the estuary. In fact, additional nutrient loads may actually increase oyster 

production. Therefore, FDEP has evaluated multiple lines of evidence associated with the trophic 

state/chlorophyll a/nutrient relationship in the TME to develop nutrient criteria that would maintain 

designated uses. The three lines of evidence that were used in developing numeric nutrient criteria for 

the TME include:

• a reference period method;

• results from chlorophyll a – nutrient regression analyses; and

• two estuary empirical models (Steward et al. 2010a).

For the purposes of developing numeric nutrient criteria, the TME was divided into three segments: the 

Tolomato River (including the Guana River system) segment, and a north and south Matanzas River 

segment (Steward et al. 2010a). Segmentation was based on local land uses and hydrodynamic 

properties, particularly water residence times, which mediate water quality and trophic response. 

Tables 1a and 1b summarize the proposed concentration and loading limits for the Tolomato, N. 

Matanzas, and S. Matanzas segments, respectively.

Table 1a. Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary, concentration limits: Annual median (mean), 2000–09. 

Segment Chla (μg/L) TN (mg/L) TP (mg/L)

Tolomato 4.5 (5.3) 0.52 (0.56) 0.085 (0.096)

N. Matanzas 3.1 (3.5) 0.37 (0.41) 0.073 (0.083)

S. Matanzas 4.3 (5.0) 0.45 (0.49) 0.089 (0.103)
Draft 2 June 2010

Table 1b. Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary loading limits (ca. 2004 loadings) for TN and TP.

-= Empty cell/no data

Segment TN: kg/yr TP: kg/yr 

Tolomato segment TN: kg/yr TP: kg/yr - 

Loading Limit 76,727 11,264 

N. Matanzas segment - - 

Loading Limit 237,074 43,792 

S. Matanzas segment - - 

Loading Limit 208,025 37,142 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 3 August 2010

Table 2. Checklist of nutrient enrichment symptoms in the TME.

- = Empty cell/no data

Response variable Observed 

historically?

Observed 

currently?

Explanation Source

Low DO (hypoxia/anoxia) Yes Yes Caused by natural factors, especially the high oxygen demand by 

decomposing bacteria in the highly organic saltmarsh systems.

Steward and Miller, pers. 

comm. 2010 

Reduced clarity Yes Yes Naturally high turbidities and high tidal scouring contribute to sporadic 

reductions in clarity. The naturally low clarity (from tripton) contributes to 

the lack of seagrass in this region of Florida.

Steward et al. 2010a 

Increased chlorophyll a 

concentrations

Yes No Slightly increasing temporal trend from 1986-2009 but annual averages well 

below the threshold for impairment in the IWR of 11 μg/l.

Steward et al 2010a 

Phytoplankton bloom No No Short residence times, High tripton levels may help control phytoplankton 

densities.

Vertical mixing by tidal stirring may control phytoplankton blooms in some 

estuaries. 

Steward et al 2010a 

Cloern 1991

Problematic epiphyte 

growth 

N/A N/A - - 

Problematic macroalgal 

growth

No No - - 

SAV community changes or 

loss

N/A N/A Large tidal amplitude and naturally high turbidity have prevented SAV 

establishment.

Steward et al 2010a 

Emergent or shoreline 

vegetation community 

changes or loss 

Yes Yes Impacts to shoreline habitats, associated with maintenance of inlets and 

navigation channels, mosquito control, and recreational boating activities, 

have historically occurred, but are spatially limited.

Haydt and Frazel 2003

Oyster reef community 

changes or loss 

Yes Yes Oyster reef communities have been negatively impacted by erosion, 

primarily due to wind and boat wakes and sediment loads due to runoff and 

tidal scouring.

It should be noted that denser oyster populations, with larger, meatier 

individuals, were found in areas with higher nutrient concentrations.

Haydt and Frazel 2003

Dix and Phlips 2009

Impacts to benthic 

community

Unknown Unknown - - 

Fish kills Yes Yes Fish kills reported January 2010 due to cold stress

Fish kill (red and black drum) reported August 2010 in San Sebastian Creek 

(St. Augustine, Matanzas basin); cause unknown 

FFWCC 2010
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 4 August 2010

Executive Summary................................................................................................................ 1

Geographical and Physical Description ................................................................................... 4

Sources and Fates of Nutrients............................................................................................... 7

Point Sources................................................................................................................................ 7

Nonpoint Sources.......................................................................................................................... 7

Biological Summary ............................................................................................................... 7

Salt Marsh .................................................................................................................................... 8

Mollusk Reefs ............................................................................................................................... 8

Plankton....................................................................................................................................... 9

Water Quality Data Sources and Studies ................................................................................ 9

Waters on the 303(d) List.....................................................................................................12

Numeric Nutrient Criteria Recommendation ........................................................................17

Reference period.........................................................................................................................18

Chla – [TN] or [TP] regression models. .........................................................................................18

General models...........................................................................................................................18

Results and Discussion .........................................................................................................19

Summary and Conclusions ...................................................................................................40

References...........................................................................................................................42

Appendix A. List of Species 47
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 5 August 2010

Geographical and Physical Description

The Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary is located south of the City of Jacksonville, in St. Johns and Flagler Counties, 

on the northeast coast of Florida. The estuary is characterized by extensive tidal marshes, unconsolidated 

substrates, and mollusk reefs (Frazel 2009). It is located in the Upper East Coast Drainage Basin and has been 

divided into four hydrologic planning units, three of which, the Tolomato River, Matanzas River and Pellicer 

Creek (corresponding to the S. Matanzas river segment), are the subject of this report (Figure 1). The fourth 

unit, the Halifax River, is south of the TME boundary and is discussed in a separate report (Steward et al. 

2010b). 

Much of the TME is located within the boundaries of the Guana -Tolomato Estuarine Research Reserve 

(GTMNERR). The GTMNERR is geographically divided into a northern and southern component separated by 

the area around the City of St. Augustine and connected to the Atlantic Ocean via the St. Augustine and 

Matanzas Inlets. The natural hydrology of the basin has been significantly altered by a combination of water 

control structures, dikes, drainage ditches, and canals. In addition, the Intracoastal Waterway traverses both 

the Tolomato and Matanzas estuaries

The northern component of the GTMNERR is associated with the Tolomato and Guana River estuaries and has 

numerous associated managed areas including the Guana River Marsh Aquatic Preserve (GRMAP), Guana River 

Wildlife Management Area, Stokes Landing Conservation Area, and Deep Creek State Forest. The GRMAP 

extends three miles into the Atlantic Ocean, and encompasses the estuarine waters of the Tolomato and 

Guana Rivers, interior impoundments, marshes, swamps and five artesian wells. The northern component also 

includes the upland areas of the former Guana River State Park. 

The southern component of the GTMNERR is associated with the North Matanzas River estuary segment, 

extending from Moultrie Creek south to Pellicer Creek. The southern component consists of Pellicer Creek 

Aquatic Preserve, Faver-Dykes State Park, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, Moses Creek Conservation 

Area, Pellicer Creek Conservation Area, Fort Matanzas National Monument, Princess Place Preserve, The River 

to Sea Preserve at Marineland, and other State sovereign submerged lands adjacent to the Matanzas River 

within the GTMNERR boundary. 

The Pellicer Creek watershed is associated with the South Matanzas River segment and consists of vast 

wetlands, many miles of which were drained for pine plantations or real estate development, and to reduce 

mosquito breeding sites. Commercial shellfishing for oysters and clams has historically occurred in the 

southern portion of this planning unit.

The TME is roughly 80 kilometers long, and ranges in width from 0.32 km in Flagler County to 0.8 km in St. 

Johns County (Steward et al. 2010a). The total estuarine area is 44 km2 and the watershed catchment area is 

1,024 km2

.

 The catchment area to estuary ratio is 23:1, which is slightly less than that of the Halifax River 

Estuary (24:1; Steward et al. 2010b). The 30-year average rainfall in the TME is 51 inches, although the 

average from 2001-2008, which included a period of drought, was 46 inches (Steward et al. 2010a). The tidal 

amplitude (Scholl et al. 1980) is 1.25 meters. 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 6 August 2010

Figure 1. Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary and Planning Units. 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 7 August 2010

While approximately 73% of the basin currently consists of forests and wetlands (Table 2), the northeast 

Florida region (Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties) is one of the fastest growing 

regions in the state. It has experienced a 22 percent increase in population between 1990 and 2000 (BERR, 

University of Florida 2002). By 2015, the region is expected to grow by an additional 20 percent. 

Table 3. Land use in the Upper East Coast Basin (SJRWMD 2006).

Land Use Percent Coverage km2

Forest 41% 446.79

Wetland 32% 356.65

Urban 15% 192.14

Water 6% 66.94

Upland non-forested 4% 50.82

Transportation, Utilities, etc 1% 18.52

Agriculture 1% 6.82

Barren Land <1% 1.14

Sources of Nutrients

Potential sources of nutrients in the watershed include stormwater runoff, agriculture, silviculture, 

urban/suburban land uses, atmospheric deposition, sediment loading and turbidity from shoreline erosion, 

and septic tanks. 

Septic tanks have been identified as a potential source of nutrients (N and P), pathogens, and other pollutants 

that can pose a threat to public health (SJRWMD 2003). Surface waters can be adversely affected by the direct 

or indirect runoff of septic system leachate. Septic tank failure rates in Flagler, St. Johns, and Volusia Counties 

exceed state failure rates (SJRWMD 2000).

Point Sources 

There are 7 permitted domestic wastewater facilities that discharge into the TME (FDEP 2006). Three facilities

are located in the N. Matanzas, 3 in the S. Matanzas, and 1 in the Tolomato segment.

Six facilities in the Matanzas River Planning Unit have active NPDES permits to discharge to surface waters: 

four domestic waste treatment plants and two concrete batch plants. The most significant of the active 

facilities are the St. Augustine Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) No. 1, with a design capacity of 5 mgd, 

the Anastasia Island WWTF, with a design capacity of 4.0 mgd and the State Road 16 WWTF in St. Augustine, at 

1.5 mgd. 

Nonpoint Sources 

In the Tolomato River Planning Unit, upland forests, wetlands, and surface waters comprise about 81 percent 

of the planning unit’s area. Approximately 13 percent of the area is urbanized, and about 5 percent is 

agricultural land or rangeland. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, St. Johns County is the second fastestgrowing county in the state, and much of the new development will be near the coast, which will increase 

stormwater discharges to the Intra-coastal Waterway (SJRWMD 2003).

Biological Summary

The TME contains a broad range of habitat types. Salt marsh is the major tidal habitat, occupying 

approximately 25 percent of the total land cover of the GTMNERR. Patchy distributions of black mangrove, 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 8 August 2010

representing the northern extent of this species, are also a significant feature of the marsh landscape in the 

southern section of the GTMNERR. Other tidal communities include oyster bars, tidal flats and open water. 

The diversity of communities present in the TME and surrounding lands provide habitat for at least 44

mammal, 358 bird, 41 reptile, 21 amphibian, 303 fish, and 580 plant species (Apendix A). Many plants and 

animals receive special protection status, including the Anastasia Island beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus 

phasma), gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus), least tern (Sterna antillarum), marine turtles (loggerhead 

(Caretta caretta), leatherback (Dermochelys coriacia) and green turtle (Chelonia mydas), North Atlantic right 

whale (Eubalaena glacialis), the striped newt (Notopthalmus perstriatus), and the Atlantic geoduck (Panopea 

bitruncata) among others.

The spatial distributions of major aquatic habitat communities, oyster reef and salt marsh (Spartina 

alterniflora, Spartina patens, and Juncus roemerianus are the dominant marsh plant species) is fairly uniform 

throughout the TME (Johnson et al. 1998). Fortunately, there has been very little loss of oyster reef or marsh 

area throughout the TME system (unlike the N. Halifax R. Estuary; see Steward 2010b). Most of the loss was 

due to dredge and fill development in the St. Augustine area up to the 1960’s (prime examples are downtown 

St. Augustine and the Davis Shores residential development on the opposite shore from downtown). The vast 

stretches of nearly contiguous marsh, oyster habitat, and minimally developed upland strand in the TME, much 

of it publicly owned and under conservation management, is one reason why NOAA and the State of Florida 

established the GTMNERR. Another reason for establishing a NERR in this region is the exceptionally good 

water quality. The SJRWMD has petitioned FDEP to designate portions of the system as an Outstanding 

Florida Water.

Salt Marsh

Salt marsh occupies more than 20% of the total land cover of the TME (Frazel 2009). Dominant plants in TME

salt marshes include saltmarsh cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora), black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus),

glasswort (Salicornia spp.), and saltwort (Batis maritima). This habitat supports a large population of infaunal 

organisms as well as a variety of transient fish and wildlife. 

McFarlin (2008) assessed the impact of fertilization on food webs in 19 coastal estuaries in Georgia and found 

that fertilization increased cover, height, and biomass of Spartina and the height of Juncus, but decreased 

Juncus cover and biomass. The study also showed increases in herbivores (grasshoppers) with fertilization, but 

little to no effect on decomposers (fungi) or detritivores (snails). In comparisons between fertilized plots and 

control plots, variation among sites was typically greater than the effects of fertilization. These results suggest 

that increases in nutrients at any particular site could not readily be distinguished from the natural variation 

among sites, and that increased nutrients are likely to have a stimulatory effect on desireable salt marsh plants

(Spartina) and the herbivores that provide food for other predators. 

Mollusk Reefs

Oyster reefs are another major aquatic community in the TME. They present a dynamic community and 

provide many benefits to the aquatic community, including decreasing turbidity by trapping sediment and 

forming refugia, nursery grounds, and feeding areas for a variety of other estuarine organisms. Oysters 

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

blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus), and amphipods. 

Dix (unpublished presentation 2010) conducted a three-year study in the GTMNERR, investigating oyster 

growth rates at two sites with different nutrient loading scenarios. Density, length, and biomass were 

compared between oyster colonies at a site near the San Sebastian River where the TN and TP loads were an 

order of magnitude or greater than a site near the Ft. Matanzas Inlet. Although the loads were significantly 

different between the two sites, the mean total nitrogen concentrations (San Sebastian = 0.375 mg/L, Ft. 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 9 August 2010

Matanzas = 0.365 mg/L) and total phosphorus (San Sebastian = 0.056 mg/L, Ft Matanzas = 0.052 mg/L) were 

similar. Oyster biomass and abundance was greater at the San Sebastian site, suggesting that the oyster 

communities are capable of assimilating current nutrient loads and appear to respond positively to increases in 

nutrient loads, at least at the current, benign levels. 

Plankton

Little research has been done on plankton communities within the TME. However, Dr. Edward Phlips of the 

University of Florida is currently investigating phytoplankton structure and phytoplankton bloom density in a 

number of systems throughout Florida (Frazel 2009). 

Frazel noted a Karenia brevis in October 2007 within the waters of the TME. However, the bloom began in the 

coastal waters between the mouths of the St. Johns and Nassau Rivers and moved south along the coast and 

entered both the St. Augustine and Matanzas Inlets. Cell counts as high as 5,000,000 cells/L were recorded in 

the Matanzas River south of the 206 bridge (Hitchcock and Frazel, unpublished raw data). 

Water Quality Data Sources and Studies

The following organizations collect nutrient, bacteriological, and physical data in the TME: 

• FL Dept. of Env. Protection - Northeast District & Watershed Assessment (1998 - 2010) 

• Guana-Tolomato-Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (2002 - 2010) 

• FL Fish & Wildlife C C - Marine Research Institute (2001 - 2005) 

• St. Johns River Water Management District (1997 - 2010) 

• FL Dept. of Health - Bureau of Water (2000 - 2010) 

• FL Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services (1979 - 2007) 

GTMNERR Systemwide Monitoring Program (SWMP) 

Data from the SWMP Program, which is conducted in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration, can be accessed via: http://cdmo.baruch.sc.edu/. There are four monitoring stations in the 

GTMNERR, with two in the northern component and two in the southern component. At each station, 

physical, weather and nutrient/chlorophyll parameters are monitored. Figures 2-4 show the annual geometric 

means for total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and chlorophyll a, respectively at the four monitoring stations for 

May 2002 through November 2006. Table 3 shows the annual geometric means, standard deviations, and 75th

/ 90th percentiles for the four GTMNERR SWMP stations for 2002 through 2006.

Table 4. Estuarywide annual averages based on average annual site geometric means. 

Statistics Total Phosphorus (μg/L) Total Nitrogen (μg/L) Chlorophyll-a (μg/L)

Mean 63.58 471.57 3.18

Std. Dev. 6.22 36.84 0.79

75th percentile 67.8 496.4 3.7

90th percentile 71.6 518.8 4.2
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 10 August 2010

Figure 2. Monthly TN values at the four GTMNERR monitoring stations for 2002-2006.

Figure 3. Monthly TP values at the four GTMNERR monitoring stations for 2002-2008 (2007-2008 

data not verified by NOAA).

Figure 4. Monthly chlorophyll a values at the four GTMNERR monitoring stations for 2002-2006. 

0

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Fort Matanzas

Pellicer Creek

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Draft 11 August 2010

St Johns River Water Management District (SJRWMD) Surface Water Quality Monitoring (SWQM)

The SJRWMD monitors water quality at 5 primary stations located either within, or directly adjacent to the 

TME. Data can be accessed at: http://sjrwmd.com/watershedfacts/factsindex.html. Using GIS mapping 

technology, these measurements are evaluated in the context of population density, geology, rainfall, and 

aquifer recharge. Table 5 summarizes nutrient data from the SJWMD Watershed Fact pages. 

Table 5. Selected water quality parameters in the Upper East Coast Basin (1990-2008). 

- = Empty cell/no data

Analytes Data Yrs n Data Min Median Max Range

TOLOMATO RIVER - - - - - - 

total nitrogen (mg/L as N) 16 140 0.13 0.59 1.82 mid-lo

total phosphorus (mg/L as P) 16 139 0.02 0.09 1.24 mid

trichromatic uncorrected chlorophyll-a (ug/L) 16 135 0.01 5.12 27.32 mid-lo

trophic state index 16 138 -2.39 44.74 60.76 mid-lo

UPPER MATANZAS RIVER - - - - - - 

total nitrogen (mg/L as N) 15 126 0.01 0.47 1.46 low

total phosphorus (mg/L as P) 15 124 0.02 0.07 0.61 mid

trichromatic uncorrected chlorophyll-a (ug/L) 15 119 0.01 4.67 23.79 mid-lo

trophic state index 15 124 -2.96 40.84 57.14 low

LOWER MATANZAS RIVER - - - - - - 

total nitrogen (mg/L as N) 16 134 -0.02 0.5 1.16 low

total phosphorus (mg/L as P) 16 134 0.02 0.07 0.27 mid

trichromatic uncorrected chlorophyll-a (ug/L) 16 127 0.01 5.06 22.01 mid-lo

trophic state index 16 133 -0.85 41.8 61.71 mid-lo

PELLICER CREEK - - - - - - 

total nitrogen (mg/L as N) 16 83 0.1 0.83 2.11 low

total phosphorus (mg/L as P) 16 83 0.04 0.09 0.27 mid

trichromatic uncorrected chlorophyll-a (ug/L) 16 86 -0.8 1.14 19.07 mid-lo

water quality index 16 86 19.76 47.92 74.2 mid-lo

MOULTRIE CREEK - - - - - - 

total nitrogen (mg/L as N) 15 85 0.43 1.28 4.04 mid

total phosphorus (mg/L as P) 15 85 0.02 0.07 0.3 mid-lo

trichromatic uncorrected chlorophyll-a (ug/L) 15 79 -0.19 0.58 26.4 low

water quality index 15 86 15.67 53.12 77.87 mid

In 2004, Miller analyzed the SJRWMD SWQM data from 1997 to 2000 for the Upper East Coast (SJRWMD refers 

to this region as the “Northern Coastal Basin”) and compared the results to National Oceanic and Atmospheric 

Administration (NOAA) Estuarine Eutrophication Study (1996) and to the Florida water quality standards or the 

Typical Water Quality Values for Lakes, Streams, and Estuaries (FDER 1989, Table 6). Miller found that the 

Tolomato-Matanzas estuary had good average dissolved oxygen (6.13 mg/L), relatively high salinity (30.42 

ppt), and low average chlorophyll a (4.40 μg/L) (Miller 2004). Mean total phosphorus concentration for this 

period (0.12 mg/L) was considered “High” compared to the 21 other estuarine systems on the southeast 

Atlantic coast in the NOAA study and higher than the state median value of 0.07 mg/L (FDEP 1996). Mean total 

nitrogen concentration (0.57 mg/L) was classified as “Medium” and was lower than the state median 

concentration of 0.8 mg/L (FDEP 1996). The Trophic State Index (TSI) for the Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary was 

43.02, which is classified as “Good”. In addition, all individual sites within the estuary were classified as 

“Good”. 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 12 August 2010

Pellicer Creek, in its middle reach at the U.S. 1 Bridge, had good average dissolved oxygen (5.06 mg/L), low 

average salinity (1.70 ppt), and average chlorophyll a concentration (6.27μg/L) (Miller 2004). The average total 

phosphorus concentration (0.12 mg/L) was generally the same as found throughout the Tolomato-Matanzas 

estuary, and considered “High” when compared to other southeast Atlantic estuaries (NOAA 1996). Average 

total nitrogen concentration (0.94 mg/L) was considerably lower than the state median for fresh water (1.2 

mg/L) but higher than in the Tolomato-Matanzas estuary. The minimally disturbed Pellicer Creek is likely a 

major source of total nitrogen flowing into the Matanzas River. Pellicer Creek (at a depth of collection of 0.5 

meters) is considered to be fresh water (specific conductivity < 5,000 μmhos), therefore, the Water Quality 

Index (WQI) was calculated to be 53.2, which is classified as “Fair”. The levels of fecal coliform (481.1 MPN/100 

ml) and total coliform (1468.7 MPN/100 ml) calculated as geometric means, were above the Class II (shellfish 

harvesting) criteria and the Class III freshwater/marine recreational criteria, but the source of the bacteria

were not known, or even if they were of human origin (Miller 2004). Miller noted that the N:P ratio in the 

Tolomato-Matanzas system is 4.8, and is therefore nitrogen limited.

Table 6. Comparison of nutrient levels in the Tolomato-Matanzas estuary and Pellicer Creek to NOAA (1996) 

and FDEP (1996) state standards. 

NOAA/FDEP 

Categories

Total Nitrogen 

(mg/L)

Total Phosphorus 

(mg/L)

Chlorophyll a 

(μg/L)

Trophic State 

Index (TSI)

Water Quality 

Index (WQI)

Low / Good 0 to <0.1 0 to <0.01 >0 to 5 0 to <50 0 to <45

Medium / Fair 0.1 to <1 0.01 to <0.1 >5 to 20 50 to <60 45 to <60

High /Poor 1 0.1 >20 to 60 60 to 100 60 to 100

Hypereutrophic Not applicable Not applicable >60 Not applicable Not applicable

Ceric (2007) analyzed the status and trends of water quality from 1990 to 2004 for all surface water basins in 

the SJRWMD, including the Upper East Coast. The status was based on the median of annual medians using 

the most recent five years of available data (1999 to 2004). For the entire Upper East Coast, total nitrogen was 

0.716 mg/L, total phosphorus was 0.097 mg/L, and chlorophyll a was 5.49 μg/L. Compared to the NOAA 

thresholds, this would suggest “Medium” levels of TN, TP, and chlorophyll a in the basin.

Multiple modeling efforts have been undertaken or are ongoing within the TME to evaluate circulation, 

flushing, water quality conditions, and ecosystem health to meet water quality and habitat protection goals

(CDM/DHI 2002; Phlips 2004; Sheng 2008; Mao 2007 and 2009). 

Waters on the 303(d) List

Table 7. 303(d) waterbodies status for the Northern Coastal Basin extracted from the FDEP revised draft 

Verified Lists of impaired waters for the Group 5 Basins current as of 9/21/2007*.

[there should be final lists available. Add text to describe listings, noting which ones are relevant to nutrients. Check into the listing for Lake Vedra.] 

- = Empty cell/no data

*Complete dataset can be viewed at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/water/tmdl/verified_gp5R.htm.

Planning Unit/ 

Waterbody 

Segment 

Planning Unit Waterbody 

Identification 

(WBID) 

Parameters Assessed Projected 

Year of TMDL 

Development

County 

Tolomato/

Matanzas

- - - - - 

Guana River Tolomato River 2320 Coliform (Shellfish harvesting), 

Dissolved Oxygen, Fecal Coliform, 

Nutrients (Chla) 

2012 St. Johns 

Sombrero Creek Tolomato River 2470 Fecal Coliform 2017 St. Johns 

Ximanies Creek Tolomato River 2477 Coliform (Shellfish harvesting 

classification) 

2017 St. Johns 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 13 August 2010

Lake Vedra Tolomato River 2320A Dissolved Oxygen 2012 St. Johns 

Lake Vedra Tolomato River 2320A Nutrients (Chla) 2012 St. Johns 

Tolomato River Tolomato River 2363I Arsenic, Coliform (Shellfish 

harvesting), Copper, Iron, Nickel 

2017 St. Johns 

Red House Br. Matanzas River 2472 Fecal Coliform 2017 St. Johns 

Moultrie Creek Matanzas River 2493 Fecal Coliform 2017 St. Johns 

Matanzas River Matanzas River 2363G Iron, Lead 2012 Flagler 

Pellicer Creek - - - - -

IWW Pellicer Creek 2363E Arsenic, Iron 2012 Flagler 

IWW Pellicer Creek 2363F Coliform (Shellfish harvesting) 2017 Flagler 

Pellicer Creek Pellicer Creek 2580B Fecal Coliform 2011 Flagler 

Figures 5 through 7 show the individual planning units, including the 1998 303(d) Llst, Planning List and 

Verified List waters, point sources and additional features of interest (FDEP 2005).
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 14 August 2010

Figure 5. Tolomato River Planning Unit, including 1998 303(d) list and Planning List waters (FDEP 2005). 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 15 August 2010

Figure 6. Matanzas River Planning Unit, including 1998 303(d) list and Planning List waters. 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 16 August 2010

Figure 7. Pellicer Creek Planning Unit, including the 1998 303(d) list and Planning List waters. 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 17 August 2010

Numeric Nutrient Criteria Recommendation

During the process of developing numeric nutrient criteria in the TME, both the spatial heterogeneity of the 

system and temporal shifts in key water quality parameters were considered. Based on a spatial analysis of 

TN, TP, chlorophyll a, salinity, turbidity, and Trophic State Index, Steward et al. (2010a) proposed dividing the 

TME into three segments (Figure 8). Information regarding the spatial distribution of physical properties and 

trophic water quality support a recommendation for dividing the TME into 3 segments – Tolomato, N. 

Matanzas, and S. Matanzas for the development of segment-specific nutrient criteria. 

Figure 8. Locations of water quality sampling sites monitored by the agencies that provided data used in this 

nutrient criteria analysis. The SJRWMD and GTMNERR provided the bulk of water quality data. Only salinity 

data were retrieved from the SEAS database for analysis. 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 18 August 2010

Lines of Evidence for Criteria Development

Three lines of evidence were explored for the development of numeric nutrient criteria for the TME, including 

a reference period method, chlorophyll a–nutrient regression analyses, and two estuary empirical models 

(Steward and Lowe 2010). 

Reference Period 

A reference period was selected to calculate annual and wet-season medians of Chla, TN, and TP. Under the 

reference period approach, a period of time is selected from the full period of record that is represented by a 

data set judged to have good or adequate spatial and temporal coverage and that appears to support a good 

trophic state and healthy aquatic life. The reference period should include a time period when the system was 

fully maintaining its designated use, and include nutrient levels and chlorophyll a values representative of 

natural variability. The reference period should be at least 5 consecutive years, preferrably longer (up to 10 

years) because Florida is subject to multi-year droughts or extreme wet conditions that can affect the 

magnitude of nutrient loading and attendant water quality in receiving waters. A reference period should 

sufficiently capture a number of variable rainfall years, but as a whole, not be biased by any extreme 

meteorological event of long duration. Because nutrient loadings and concentrations (and presumably Chla

and trophic state) in the TME are partly a function of watershed rainfall-runoff, the selected reference period 

should not be not biased by prolonged drought or wet condition, but should approximate the 30-year annual 

average rainfall for the region. A trophic condition was considered desirable for a given segment if the average 

of trophic state index (TSI) values, as applied to estuaries (FDEP 1996), was <50. 

Chla – [TN] or [TP] Regression Models 

All data from the full period of record were reduced and organized into annual average, average monthly, and 

average wet-season monthly data sets. Simple linear regression models were developed per segment from 

these reduced data sets: Chla levels were regressed against TN concentrations and separately against TP

concentrations. If a regression model had a moderate to strong correlation coefficient (r) (or coefficient of 

determination, r2

) and significance (p) statistic, it was used to predict median concentration limits based on the 

reference-period Chla medians (the de facto Chla target levels). 

General Models 

Two general nutrient models were applied to the TME to predict limits or acceptable ranges of nutrient 

loadings and concentrations related to a desirable trophic state (mesotrophy or oligotrophy). One model is an 

empirically defined relationship between water residence times and nutrient loading limits for mesotrophic 

Florida systems (Steward and Lowe 2010). Because this Florida TP trophic loading model is consistent with the 

Vollenweider (1976) TP critical loading model, the Vollenweider model equation was slightly modified (by 

adjusting the τw exponent) to fit the Florida systems model (Steward and Lowe 2010) and to predict the upper 

or lower mesotrophic [TP concentration. The modified Vollenweider equations are as follows:

upper mesotrophic [TP] = LM(P) X τw

0.847/[z(1 + τw0.5)], which was empirically derived;

lower mesotrophic [TP] = LM(P) X τw

0.7/[z(1 + τw0.5)] as a theoretical derivation;

whereby LM = mesotrophic loads (g/m2

/yr); τw = water residence time1; z= mean depth (m).

 

1 Freshwater residence times (=R63 values) were scaled up for TME to R99 values to better represent the longer time for nutrient 

detention,, recycling, and trophic utilization of nutrients in lagoons as compared to freshwater systems (Steward and Lowe 2010). A 

tidal prism volume to freshwater inflow volume ratio was applied in the scaling of freshwater residence times to determine nutrient 

limit – trophic status relationship in estuaries. The R99 residence times are 0.27 yr for Tolomato, 0.0377 yr for N. Matanzas, and 0.063 

yr for S. Matanzas.
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 19 August 2010

The N-analog of the Vollenweider (1976) model was not equivalent to or consistent with the Florida TN trophic 

loading model (Steward and Lowe 2010) and, thus, the Vollenweider model could not be used to predict [TN]. 

Therefore, the Dettmann (2001) model was selected to predict [TN] based on a trophically desirable TN loading 

limit as determined by prior application of the Florida TN trophic loading model. The Dettmann (2001) model 

equation is:

[TN] = (LN X τw / V + [TN]s)(1/1 + ατw); whereby LN = TN loading (g/yr), τw = freshwater residence time 

(yr), V = volume of estuary (liters, L) segment, [TN]s = average [TN] at segment boundaries (g/L), α = 1st

order rate coefficient for N loss (3.6 yr-1).

Among the three lines of evidence, the reference period provides the primary line of evidence because it 

constitutes the most direct analysis of site-specific data that represents a time when trophic state is desirable. 

The other two lines of evidence are model predictions (incorporating site-specific data) and regarded as 

supporting evidence. 

Results and Discussion

Spatial Considerations and Segmentation

The land use composition among the TME segments, from the Tolomato through S. Matanzas sub-basins, is 

similar (Figure 9) (and similar to the adjacent Halifax R. Estuary catchment; see Steward et al. 2010b) with 

respect to the three major land uses: forest/rangeland, residential/urban, and agriculture. The percent 

composition of the 3 major land uses in the TME are ~38 – 43% forest/rangeland, ~15 -28% residential/urban, 

and ~1% agriculture (SJRWMD 2004 land use, GIS spatial layer). 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 20 August 2010

Figure 9. Percent composition of major land uses in TME: Tolomato, N. Matanzas, and S. Matanzas (based 

on 2004 aerial imagery).

Like the Halifax River Estuary, spatial differences within the TME may be best described by morphometric and 

hydrodynamic characteristics, which significantly mediate the system’s water quality and trophic response. 

The mean depths of the TME were significantly increased by the construction of the Intracoastal Waterway 

(ICW) in the early twentieth century. Among the three segments of the TME, the morphometry of the S. 

Matanzas estuary is defined largely by the ICW; indeed, much of its southern length is the ICW channel. 

Water circulation in the TME is driven by strong tidal forces (~1.25 m tidal amplitude). John and Morris (1999) 

conducted a tracer study with a calibrated RMA2 model (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) and determined there 

are 3 tidal null or node points within the TME. A tidal node point is a general location within the estuary where 

there is no net water flow in either direction (north or south). The northernmost point is located near the 

Palm Valley Bridge (Figure 10a), delineating the Tolomato’s northern terminus. A second tidal node point is 

located near the Crescent Beach Bridge (S.R. 206) where the tidal forces funneling through the St. Augustine 

and Matanzas inlets counteract (Figure 10b). The third point is located just south of High Bridge and marks the 

transition between Matanzas R. and Halifax R. estuaries (Figure 10c). The tidal node point at Crescent Beach 

was evaluated in conjunction with water quality data to determine whether this is a reasonable location for a 

segment boundary. Tidal node points can coincide with points of transition for water quality gradients or 

biological resources, as observed in the Halifax R. Estuary and Mosquito Lagoon (Steward et al. 2010a, Steward 

et al. 2010b).

Water residence time is the most important physical factor that determines the trophic response of an estuary 

to its external nutrient input. The freshwater residence time in the Tolomato R. estuary is about 22 days, 

which is more than 4 to 5 times longer than in the Matanzas (derived from Sheng et al. 2008). This indicates a 

nutrient detention time in Tolomato that is considerably longer than in Matanzas and a sensitivity to nutrient 

enrichment (or a eutrophication susceptibility) that is higher than that for Matanzas with an equivalent 

nutrient input (g/m2 estuary area/yr). 

Tolomato

(including Guana basin)

N. Matanzas 

S. Matanzas

0.5%

39.4%

2.0%

11.9%

3.2%

6.1%

36.9%

Agriculture 

Forest/Rangeland 

Other 

Residential 

Urban 

Water 

Wetlands 

1.3%

37.9%

1.4%

3.4% 7.7% 20.4%

27.9%

1.3%

42.9%

2.8%

15.2%

2.7%

3.9%

31.2%
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 21 August 2010

Figure 10a. Location of tidal node at boundary between the TME and Lower St. Johns River Estuary. 

Figure 10b. Location of tidal node at near Crescent Beach Bridge, midway between St. Augustine Inlet to the 

north and Matanzas Inlet to the south.

Tidal node

Tidal node
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 22 August 2010

Figure 10c. Location of tidal node at boundary between the Matanzas and Halifax River Estuaries.

A two-segment scheme and a three-segment scheme was evaluated for the TME based on the longitudinal 

gradients of salinity, TN, TP, Chla, and TSI values (Figures 4 - 6). 

Mean salinity levels throughout the TME are very uniform, typically >30 ppt as long-term means except at the 

very southern and northern ends of the TME (most distant from inlets) where mean salinities are slightly 

lower, ranging between 27 to 30 ppt. Other than the clear inflection in the salinity gradient between the N. 

Halifax and S. Matanzas, there is no other apparent inflection point in salinity that would justify segmentation 

within the TME. Nonetheless, there is a small gradient shift in turbidity levels between N. Matanzas and 

Tolomato, as well as the stronger shift at the High Bridge tidal node point (Figure 4). 

Unlike salinity and turbidity (Figure 11), the gradient shifts observed for TN and TP concentrations, Chla levels, 

and TSI values are quite distinct (Figures 12 and 13). With respect to those four parameters, two types of 

gradients are evident and could support dividing the system into 2 or 3 segments depending upon the 

management question or issue. One gradient perspective that supports a two-segment scheme is based on a 

clear inflection point at the Crescent Beach tidal node point where concentrations of nutrient and Chla and TSI 

values are generally at their lowest point, and increasing in opposite directions toward the north and south 

ends of the TME. The other gradient perspective is based on a low plateau of TN, TP, and Chla concentrations 

and TSI values throughout the N. Matanzas and higher, nearly equivalent plateaus in S. Matanzas and 

Tolomato. The latter gradient perspective supports a three-segment scheme that is preferred for nutrient 

criteria development because there is tighter consistency in water quality within each of the three segments, 

potentially yielding more definitive criteria (subject to less intra-segment variability) than the two-segment 

scheme. 

Stringent non-parametric analyses indicate significant differences among the three segments for TN and TSI; 

and significant differences between N. Matanzas and the other two segments for turbidity, Chla, and TP 

(Kruskall-Wallis; family α = 0.05 for the 3 segments).

Tidal node

Bulow Cr.

Google Earth
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 23 August 2010

Figure 11. Spatial distribution of salinity and turbidity (mean and std. deviation) by sampling site with 

median levels by segment included (1986–2009 period of record). The SEAS/FDACS sites are included only in 

the salinity graph; both graphs include the SJRWMD and GTMNERR sites.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Salinity (ppt)

Site

Salinity 

Dry Wet High Bridge Matanzas Inlet St. Augustine Inlet

Tolomato

median: 31.9 ppt

1986 – 2009 period of record

N. Matanzas

median: 33.5 ppt

S. Matanzas

median: 31.5 ppt

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Turbidity (ntu)

Site

Turbidity Dry Wet

High 

Bridge

Matanzas

Inlet

St. Augustine 

Inlet

Palm Valley 

Bridge

S. Matanzas

median: 7.8 ntu

N. Matanzas

median: 7.5 ntu

Tolomato

median: 9.4 ntu

Tidal 

node 

point
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 24 August 2010

Figure 12. Spatial distribution of TN, TP, and Chla (mean ± std deviation) by SJRWMD or GTMNERR sampling 

site with segment mean and median included (1986–2009 period of record).

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

CHLAC μg/l)

Site

Chlorophyll a (corrected) Dry Wet

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

TP (mg/l)

Site

Total Phosphorus Dry Wet

High Bridge

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

1.6

1.8

2

TN (mg/l)

Site

Total Nitrogen DRY Wet

Palm Valley

Bridge

Matanzas Inlet St. Augustine 

Inlet High Bridge

S. Matanzas

median: 0.49 mg/L

mean: 0.50 mg/L

N. Matanzas

median: 0.41 mg/L

mean: 0.43 mg/L

Tolomato

median: 0.53 mg/L

mean: 0.58 mg/L

S. Matanzas

median: 0.083 mg/L

mean: 0.10 mg/L

N. Matanzas

median: 0.072 mg/L

mean: 0.087 mg/L

Tolomato

median: 0.084 mg/L

mean: 0.098 mg/L

S. Matanzas

median: 3.9 mg/L

mean: 4.6 mg/L

N. Matanzas

median: 3.1 mg/L

mean: 3.4 mg/L

Tolomato

median: 4.3 mg/L

mean: 5.0 mg/L

Mean ± s.d.

Mean ± s.d.

Mean ± s.d.

Tidal 

node 

point
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 25 August 2010

Figure 13. Spatial distribution of TSI values by SJRWMD or GTMNERR sampling site with segment mean and 

median included (1986–2009 period of record).

The lowest trophic state index (TSI) values2

The information above regarding the spatial distribution of physical properties and trophic water quality 

support a recommendation for dividing the TME into 3 segments – Tolomato, N. Matanzas, and S. Matanzas -- 

for the development of segment-specific nutrient criteria. 

occur in the N. Matanzas segment, reflecting the segment’s low 

Chla and nutrient levels. The short water residence time (oceanic flushing via St. Augustine and Matanzas 

inlets) is the likely reason for this spatial trend. 

Temporal Considerations and the Reference Period Method

Time series graphs for TN, TP, Chla, and TSI values are shown in Figures 14 -17, comparing two long-term 

(quasi-decadal) periods, 1986 – 1999 and 2000 – 2009. Differences between the periods are slight or 

moderate, albeit statistically significant (Kruskall-Wallis; α = 0.05; seasonal Kendall trend analysis, p ≤ 0.03). 

For the N. and S. Matanzas segments, TP, Chla, and TSI levels increased slightly, while TN levels decreased 

slightlyfrom the early to the latter period. For the Tolomato segment, TP and Chla increased and TN decreased 

from the early to latter period, while TSI exhibited no trend. 

It is important to note that a strong temporal bias exists in the 1986 – 1999 record in which 64 – 84% of the 

data were collected in 1997 – 1999, which included an extended drought period (1998 – 2000).This 

unintentional sampling bias is largely attributable to a long over-due expansion of the TME monitoring 

program that began in 1997. Sampling sites were added (one SJRWMD site per segment was added in 1997 

 

2 TSI values were calculated using the equation specified in FDEP (1996) and the value ranges for estuaries, as specified by FDEP (1996), 

are 0 – 49 good; 50 – 59 fair; and 60 – 100 poor.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

HL01 JXTR26 MAT MRT GTMFM JXTR21 MR312 JXTR17 GTMPI TOL

TSI

Site

TSI

High Bridge Matanzas Inlet St. Augustine Inlet

Mean + STDEV

Palm Valley Bridge

S. Matanzas

median: 38.7

mean: 38.6

N. Matanzas

median: 36.3

mean: 35.2

Tolomato

median: 41.9

mean: 41.2

Trophic State Index
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 26 August 2010

and two GTMNERR sites were added in 2001) and sampling frequency increased from quarterly to monthly. 

Consequently, there are substantially more data in the 2000 – 2009 record than in the 1986 – 1999 record. In 

addition, the 1986 – 1999 record is discontinuous; sampling was suspended at site MRT in S. Matanzas for 7 

years (1990 through 1996); and throughout the TME, the 1986 – 1999 record is heavily weighted in its last 3 

years (1997 – 1999) when sampling frequency tripled and the extended drought occurred. However, even 

with the removal of the drought data, TP trended upward throughout the TME, slightly but significantly 

(seasonal Kendall, p ≤ 0.002), during the full, two-decade period of record. The rate of TP increase is 

approximately 0.001 mg/L per year based on the slope of the trend line (with or without drought data). S. 

Matanzas is the only segment in the TME where Chla and TSI may have responded to that TP incline (seasonal 

Kendall, p < 0.02 excluding drought data, p< 0.0001 all data) with annual rates of increase of ~0.06 μg/L and 

0.16 units, respectively.

Compared to the 1986 – 1999 record, the - 2009 record is more temporally and spatially complete, and subject 

to less bias or influence by episodic events like droughts. Therefore, the 2000 – 2009 record appears to be 

more representative of long-term water quality conditions throughout the TME. The median or mean Chla

values for the 2000 – 2009 period are still indicative of good trophic quality as existed in the prior decade. 

Average annual Chla levels in all segments were below the target levels set for Florida’s estuaries (typically ≤7 

μg/L annual avg.) proposed by Steward and Lowe 2010). Moreover, the average annual rainfall during 2000 – 

2009 was close to normal (49”/yr as a basin-wide average) with no extended drought that would have a 

dampening effect on decadal medians and means. For those reasons, 2000 – 2009 is proposed as the 

reference period for development of TME nutrient criteria. Even though S. Matanzas’ trophic state may have 

slightly increased over the last 10 years, its current trophic state is good (TSI = 39) and certainly on par with the 

Tolomato segment (TSI = 42), and application of the proposed reference period to criteria development should 

promote maintenance of that trophic state. 

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

TN (mg/l)

Year

Total Nitrogen Dry Wet

Segment 1

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

TN (mg/l)

Year

Total Nitrogen Dry Wet

Segment 2

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

TN (mg/l)

Year

Total Nitrogen Dry Wet

Segment 3

S. Matanzas

N. Matanzas

Tolomato

Times series graphs of annual mean [TN] ± Std dev, dry 

and wet season, in the S. Matanzas, N. Matanzas and 

Tolomato segments. 

Long-term (decadal) mean and median concentration 

values for the 1986 – 99 and 2000 – 09 periods are 

included. The record for N. Matanzas only extends 

back to 1991. The bold horizontal lines represent the 

long-term medians.

0.53 mg/L mean

0.50 mg/L median

0.49 mg/L mean

0.45 mg/L median

0.50 mg/L mean

0.50 mg/L median

0.41 mg/L mean

0.37 mg/L median

0.62 mg/L mean

0.53 mg/L median

0.56 mg/L mean

0.52 mg/L median

Figure 14.
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 27 August 2010

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.4

0.45

TP (mg/l)

Year

Total Phosphorus Dry Wet

Segment 1

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

TP (mg/l)

Year

Total Phosphorus Dry Wet

Segment 2

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

TP (mg/l)

Year

Total Phosphorus Dry Wet

Segment 3

S. Matanzas

N. Matanzas

0.09 mg/L mean

0.069 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.089 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.068 mg/L median

0.083 mg/L mean

0.073 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.084 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.085 mg/L median

Tolomato

Times series graphs of annual mean [TP] ± Std dev, dry 

and wet season, in the S. Matanzas, N. Matanzas and 

Tolomato segments. 

Long-term (decadal) mean and median concentration 

values for the 1986 – 99 and 2000 – 09 periods are 

included. The record for N. Matanzas only extends 

back to 1991. The bold horizontal lines represent the 

long-term medians.

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.4

0.45

TP (mg/l)

Year

Total Phosphorus Dry Wet

Segment 1

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

TP (mg/l)

Year

Total Phosphorus Dry Wet

Segment 2

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

TP (mg/l)

Year

Total Phosphorus Dry Wet

Segment 3

S. Matanzas

N. Matanzas

0.09 mg/L mean

0.069 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.089 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.068 mg/L median

0.083 mg/L mean

0.073 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.084 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.085 mg/L median

Tolomato

Times series graphs of annual mean [TP] ± Std dev, dry 

and wet season, in the S. Matanzas, N. Matanzas and 

Tolomato segments. 

Long-term (decadal) mean and median concentration 

values for the 1986 – 99 and 2000 – 09 periods are 

included. The record for N. Matanzas only extends 

back to 1991. The bold horizontal lines represent the 

long-term medians.

Figure 15.

Figure 16.
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 28 August 2010

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

CHLAC (μg/l)

Year

Chla corrected Dry Wet

Segment 1

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

CHLAC (μg/l)

Year

Chla corrected Dry Wet

Segment 2

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

CHLAC (μg/l)

Year

Chla corrected Dry Wet

Segment 3

S. Matanzas

N. Matanzas

3.8 μg/L mean

2.9 μg/L median

5.0 μg/L mean

4.3 μg/L median

3.4 μg/L mean

2.7 μg/L median

3.5 μg/L mean 

3.1 μg/L median

4.4 μg/L mean 

3.2 μg/L median

5.3 μg/L mean

4.5 μg/L median

Tolomato

Times series graphs of annual mean [Chla] ± Std dev, 

dry and wet season, in the S. Matanzas, N. Matanzas 

and Tolomato segments. 

Long-term (decadal) mean and median concentration 

values for the 1986 – 99 and 2000 – 09 periods are 

included. The record for N. Matanzas only extends 

back to 1991. The bold horizontal lines represent the 

long-term medians.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

TSI

Year

TSI Mean + STDEV

Segment 1

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

TSI

Year

TSI Mean + STDEV

Segment 2

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

TSI

Year

TSI Mean + STDEV

Segment 3

Times series graphs of annual mean Trophic State 

Index (TSI) values ± Std dev, dry and wet season, in the 

S. Matanzas, N. Matanzas and Tolomato segments. 

Long-term (decadal) mean and median concentration 

values for the 1986 – 99 and 2000 – 09 periods are 

included. The record for N. Matanzas only extends 

back to 1991. The bold horizontal lines represent the 

long-term medians.

36.4 mean

37.4 median

39.6 mean

39.3 median

34.5 mean

35.7 median

35.4 mean 

36.4 median

39.5 mean 

41.2 median

41.8 mean

42.2 median

Figure 17.

Figure 18.
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 29 August 2010

Figure 19. Time series graphs of annual mean [TN] ± Std dev, dry and wet season, in the S. Matanzas, N. 

Matanzas, and Tolomato segments.

Note: Long-term (decadal) mean and median concentration values for the 1986–99 and 2000–09 periods are included. The record for N. Matanzas only 

extends back to 1991. The bold horizontal lines represent the long-term medians.

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

TN (mg/l)

Year

Total Nitrogen Dry Wet

Segment 1

0

0.2

0.4

0.6

0.8

1

1.2

1.4

TN (mg/l)

Year

Total Nitrogen Dry Wet

Segment 2

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

TN (mg/l)

Year

Total Nitrogen Dry Wet

Segment 3

S. Matanzas

N. Matanzas

Tolomato

Times series graphs of annual mean [TN] ± Std dev, dry 

and wet season, in the S. Matanzas, N. Matanzas and 

Tolomato segments. 

Long-term (decadal) mean and median concentration 

values for the 1986 – 99 and 2000 – 09 periods are 

included. The record for N. Matanzas only extends 

back to 1991. The bold horizontal lines represent the 

long-term medians.

0.53 mg/L mean

0.50 mg/L median

0.49 mg/L mean

0.45 mg/L median

0.50 mg/L mean

0.50 mg/L median

0.41 mg/L mean

0.37 mg/L median

0.62 mg/L mean

0.53 mg/L median

0.56 mg/L mean

0.52 mg/L median
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 30 August 2010

Figure 20. Time series graphs of annual mean [TP] ± Std dev, dry and wet season, in the S. Matanzas, N. 

Matanzas, and Tolomato segments.

Note: Long-term (decadal) mean and median concentration values for the 1986–99 and 2000–09 periods are included. The record for N. Matanzas only 

extends back to 1991. The bold horizontal lines represent the long-term medians.

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.4

0.45

TP (mg/l)

Year

Total Phosphorus Dry Wet

Segment 1

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

TP (mg/l)

Year

Total Phosphorus Dry Wet

Segment 2

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

TP (mg/l)

Year

Total Phosphorus Dry Wet

Segment 3

S. Matanzas

N. Matanzas

0.09 mg/L mean

0.069 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.089 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.068 mg/L median

0.083 mg/L mean

0.073 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.084 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.085 mg/L median

Tolomato

Times series graphs of annual mean [TP] ± Std dev, dry 

and wet season, in the S. Matanzas, N. Matanzas and 

Tolomato segments. 

Long-term (decadal) mean and median concentration 

values for the 1986 – 99 and 2000 – 09 periods are 

included. The record for N. Matanzas only extends 

back to 1991. The bold horizontal lines represent the 

long-term medians.
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 31 August 2010

Figure 21. Time series graphs of annual mean [TP] ± Std dev, dry and wet season, in the S. Matanzas, N. 

Matanzas, and Tolomato segments.

Note: Long-term (decadal) mean and median concentration values for the 1986–99 and 2000–09 periods are included. The record for N. Matanzas only 

extends back to 1991. The bold horizontal lines represent the long-term medians.

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3

0.35

0.4

0.45

TP (mg/l)

Year

Total Phosphorus Dry Wet

Segment 1

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

TP (mg/l)

Year

Total Phosphorus Dry Wet

Segment 2

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

0.6

0.7

0.8

0.9

TP (mg/l)

Year

Total Phosphorus Dry Wet

Segment 3

S. Matanzas

N. Matanzas

0.09 mg/L mean

0.069 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.089 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.068 mg/L median

0.083 mg/L mean

0.073 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.084 mg/L median

0.10 mg/L mean

0.085 mg/L median

Tolomato

Times series graphs of annual mean [TP] ± Std dev, dry 

and wet season, in the S. Matanzas, N. Matanzas and 

Tolomato segments. 

Long-term (decadal) mean and median concentration 

values for the 1986 – 99 and 2000 – 09 periods are 

included. The record for N. Matanzas only extends 

back to 1991. The bold horizontal lines represent the 

long-term medians.
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 32 August 2010

Figure 22. Time series graphs of annual mean [Chla] ± Std dev, dry and wet season, in the S. Matanzas, N. 

Matanzas, and Tolomato segments.

Note: Long-term (decadal) mean and median concentration values for the 1986–99 and 2000–09 periods are included. The record for N. Matanzas only 

extends back to 1991. The bold horizontal lines represent the long-term medians.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

CHLAC (μg/l)

Year

Chla corrected Dry Wet

Segment 1

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

CHLAC (μg/l)

Year

Chla corrected Dry Wet

Segment 2

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

CHLAC (μg/l)

Year

Chla corrected Dry Wet

Segment 3

S. Matanzas

N. Matanzas

3.8 μg/L mean

2.9 μg/L median

5.0 μg/L mean

4.3 μg/L median

3.4 μg/L mean

2.7 μg/L median

3.5 μg/L mean 

3.1 μg/L median

4.4 μg/L mean 

3.2 μg/L median

5.3 μg/L mean

4.5 μg/L median

Tolomato

Times series graphs of annual mean [Chla] ± Std dev, 

dry and wet season, in the S. Matanzas, N. Matanzas 

and Tolomato segments. 

Long-term (decadal) mean and median concentration 

values for the 1986 – 99 and 2000 – 09 periods are 

included. The record for N. Matanzas only extends 

back to 1991. The bold horizontal lines represent the 

long-term medians.
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 33 August 2010

Figure 23. Time series graphs of annual mean Trophic State Index (TSI) values ± Std dev, dry and wet season, 

in the S. Matanzas, N. Matanzas, and Tolomato segments.

Note: Long-term (decadal) mean and median concentration values for the 1986–99 and 2000–09 periods are included. The record for N. Matanzas only 

extends back to 1991. The bold horizontal lines represent the long-term medians.

Reference-period results for Chla, TN, and TP (Tables 8a and 8b) are annual median concentrations and 

maximum wet-season median concentrations based on the highest monthly values, which are typically 

measured in June – September (mean annual and wet-season values are also provided in Tables 8a and 8b). 

The reference-period results constitute the first and primary line of evidence in the development of nutrient 

criteria for the TME. Selection of the 2000 – 2009 as a reference period for TME is consistent with the 

reference periods selected for Halifax R. Estuary (2000 – 2008) and Mosquito Lagoon (2004 – 2008) (Steward 

et al. 2010a; 2010b).

Table 8a. Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary, reference period results–1st line of evidence: Annual median (mean), 

2000–09. 

Segment Chla (μg/L) TN (mg/L) TP (mg/L)

Tolomato 4.5 (5.3) 0.52 (0.56) 0.085 (0.096)

N. Matanzas 3.1 (3.5) 0.37 (0.41) 0.073 (0.083)

S. Matanzas 4.3 (5.0) 0.45 (0.49) 0.089 (0.103)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

TSI

Year

TSI Mean + STDEV

Segment 1

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

TSI

Year

TSI Mean + STDEV

Segment 2

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

TSI

Year

TSI Mean + STDEV

Segment 3

Times series graphs of annual mean Trophic State 

Index (TSI) values ± Std dev, dry and wet season, in the 

S. Matanzas, N. Matanzas and Tolomato segments. 

Long-term (decadal) mean and median concentration 

values for the 1986 – 99 and 2000 – 09 periods are 

included. The record for N. Matanzas only extends 

back to 1991. The bold horizontal lines represent the 

long-term medians.

36.4 mean

37.4 median

39.6 mean

39.3 median

34.5 mean

35.7 median

35.4 mean 

36.4 median

39.5 mean 

41.2 median

41.8 mean

42.2 median
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 34 August 2010

Table 8b. Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary, reference period results–1st line of evidence: Maximum wet-season 

median (mean) (June–September).

Segment Chla (μg/L) TN (mg/L) TP (mg/L)

Tolomato 6.4 (7.4) 0.61 (0.65) 0.095 (0.105)

N. Matanzas 4.0 (4.4) 0.42 (0.46) 0.074 (0.085)

S. Matanzas 6.3 (7.2) 0.54 (0.62) 0.112 (0.127)

The maximum wet-season medians for Chla in the TME (4.0 – 6.4 μg/L; Table 8) are relatively low in terms of 

the levels normally associated with harmful algal blooms, or HABs (e.g., ≥12 μg/L in the Halifax R. Estuary; 

analysis of Dr. Edward Phlips, U.F., 2000 – 2004 data set for S. Matanzas southward to northern Mosquito 

Lagoon). The HAB species encountered in the TME include the potentially toxic dinoflagellates Karlodinium 

veneficum, Cochlodinium polykrikoides, Prorocentrum minimum, and Takayama spp., the microflagellate 

Chrysochromulina sp., and the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia calliantha. Not one of these species was observed in 

bloom proportions during the TME samplings (Edward Phlips, U.F., pers. com., July 2010). Compliance with the 

median or mean concentrations for Chla, TN, and TP, especially the wet season levels (Table 8), will not 

eliminate these HAB species, but should restrict their concentrations below bloom levels.

Chla –[TN], [–[TN, TP] Regression Models

Covariance among average monthly TN, TP, and Chla was apparent (Figure 19) and prompted development of 

simple regression models. 

 

Figure 24. Average monthly [TN], [Chl a], and [TP] in the TME overall. Monthly rainfall data are shown for 

comparison. The 1986 – 2009 period was used for the average monthly water quality data; and the 1986 – 

2008 period was used for average monthly rainfall.

TP *10

CHLAC

TN * 10

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Average Monthly Nutrients, Chla, and Rainfall

TP *10 CHLAC TN * 10

3.1" 3.0" 3.9" 2.2" 2.3" 5.8" 4.8" 6.1" 7.5" 4.9" 2.4" 2.4"

avg. monthly rainfall based on average 

of measured rainfall at Jacksonville Beach, 

St. Augustine, Marineland, and Daytona

Month
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 35 August 2010

If any of the regressions proved statistically significant, they were applied toward setting median TN and TP 

based on Chla “targets” pre-determined by the reference-period method (see Table 8). Annual average and 

wet-season monthly average regressions are not significant and, thus, not used to predict annual and wetseason median concentrations. However, the monthly average regressions based on all months are significant 

with moderately strong correlation and determinant coefficients, and are used to predict maximum monthly, 

wet-season median concentrations (no annual medians or means were predicted). Results based on those 

linear regressions are the second line of evidence specific to wet-season criteria (Table 9). 

Table 9. Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary, linear regression results–2nd line of evidence: Maximum wet-season 

median (1986–2009; all months). 

Segment Target Chla 

(μg/L)

TN 

(mg/L)

r p TP 

(mg/L)

r p 

Tolomato 6.4 0.62 0.63 .028 0.110 0.68 .014

N. Matanzas 4.0 0.46 0.72 .008 0.095 0.81 .002

S. Matanzas 6.3 0.61 0.87 .0002 0.120 0.82 .001
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 36 August 2010

Figure 19. Average monthly [TN], [Chl a], and [TP] in the TME overall. Monthly rainfall data are shown for 

comparison. The 1986 – 2009 period was used for the average monthly water quality data; and the 1986 – 

2008 period was used for average monthly rainfall.

The strongest Chla – nutrient regressions were produced for the S. Matanzas segment, followed by the N. 

Matanzas segment.segments. TN:TP ratios are generally <7 (by mass) among the segments indicative of a 

system that is N-limited, but at times may tend toward a N+P, co-limited state3

Whether or not a relationship between nutrients and Chla exists does not necessarily reflect the system’s 

nutrient or trophic state (Borum 1996, Cloern 1991). Even if a system is nutrient rich, its trophic response 

could be limited by other factors. Given that the TME system has relatively low Chl a and trophic state, it is 

likely that a combination of factors controlling Chl a concentrations may be involved, including residence time, 

water temperature, nutrients, and possibly tripton (nonalgal turbidity). 

in the Tolomato segment. Dix 

and Phlips (2010) and Phlips et al. (2004) found phytoplankton production (Chla) in the TME was subject to Nlimitation primarily, followed by N+P as a secondary limitation. In contrast to the regression analysis (Table 9), 

Phlips et al. (2004) found that Chla was not correlated to either TN or TP, but that a positive correlation 

between Chla and water temperature did exist, reflecting peak production during the warm months of late 

spring into early fall (similar to the trend observed in Fig. 11). They concluded that phytoplankton production 

is regulated more by physical factors, water residence times and temperature, than by nutrients. 

Turbidities are relatively high in the TME, particularly in comparison to the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). TME 

turbidities reached levels that were roughly twice that observed in the IRL (Figure 20), and were nearly 

 

3 TN:TP ratio, by mass, <7 suggests N limitation; ~7.2 suggests a nutrient balance state (Redfield et al. 1963; Hecky et al. 1993).

TP *10

CHLAC

TN * 10

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Average Monthly Nutrients, Chla, and Rainfall

TP *10 CHLAC TN * 10

3.1" 3.0" 3.9" 2.2" 2.3" 5.8" 4.8" 6.1" 7.5" 4.9" 2.4" 2.4"

avg. monthly rainfall based on average 

of measured rainfall at Jacksonville Beach, 

St. Augustine, Marineland, and Daytona

Month
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 37 August 2010

consistent with levels in the South Halifax R. Estuary (S. HRE). The turbidity levels in the TME may be a natural 

condition, or close to it. The TME is similar to many well-flushed, yet naturally turbid estuaries in the South 

Atlantic Bight region (NE Florida through South Carolina) that are dominated ecologically by oyster and marsh 

communities. Turbidity or tripton is one factor (short water residence time, appreciable tidal amplitude and 

tidal current being other factors) that constrains phytoplankton and submersed macrophyte production in 

favor of marsh production in the estuaries of northeast Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina (Lee and Jones 

1981; Dame et al. 2000; Roman et al. 2000; Robert Virnstein, Seagrass Ecosystems Analyst, pers. com., April 

2010; Edward Phlips, U.F., pers. com., April 2010).

Figure 20. Mean turbidity by year (1992–2008) for TME in comparison to the North and South Halifax River

Estuary (N. HRE and S. HRE) and the Indian River Lagoon (IRL).

General Models

Both models (Steward and Lowe 2010; Dettmann 2001) require estimates of water residence time and 

external nutrient loadings to predict trophic state, loading limits, and complementary concentrations of TN and 

TP. Estimates of external nutrient loadings for the Tolomato, N. Matanzas, and S. Matanzas are presented in 

Table 10.

Nonpoint surface water drainage conveys the largest percentage of the total external nutrient loading to TME 

overall (68% for TN, and 55% for TP), followed by the wastewater treatment facilities (WWTFs; 24.5% for TN, 

and 37% for TP). The N. Matanzas segment is a notable exception to the basin-wide trend. N. Matanzas 

WWTF TN loading is approaching that of surface water drainage, and WWTF TP loading exceeds surface-water 

drainage TP loading (Table 10). 

Atmospheric loading estimates, based on areal loading estimates for Northeast Florida (Pollman and Roy 

2003), may constitute ~5% of the total TN loading and <1% of total TP loading. TME-specific measurements of 

groundwater loading are not available; instead, estimated groundwater loading rates derived from a study 

conducted in the adjacent basin of the Lower St. Johns River basin (Ouyang 2005) were used to estimate TME 

groundwater loadings. The geohydrology (e.g., thicknesses of surficial aquifer and underlying confining layer) 

of the St. Johns River study area is not appreciably different from that of the TME basin (Y. Ouyang and D. 

Toth, SJRWMD, pers. comm., July 2010).

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Turbidity (ntu)

Year

Mean Turbidity in N. HRE, S. HRE, TME, and IRL

Mean Turb. - N. HRE Mean Turb. - S.HRE Mean Turb. - GTM Mean Turb. - IRL
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 38 August 2010

Table 10. Estimates of current external loadings of TN and TP to Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary (2004 land use, 

2001–2008 avg. annual rainfall of 48”). 

- = Empty cell/no data

a SJRWMD PLSM- estimated surface-water loadings based on 2004 land use and 2001-2008 avg. annual rainfall, which is close to the 30-yr avg. annual 

rainfall of 51”.b Atmospheric loading estimates were derived from a study applicable to the NE Florida coastal region (Duval and St. Johns counties) by 

Pollman and Roy (2003). c Domestic WWTFs: Marsh Landing in Tolomato; SR16 St. Johns County, Anastasia St. Johns County, and City of St. Augustine in 

N. Matanzas; Palm Coast, Beverly Beach, and Flagler Beach in S. Matanzas. WWTF annual loading estimates per facility were provided by FDEP, 

Northeast District, Jacksonville.d Groundwater estimates derived from study in Duval County, Lower St. Johns R. basin, due west of the Tolomato 

watershed, conducted by Ouyang (2005). We are not aware of any groundwater nutrient loading study conducted in the TME basin.

Table 10. Estimates of current 

external loadings of TN and TP to 

Tolomato-Matanzas Estuary ( 2004 

land use, 2001 – 2008 avg. annual 

rainfall of 48”)Sources

TN (kg/yr) TP (kg/yr)

Tolomato Sources TN (kg/yr)- TP (kg/yr) - 

Surface water drainagea 63,353 8,609 

Atmosphericb 8,350 161 

WWTFc 724 295295

Groundwaterd 4,300 2,200

 Total Loading: 76,727

(5.96 g/m2/yr)

 11,264 

 (0.82 g/m2/yr)

North Matanzas Sources TN (kg/yr)- TP (kg/yr)- 

Surface water drainagea 120,981 18,585 

Atmosphericb 10,607 204 

WWTFc 101,186 22,803

Groundwaterd 4,300 2,200

 Total Loading: 237,074

(13.53 g/m2/yr)

 43,792 

 (2.5 g/m2/yr)

South Matanzas Sources TN (kg/yr)- TP (kg/yr)- 

Surface water drainagea 170,557 23,474 

Atmosphericb 7,362 142 

WWTFc 25,806 11,326

Groundwaterd 4,300 2,200

 Total Loading: 208,025

(17.10 g/m2/yr)

 37,142 

 (3.05 g/m2/yr)

The total external TN and TP loading estimates (ca 2004 loadings) for the TME segments were normalized to 

estuarine surface water area (g/m2

/yr) for input to the Steward and Lowe (2010) model. These areal loading 

estimates for each segment were then paired with their respective hydraulic loadings (mean depth/residence 

time) and plotted on a graph that describes TN or TP areal loading limit (published TMDLs or PLRGs) as a 

function of estuarine hydraulic loading (Fig. 13). The line of best fit in the graph represents the upper 

mesotrophic boundary line (UML) for Florida estuaries (based on Steward and Lowe 2010). The line in the plot 

representing lower mesotrophy (LML) was constructed using [TN] and [TP] limits for lower mesotrophy 

established by Steward and Lowe (2010), Smith (1998), and Baker et al. (1981) (further explanation provided in 

Steward and Lowe 2010). 

The plotted points for TN and TP are located between the UML and LML for Tolomato and S. Matanzas 

segment and just below the LML for N. Matanzas, indicating lower mesotrophy or oligo-mesotrophy (Figure

21). The TSI values for the TME also indicate mesotrophy with N. Matanzas exhibiting the lowest trophic state 

among the 3 segments. If the trophic positions of the points in the graphs are deemed suitable as a basis for 

nutrient criteria, then the current TN and TP loadings can be considered the loading limits.
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 39 August 2010

Figure 21. The log-linear plot of TN and TP load limits (g/m2

/yr) vs. hydraulic loading (qs) adapted and 

improved from Steward and Lowe (2010) by the incorporation of additional data points from mesotrophic 

estuaries initially used to validate the models. A point lying above the 95% confidence interval for the lineof-best-fit (=upper mestrophic line or UML) is considered eutrophic; below the lower mesotrophic line (LML) 

is considered oligotrophic. 

Finally, the Dettmann (2001) and Steward and Lowe (2010) models were used to predict [TN] and [TP] in the 

TME segments that correspond to the estimated current loadings (ca. 2004 loadings), which could be 

considered the system’s external loading limits. The TN and TP loading limits and their predicted 

concentrations are presented as the 3rd line of evidence (Table 11).

Table 11. Tolomato-Matanzas 

Estuary loading limits (ca. 2004 

loadings) for TN and TP and their 

model-predicted concentrations

Segment

TN: kg/yr—mg/L TP: kg/yr—mg/L 

Tolomato segment TN: kg/yr mg/L- TP: kg/yr mg/L - 

Loading Limit &limit and predicted 

concentration

 76,727 —0.48* 11,264 —0.060**

N. Matanzas segment - - 

Loading Limit &limit and predicted 237,074 —0.38* 43,792 —0.073*** 

S. Matanzas

Tolomato

-0.5

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

-0.5 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3

log qs (z/τw; m/yr)

log TN load limit (g/m2/yr)

95% upper CI

LML

N. Matanzas

-2.0

-1.5

-1.0

-0.5

0.0

0.5

1.0

1.5

-0.5 0.0 0.5 1.0 2.0 2.5 3.0

log qs (z/τw; m/yr)

log TP load limit (g/m2/yr)

N. Matanzas

S. Matanzas

Tolomato

2.0

95% upper CI

LML

TN - log TN Load Limit (≈UML) = 0.83(log qs) – 0.018; R2 = 0.96, p < 0.001

TP - log TP Load Limit (≈UML) = 0.92(log qs) – 0.95; R2 = 0.97, p < 0.001
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 40 August 2010

concentration

S. Matanzas segment - - 

Loading Limit &limit and predicted 

concentration

 208,025 —0.45* 37,142 —0.109€ 

Summary and Conclusions

Results from the three lines of evidence are tabulated for ease of comparison (Table 12). Overall, the 

results from the TME-specific regression models and the general models compare well with the 

reference-period results, increasing the level of confidence that numeric nutrient criteria for the TME 

can be based on the 2000-2009 period of record. However,the TP general model result (0.060 mg/L 

annual median or mean) for the Tolomato does not compare well with the reference-period results 

(0.086 mg/L median, 0.096 mg/L mean). This inconsistency cannot be explained, but it is the exception 

in an otherwise solid, weight-of-evidence case for the TME system. 

The Chla and trophic responses of the TME segments appear to be affected by water residence time, 

nutrient loading, and possibly tripton. Nutrient loading is the one factor that can be controlled to 

manage the estuary’s trophic response; the other two factors are largely natural factors that can not be 

controlled. Ongoing efforts to implement extra-regulatory stormwater treatment, promulgate basinspecific stormwater criteria (e.g., Outstanding Florida Waters designation by the state and/or Special 

Basin Designation by SJRWMD), and acquire natural lands for conservation (Haydt and Frazel 2003) will 

partially offset future nutrient loading increases. The addition of numeric nutrient criteria can help 

ensure protection of the current trophic state. Toward that end, the recommended nutrient criteria are

based on the reference-period concentration results and the current external loading rates, which can 

be rounded up to the nearest 10,000 kg/yr for TN and to the nearest 1,000 for TP (e.g., Tolomato TN 

loading limit of 76,727 kg/yr rounded up to 80,000 kg/yr; see Table 12.
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 41 August 2010

Table 12a. Summary of lines-of-evidence results: loading and concentration limits for the Tolomato

segment. 

Tolomato: mesotrophy (Chla targets: 4.5 μg/L annual median; 6.4 μg/L Jun – Sep median)

- = Empty cell/no data

Loading Limit 

(current loading)

TN (kg/yr)

76,727–80,000 

TN (kg/yr)

76,727–80,000

TP (kg/yr)

11,264–12,000

TP (kg/yr)

11,264–12,000

- [TN] median 

(mean) (mg/L)

Annual 

[TN] median 

(mean) (mg/L)

June-September

[TP] median 

(mean) (mg/L) 

Annual

[TP] median 

(mean) (mg/L)

June-September

Reference Period 

(’00-09 period)

0.52 (0.56) 0.61 (0.65) 0.085 (0.096) 0.095 (0.105)

Regressions 

(’86-09 data)

Not significant 0.62 Not significant 0.110

General Models 0.48 Not applicable 0.060 Not applicable

Table 12b. Summary of lines-of-evidence results: loading and concentration limits for the North 

Matanzas segment.

N. Matanzas: oligo-mesotrophy (Chla targets: 3.1 μg/L annual median; 4.0 μg/L Jun – Sep median)

- = Empty cell/no data

Loading Limit 

(current loading)

TN (kg/yr)

237,074–

240,000

TN (kg/yr)

237,074–

240,000

TP (kg/yr)

43,792–

44,000

TP (kg/yr)

43,792–44,000

- [TN] median 

(mean) (mg/L)

Annual 

[TN] median 

(mean) (mg/L)

June-September

[TP] median 

(mean) (mg/L) 

Annual

[TP] median 

(mean) (mg/L)

June-September

Reference Period 

(’00-09 period)

0.37 (0.41) 0.42 (0.46) 0.073 (0.083) 0.074 (0.085)

Regressions 

(’86-09 data)

Not significant 0.46 Not significant 0.095

General Models 0.38 Not applicable 0.073 Not applicable

Table 12c. Summary of lines-of-evidence results: loading and concentration limits for the South 

Matanzas segment.

S. Matanzas: mesotrophy (Chla targets: 4.3 μg/L annual median; 6.3 μg/L Jun – Sep median)

- = Empty cell/no data

Loading Limit 

(current loading)

TN (kg/yr)

208,025–

210,000

TN (kg/yr)

208,025–

210,000

TP (kg/yr)

37,142–

40,000

TP (kg/yr)

37,142–40,000

- [TN] median 

(mean) (mg/L)

Annual 

[TN] median 

(mean) (mg/L)

June-September

[TP] median 

(mean) (mg/L) 

Annual

[TP] median 

(mean) (mg/L)

June-September

Reference Period 

(’00-09 period)

0.45 (0.49) 0.54 (0.62) 0.089 (0.103) 0.112 (0.127)

Regressions 

(’86-09 data)

Not significant 0.61 Not significant 0.120

General Models 0.45 Not applicable 0.109 Not applicable. 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

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Proposed Numeric Nutrient Targets 

Methodology 

For consistent application and for providing an appropriate level of protection, water quality criteria 

need to include magnitude, frequency, and duration components. The magnitude is a measure of how 

much of a pollutant may be present in the water without an unacceptable adverse effect. Duration is a 

measure of how long the pollutant may be above the magnitude, and frequency relates to how often 

the magnitude may be exceeded without adverse effects. It is preferred to derive the magnitude 

component of a criterion through a cause-effect relationship (such as those measured through toxicity 

testing). The magnitude would then be set at a level that would protect a majority of the sensitive 

aquatic organisms inhabiting the system. Absent a demonstrated cause-effect relationship, the 

magnitude may be set at a level designed to maintain the current data distribution, accounting for 

natural temporal variability, when the current conditions are protective of the designated uses of the 

waterbody. Since a criterion derived based on the existing data distribution has no direct link to any 

observed cause and effect relationship, it is assumed that maintaining the current data distribution will 

preserve the uses associated with that distribution. 

The frequency and duration components of the criteria are best established as additional descriptors of 

the reference condition data distribution. Specifically, these components should be part of a statistical 

test designed to determine whether the long-term distribution of data has shifted upward ( or in some 

cases, downward) from the reference distribution. This test would then be used to determine whether 

future monitoring data are consistent with the magnitude (long-term average) defined by the reference

dataset. It is critical to account for the natural variability surrounding the magnitude expression and to 

control for statistical errors. 

The derivation of the magnitude, frequency and duration components of the numeric nutrient criteria 

for TME is described briefly below. More details concerning the statistical approaches used can be 

found in the document “Overview of FDEP Approaches for Nutrient Criteria Development in Marine 

Waters” (FDEP 2010).

Magnitude 

The magnitude component can be set at a variety of values based on the frequency and duration that 

will be used to determine compliance. For the “healthy existing conditions” approach, FDEP established 

the magnitude at: a) an adjusted long-term central tendency (geometric mean) of the distribution, 

expressed as a long-term geometric mean never to be exceeded; and b) an annual geometric mean, not 

to be exceeded more than two times over a five- year period. The long-term average condition was 

adjusted to a level that represents an insignificant increase from the baseline. Allowing for an 

insignificant increase accounts for uncertainty in the estimate of the mean and partially addresses the 

fact that the reference based approach fails to identify a threshold of imbalance, and thus is highly 

prone to excessive Type I error. For the purpose of antidegradation evaluations, EPA has established 

that a ten percent change in a water quality parameter represents an insignificant departure from the 

historical condition, known as a de minimus change (US Sixth Circuit Court 2008). Therefore, the long-
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 43 August 2010

term geometric mean limit was derived to allow for up to a ten percent increase in the long-term 

geometric mean, which was calculated as the geometric mean of the annual geometric means of the 

long-term dataset for each segment of the waterbody.

Because it is not always practical to assess compliance with the criteria on the same long-term basis, 

FDEP also developed criteria expressed as an annual geometric mean so that estuaries could be assessed 

on an annual basis. It should be noted that the duration and frequency components of the criteria must 

be linked to the response timeframe of the sensitive endpoint. Short-term averaging periods (e.g., 1 to 

30 days) might be appropriate for nutrient criteria where a sufficiently robust cause-effect relationship 

has demonstrated that a eutrophic response occurs over such timeframes. If however, such a shortterm response cannot be demonstrated, or there is no indication of use impairment, longer averaging 

periods should be used. 

Since the duration and frequency components of the criteria must be consistent with the derivation of 

the magnitude component, the long-term geometric mean target cannot simply be applied as an annual 

mean. Doing so would result in an unacceptability high Type I failure rate (identifying a healthy system 

as being impaired) since approximately 50 percent of the individual yearly means are expected to be 

above the long-term mean. Therefore, the long-term target must be adjusted to allow for the 

application to a shorter duration with an acceptable Type I error rate of no more than a 10 percent.

An annual criterion with an approximate 10 percent Type I error rate for a given frequency was derived 

by appropriately accounting for the annual variability above the mean. This annual target concentration 

was derived as an upper percentile of the distribution of the annual geometric mean concentrations. 

Previous proposals by EPA have utilized three-year assessment periods to express the duration nutrient

criteria components. Although it is possible to construct a test that achieves the 10 percent Type I error 

rate target over a 3-year period, a slightly longer period (5 years) will provide better control for Type II 

error and will more fully capture climatic cycles (e.g., el nino, la nina), which tend to be longer than 

three years in Florida (and may actually be on a multi-decadal scale). Furthermore, a five year period is 

more consistent with both the State’s five year 303(d) assessment and NPDES permit renewal cycles.

Given a five year assessment period, FDEP derived criteria expressed as an annual geometric mean by 

using the 75th percentile of the annual geometric means from the long-term dataset. FDEP 

demonstrated that setting the criteria at this percentile results in a magnitude that, when expressed as 

an annual geometric mean not to be exceeded more than twice during a five-year period, will achieve 

the targeted 10 percent error rate. The magnitude component of the criteria (not to be exceeded more 

than twice in a 5 year period) was established to allow for two separate assessments:

• As an annual geometric mean for a network of stations in a specified segment of the waterbody; 

and 

• As an annual geometric mean for a single station in a given segment. 

The two expressions of magnitude differ in the handling of within-segment spatial variability. The 

network average magnitude was calculated based on the distribution of spatially averaged annual 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 44 August 2010

geometric means, while the single site magnitude was calculated using the distribution of station annual 

geometric means. Use of the network average magnitude is appropriate for assessing overall segment 

status. However, a network average is only representative of overall segment status if it is relatively 

homogeneous. If the segment is not well mixed, is very large, or contains localized nutrient sources, 

then there is a potential that isolated areas of enrichment may be masked in the network spatial 

average. Therefore, the single station annual geometric mean has the benefit of assessing localized 

enrichment patterns. DEP has not decided whether both expressions of magnitude are needed in all 

cases, and we are seeking additional feedback from local experts and stakeholders.

Summary of the Proposed Criteria

FDEP intends to propose three sets of potential criteria: a) a long-term geometric mean concentration; 

b) an annual geometric mean of values from a network of stations over a given area, not to be exceeded 

more than twice in a five-year period; and c) an annual geometric mean of values from a single location, 

not to be exceeded more than twice in a five-year period.

These calculations for the TME have not yet been completed.

References

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coastal waters. March 3, 2010, Jacksonville, Florida. 

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Appendix A. List of Species 

- = Empty cell/no data

Common Name Scientific Name 

Kingdom Plantae - 

Phylum Pterophyta (ferns) -

Carolina Mosquito Fern Azolla caroliniana 

Cinnamon Fern Osmunda cinnamomea 

Royal Fern Osmunda regalis 

Golden Polypody Phlebodium aureum 

Resurrection Fern Pleopeltis polypodioides var. michauxiana 

Lacy Bracken Pteridium aquilinum var. caudatum 

Water fern Salvinia auriculata 

Southern Shield Fern Thelypteris kunthii 

Shoestring Fern Vittaria lineata 

Netted Chain Fern Woodwardia areolata 

Virginia Chain Fern Woodwardia virginica 

Phylum Pinophyta (cone-bearing plants) - 

Red Cedar Juniperus virginiana 

Sand Pine Pinus clausa 

Slash Pine Pinus elliottii 

Longleaf pine Pinus palustris 

Pond Pine Pinus serotina 

Loblolly Pine Pinus taeda 

Pond cypress Taxodium ascendens 

Phylum Magnoliophyta (flowering plants) - 

Blue Maidencane Amphicarpum muhlenbergianum 

Florida Bluestem Andropogon floridanus 

Purple Bluestem Andropogon glomeratus var. glaucopsis 

Bushy Bluestem Andropogon glomeratus var. pumilus 

Broomsedge Andropogon longiberbis 

Splitbeard Bluestem Andropogon ternarius 

Broomsedge Bluestem Andropogon virginicus var. virginicus 

Green Dragon Arisaema dracontium 

Wiregrass Aristida beyrichiana 

Woollysheath Three-awn Aristida lanosa 

Bottlebrush Three-awn Aristida spiciformis 

Switchcane Arundinaria gigantea 

Switch cane Arundinaria tecta 

Common Oat Avena fatua 

Bamboo Bambusa spp. 

Capillary Hairsedge Bulbostylis ciliatifolia 

Sandyfield Hairsedge Bulbostylis stenophylla 

Greenwhite sedge Carex albolutescens 

Sandywoods Sedge Carex dasycarpa 

Hammock Sedge Carex fissa var. aristata 

Long's Sedge Carex longii 

Blackedge Sedge Carex nigromarginata 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

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Common Name Scientific Name 

Southern Sandspur Cenchrus echinatus 

Coastal Sandspur Cenchrus incertus 

Sanddune Sandspur Cenchrus tribuloides 

Class Magnoliopsida (woody flowering plants) - 

Slender Woodoats Chasmanthium laxum var. laxum 

Spanglegrass Chasmanthium laxum var. sessiliflorum 

Sawgrass Cladium jamaicense 

Whitemouth Dayflower Commelina erecta 

Spring Coralroot Corallorhiza wisteriana 

Bermudagrass Cynodon dactylon 

- Cyperus brevifolius

Baldwin's Flatsedge Cyperus croceus 

Swamp Flatsedge Cyperus distinctus 

Yellow Nutgrass Cyperus esculentus 

Umbrella sedge Cyperus filicinus 

Globe sedge Cyperus globulosus 

Haspan Flatsedge Cyperus haspan 

Fragrant Flatsedge Cyperus odoratus 

Manyspike Flatsedge Cyperus polystachyos 

Pinebarren Flatsedge Cyperus retrorsus 

Nutgrass Cyperus rotundus 

Strawcolored Flatsedge Cyperus strigosus 

Tropical Flatsedge Cyperus surinamensis 

Fourangle Flatsedge Cyperus tetragonus 

Crowfootgrass Dactyloctenium aegyptium 

Panicum Dicanthelium erectifolium 

Variable Witchgrass Dichanthelium commutatum 

Forked Witchgrass Dichanthelium dichotomum 

Hemlock Witchgrass Dichanthelium portoricense 

- Dichanthelium sabulorum

Southern Crabgrass Digitaria ciliaris 

Slender Crabgrass Digitaria filiformis var. filiformis 

Shaggy crabgrass Digitaria villosa 

Saltgrass Distichlis spicata 

Coast Cockspur Echinochloa walteri 

Baldwin's Spikerush Eleocharis baldwinii 

Yellow Spikerush Eleocharis flavescens 

Sand Spikerush Eleocharis montevidensis 

Viviparous Spikerush Eleocharis vivipara 

Indian Goosegrass Eleusine indica 

Green-fly Orchid Epidendrum magnoliae var. magnoliae 

Purple Lovegrass Eragrostis spectabilis 

Coastal Lovegrass Eragrostis virginica 

Centipedegrass Eremochloa ophiuroides 

Pinewoods Fingergrass Eustachys petraea 

Slender Fimbry Fimbristylis autumnalis 

Carolina Fimbry Fimbristylis caroliniana 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

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Common Name Scientific Name 

Chesnut sedge Fimbristylis castanea 

Marsh Fimbry Fimbristylis spadicea 

Fringe rush Fimbristylis vahlii 

Dwarf Umbrellasedge Fuirena pumila 

Southern Umbrellasedge Fuirena scirpoidea 

Waterspider Orchid Habenaria repens 

Watergrass Hydrochloa carliniensis 

Fringed Yellow Stargrass Hypoxis juncea 

Blue flag Iris virginica 

Tapertip Rush Juncus acuminatus 

Leathery Rush Juncus coriaceus 

Forked Rush Juncus dichotomus 

Soft Rush Juncus effusus 

Bog Rush Juncus elliottii 

Shore Rush Juncus marginatus 

Bighead Rush Juncus megacephalus 

Manyhead Rush Juncus polycephalus 

Creeping Rush Juncus repens 

Black Needle Rush Juncus roemerianus 

Shortleaf Spikesedge Kyllinga brevifolia 

Carolina Redroot Lachnanthes caroliniana 

Bogbuttons Lachnocaulon spp. 

Southern Cutgrass Leersia hexandra 

Duckweed Lemna valdiviana 

Bearded Spangletop Leptochloa fascicularis 

Frog's-bit; American Spongeplant Limnobium spongia 

Italian Ryegrass Lolium perenne 

Southern Watergrass Luziola fluitans 

Big moss Mayaca fluviatilis 

Gulf Hairawn Muhly Muhlenbergia capillaris var. filipes 

Marine naiad Najas marina 

Southern naiad Najas quadalupenis 

Woodsgrass Oplismenus hirtellus 

Bitter Panicgrass Panicum amarum 

Beaked Panicum Panicum anceps 

Fall Panicgrass Panicum dichotomiflorum 

Maidencane Panicum hemitomon 

Guineagrass Panicum maximum 

Torpedograss Panicum repens 

Redtop Panicum Panicum rigidulum 

Bluejoint Panicum Panicum tenerum 

Warty Panicgrass Panicum verrucosum 

Switchgrass Panicum virgatum 

Bull paspalum Paspalum boscianum 

Bahiagrass Paspalum notatum var. saurae 

Thin Paspalum Paspalum setaceum 

Vaseygrass Paspalum urvillei 
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Common Name Scientific Name 

Pearl millet Pennisetum americanum 

Blackseed Needlegrass Piptochaetium avenaceum 

Annual Bluegrass Poa annua 

Rabbitsfootgrass Polypogon monspeliensis 

Pickerelweed Pontederia cordata 

Sago pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus 

Giant Orchid Pteroglossapsis ecristata 

Rose Natalgrass Rhynchelytrum repens 

Anglestem Beaksedge Rhynchospora caduca 

Starrush Whitetop Rhynchospora colorata 

Shortbristle Horned Beaksedge Rhynchospora corniculata 

Fascicled Beaksedge Rhynchospora fascicularis 

Threadleaf Beaksedge Rhynchospora filifolia

Sandyfield Beaksedge Rhynchospora megalocarpa

Southern Beaksedge Rhynchospora microcarpa

Bunched Beaksedge Rhynchospora microcephala

Bald rush Rhynchospora nitens

Widgeon grass Ruppia maritima

Cabbage Palm; Sabal Palm Sabal palmetto

Sugarcane Plumegrass Saccharum giganteum

American Cupscale Sacciolepis striata

Floating leaf sagittaria Sagittaria filiformis

Grassy Arrowhead Sagittaria graminea var. graminea

Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium var. scoparium

Saltmarsh bulrush Schoenoplectus robustus

Soft stem bulrush Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani

Woolgrass Scirpus cyperinus

Netted Nutrush Scleria reticularis

Tall Nutgrass Scleria triglomerata

Saw Palmetto Serenoa repens

Giant Foxtail; Giant Bristlegrass Setaria magna

Knotroot Foxtail Setaria parviflora

Pointed blue eyed grass Sisyrinchium angustifolium

Annual Blue-eyed Grass Sisyrinchium rosulatum

Earleaf Greenbrier Smilax auriculata

Saw Greenbrier Smilax bona-nox

Cat Greenbrier; Wild Sarsaparilla Smilax glauca

Sarsaparilla Vine Smilax pumila

Hog Brier; Bristly Greenbrier Smilax tamnoides

Lopsided Indiangrass Sorghastrum secundum

Smooth cordgrass Spartina alterniflora

Smooth Cordgrass; Saltmarsh Cordgrass Spartina alterniflora var. glabra

Sand Cordgrass Spartina bakeri

Marshhay Cordgrass; Saltmeadow Cordgrass Spartina patens

Prairie Wedgescale Sphenopholis obtusata

Ladies tresses Spiranthes praecox

Woodland Ladies'-tresses Spiranthes sylvatica
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 51 August 2010

Common Name Scientific Name 

Spring Ladies'-tresses Spiranthes vernalis

Duckmeat; Dotted Duckweed Spirodela punctata

Smutgrass Sporobolus indicus var. indicus

Seashore Dropseed Sporobolus virginicus

St. Augustine grass Stenotaphrum secundatum

Yellow Hatpins Syngonanthus flavidulus

Bartram's Airplant Tillandsia bartramii

Ballmoss Tillandsia recurvata

Southern Needleleaf Tillandsia setacea

Spanish Moss Tillandsia usneoides

Bluejacket; Ohio Spiderwort Tradescantia ohiensis

Purpletop; Tall Redtop Tridens flavus var. flavus

Arrowgrass Triglochin striata

Purple Sandgrass Triplasis purpurea

Narrow leaved cattail Typha angustifolia

Tropical cattail Typha domingensis

Broadleaf Cattail Typha latifolia

Sea Oats Uniola paniculata

Sixweeks Fescue Vulpia octoflora

Bog mat Wolffiella gladiata

Shortleaf Yelloweyed Grass Xyris brevifolia

Richard's Yelloweyed Grass Xyris jupicai

Spanish Bayonet Yucca aloifolia

Lawn Orchid Zeuxine strateumatica

Slender Threeseed Mercury Acalypha gracilens

Red Maple Acer rubrum

Shyleaf; Joint-vetch Aeschynomene americana

- Agalinis fasciculata

Hammock Snakeroot Ageratina jucunda

Alligatorweed Alternanthera philoxeroides

Pigweed Amaranthus spp. 

Common Ragweed Ambrosia artemisiifolia 

Fly poison Amianthium muscaetoxicum 

Toothcup Ammannia latifolia 

False indigo Amorpha fruticosa 

Peppervine Ampelopsis arborea 

Devil's Walkingstick Aralia spinosa 

Mexican Pricklypoppy Argemone mexicana 

Savannah Milkweed Asclepias pedicellata 

Velvetleaf Milkweed Asclepias tomentosa 

Smallflower Pawpaw Asimina parviflora 

Climbing Aster Aster carolinianus 

Rice Button Aster Aster dumosus 

Swamp Aster; Elliott's Aster Aster elliottii 

Annual Saltmarsh Aster Aster subulatus 

Perennial Saltmarsh Aster Aster tenuifolius 

Whitetop Aster; Dixie Aster Aster tortifolius 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 52 August 2010

Common Name Scientific Name 

Walter's Aster Aster walteri 

Sea beach atriplex Atriplex arenaria 

Crested Saltbush; Seabeach Orach Atriplex pentandra 

Black Mangrove Avicennia germinans 

Saltwater Falsewillow Baccharis angustifolia 

Silverling Baccharis glomeruliflora 

Salt Bush; Groundsel Tree; Sea Myrtle Baccharis halimifolia 

Blue Waterhyssop Bacopa caroliniana 

Smooth Waterhyssop; Herb-of Grace Bacopa monnieri 

Saltwort; Turtleweed Batis maritima 

Tarflower Bejaria racemosa 

Rattan Vine Berchemia scandens 

Beggarticks Bidens alba 

Spanish Needles Bidens bipinnata 

Burrmarigold Bidens laevis 

Crossvine Bignonia capreolata 

False Nettle; Bog Hemp Boehmeria cylindrica 

Red Spiderling; Wineflower Boerhavia diffusa 

Bushy Seaside Oxeye Borrichia frutescens 

American Bluehearts Buchnera americana 

Tough bumelia Bumelia tenax 

American Searocket Cakile edentula subsp. harperi 

American Beautyberry; French Mulberry Callicarpa americana 

Matted Waterstarwort Callitriche peploides 

Trumpetcreeper Campsis radicans 

Bitter cress Cardamine hirsuta 

Pennsylvania Bittercress Cardamine pensylvanica 

Thistle Carduus spp. 

Vanillaleaf Carphephorus odoratissimus 

Pignut Hickory Carya glabra 

Wild sensitive plant Cassia nictitans 

Sicklepod Cassia obtusifolia 

Sugarberry; Hackberry Celtis laevigata 

Spadeleaf; Coinwort Centella asiatica 

Spurred Butterfly Pea Centrosema virginianum 

Buttonbush Cephalanthus occidentalis 

Florida Rosemary; Sand Heath Ceratiola ericoides 

Coontail Ceratophyllum spp. 

Partridge Pea Chamaecrista fasciculata 

Sensitive Pea Chamaecrista nictitans var. aspera 

Dixie Sandmat Chamaesyce bombensis 

Eye-bane; Hyssopleaf Sandmat Chamaesyce hyssopifolia 

Spotted Sandmat Chamaesyce maculata 

Lamb's-quarters Chenopodium album 

Mexican Tea;Pigweed Chenopodium ambrosioides 

Bull Thistle; Yellow Thistle Cirsium horridulum 

Nuttall's Thistle Cirsium nuttallii 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 53 August 2010

Common Name Scientific Name 

Sour Orange Citrus aurantium 

Butterfly Pea; Atlantic Pigeonwings Clitoria mariana 

Stinging Nettle; Tread-softly; Finger-rot Cnidoscolus stimulosus 

Dwarf Canadian Horseweed Conyza canadensis var. pusilla 

Golden Tickseed Coreopsis tinctoria 

Swamp dogwood Cornus stricta 

Pursh's Rattlebox Crotalaria purshii 

Rabbitbells Crotalaria rotundifolia 

Showy Rattlebox Crotalaria spectabilis 

Hogwort; Woolly Croton Croton capitatus 

Vente Conmigo Croton glandulosus 

Beach Tea; Gulf Croton Croton punctatus 

Colombian Waxweed Cuphea carthagenensis 

Compact Dodder Cuscuta compacta 

Bigseed Alfalfa Dodder Cuscuta indecora 

Gulfcoast Swallowwort Cynanchum angustifolium 

Western Tansymustard Descurainia pinnata 

Hoary Ticktrefoil; Beggarweed Desmodium incanum 

Panicledleaf Ticktrefoil Desmodium paniculatum 

Dixie Ticktrefoil Desmodium tortuosum 

Threeflower Ticktrefoil Desmodium triflorum 

Carolina Ponysfoot Dichondra caroliniensis 

Poor Joe Diodia teres 

Virginia Buttonweed Diodia virginiana 

Common Persimmon Diospyros virginiana 

Wedgeleaf Whitlowgrass Draba cuneifolia 

Dwarf Sundew Drosera brevifolia 

Pink Sundew Drosera capillaris 

Oblong Twinflower Dyschriste oblongifolia 

False Daisy Eclipta prostrata 

Tall Elephantsfoot Elephantopus elatus 

Fireweed Erechtites hieracifolia 

Oakleaf Fleabane Erigeron quercifolius 

Baldwin's Eryngo Eryngium baldwinii 

Coralbean; Cherokee Bean Erythrina herbacea 

Coastal white snakeroot Eupatorium aromaticum 

Dog Fennel Eupatorium capillifolium 

Yankeeweed Eupatorium compositifolium 

Falsefennel Eupatorium leptophyllum 

Mohr's Thoroughwort Eupatorium mohrii 

Roundleaf Thoroughwort Eupatorium rotundifolium 

Lateflorwering Thoroughwort Eupatorium serotinum 

Slender Goldenrod Euthamia caroliniana 

Flat topped goldenrod Euthamia minor 

Florida Swampprivet Forestiera segregata 

Firewheel; Blanketflower Gaillardia pulchella 

Elliott's Milkpea Galactia elliottii 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 54 August 2010

Common Name Scientific Name 

Eastern Milkpea Galactia regularis 

Downy Milkpea Galactia volubilis 

Coastal Bedstraw Galium hispidulum 

Stiff Marsh Bedstraw Galium tinctorium 

Southern Beeblossom Gaura angustifolia 

Dwarf Huckleberry Gaylussacia dumosa 

Blue Huckleberry Gaylussacia frondosa var. tomentosa 

Dangleberry Gaylussacia nana 

Yellow Jessamine Gelsemium sempervirens 

Carolina Cranesbill Geranium carolinianum 

Narrowleaf Purple Everlasting Gnaphalium falcatum 

Rabbit Tobacco; Sweeteverlasting Gnaphalium obtusifolium 

Pennsylvania Everlasting Gnaphalium pensylvanicum 

Loblolly bay Gordonia lasianthus 

Rough Hedgehyssop Gratiola hispida 

Hedge hyssop Gratiola ramoa 

Innocence; Fairy Footprints Hedyotis procumbens 

Pigmypipes Monotropsis reynoldsiae 

Red Mulberry Morus rubra 

Wax Myrtle; Southern Bayberry Myrica cerifera 

Cutleaf Watermilfoil; Green Parrot's-feather Myriophyllum pinnatum 

American White Waterlily Nymphaea odorata 

Swamp Tupelo Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora 

Seabeach Evening Primrose Oenothera humifusa 

Cutleaf Evening Primrose Oenothera laciniata 

Devil Joint; Cockspur Pricklypear Opuntia pusilla 

Erect Pricklypear Opuntia stricta 

Wild Olive; Devilwood Osmanthus americanus 

Yellow Woodsorrel Oxalis corniculata 

Violet wood sorrel Oxalis corymbosa 

Wood sorrell Oxalis florida 

Yellow wood sorrel Oxalis stricta 

Florida Pellitory Parietaria floridana 

Baldwin's Nailwort Paronychia baldwinii 

Virginia Creeper; Woodbine Parthenocissus quinquefolia 

Purple Passionflower Passiflora incarnata 

Corkystem Passionflower Passiflora suberosa 

Red Bay Persea borbonia var. borbonia 

Swamp Bay Persea palustris 

Oak Mistletoe Phoradendron leucarpum 

Mistletoe Phoradendron serotinum 

Capeweed; Turkeytangle Fogfruit Phyla nodiflora 

Drummond's Leafflower Phyllanthus abnormis 

Chamber Bitter Phyllanthus urinaria 

Walter's Groundcherry Physalis walteri 

American Pokeweed Phytolacca americana 

Pokeweed Phytolacca rigida 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 55 August 2010

Common Name Scientific Name 

Violet butterwort Pinguicula vulgaris 

Grassleaf Goldenaster Pityopsis graminifolia 

English Plantain Plantago lanceolata 

Virginia Plantain Plantago virginica 

Camphorweed Pluchea camphorata 

Stinking Camphorweed Pluchea foetida 

Saltmarsh fleabane Pluchea purpuracens 

Rosy Camphorweed Pluchea rosea 

Painted-leaf; Fire-on-the-Mountain Poinsettia cyathophora 

Polygala Polygala cymosa 

Procession Flower Polygala incarnata 

Yellow milkwort Polygala lutea 

Orange milkwort Polygala nana 

Racemed Milkwort Polygala polygama 

Hairy Smartweed Polygonum hirsutum 

Mild Waterpepper Polygonum hydropiperoides 

Dotted Smartweed Polygonum punctatum 

Hairy Leafcup Polymnia uvedalia 

Rustweed; Juniperleaf Polypremum procumbens 

Little Hogweed Portulaca oleracea 

Pink purslane Portulaca pilosa 

Pink Purslane; Kiss-Me-Quick Portulaca pilosa 

Combleaf Mermaidweed Proserpinaca pectinata 

Carolina Laurelcherry Prunus caroliniana 

Black Cherry Prunus serotina var. serotina 

Flatwoods Plum Prunus umbellata 

Common Hoptree; Wafer Ash Ptelea trifoliata 

Blackroot Pterocaulon pycnostachyum 

Mock Bishopsweed Ptilimnium capillaceum 

Carolina Desertchicory; False Dandelion Pyrrhopappus carolinianus 

Chapman's Oak Quercus chapmanii 

Sand Live Oak Quercus geminata 

Laurel Oak; Diamond Oak Quercus laurifolia 

Myrtle Oak Quercus myrtifolia 

Water Oak Quercus nigra 

Live Oak Quercus virginiana 

Low Spearwort Ranunculus pusillus 

Wild Radish Raphanus raphanistrum 

Maryland Meadowbeauty Rhexia mariana 

Winged Sumac Rhus copallinum 

Climbing Dollar-weed; Least Snoutbean Rhynchosia minima 

Tropical Mexican Clover Richardia brasiliensis 

Rough Mexican Clover Richardia scabra 

Sawtooth Blackberry Rubus argutus 

Sand Blackberry Rubus cuneifolius 

Southern Dewberry Rubus trivialis 

Carolina Wild Petunia Ruellia caroliniensis 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 56 August 2010

Common Name Scientific Name 

Hastateleaf Dock Rumex hastatulus 

Swamp Dock Rumex verticillatus 

Marsh pink Sabatia bartramii 

Shortleaf Rosegentian Sabatia brevifolia 

Smallflower Mock Buckthorn Sageretia minutiflora 

Annual Glasswort Salicornia bigelovii 

Perennial Glasswort; Virginia Glasswort Salicornia perennis 

Perennial glasswort Salicornia virginica 

Carolina Willow Salix caroliniana 

Prickly Russian Thistle Salsola kali subsp. pontica 

Tropical Sage Salvia coccinea 

Lyreleaf Sage Salvia lyrata 

American Elder; Elderberry Sambucus canadensis 

Pineland Pimpernel Samolus valerandi subsp. parviflorus 

Blacksnakeroot Sanicula canadensis 

Southern soapberry Sapindus saponaria 

Soapberry Sapindus saponaria 

Lizard's tail Saururus cernuus 

Sweetbroom Scoparia dulcis 

Sicklepod; Coffeeweed Senna obtusifolia 

Bequilla Sesbania emerus 

Danglepod Sesbania herbacea 

Bladderpod; Bagpod Sesbania vesicaria 

Seapurslane Sesuvium portulacastrum 

Common Wireweed; Common Fanpetals Sida acuta 

Cuban Jute; Indian Hemp; Teaweed Sida rhombifolia 

Tough Buckthorn Sideroxylon tenax 

Sleepy Catchfly Silene antirrhina 

Horsenettle Solanum carolinense var. carolinense 

Black Nightshade Solanum chenopodioides 

Tropical Soda Apple Solanum viarum 

Canada Goldenrod Solidago canadensis var. scabra 

Pinebarren Goldenrod Solidago fistulosa 

Chapman's Goldenrod Solidago odora var. chapmanii 

Seaside Goldenrod Solidago sempervirens 

Spiny Sowthistle Sonchus asper 

Common Sowthistle Sonchus oleraceus 

Shrubby False Buttonweed Spermacoce verticillata 

Roughfruit Scaleseed Spermolepis divaricata 

Florida Betony; Florida Hedgenettle Stachys floridana 

Trailing Fuzzybean Strophostyles helvula 

Sea Blite; Annual Seepweed Suaeda linearis 

Wood Sage; Canadian Germander Teucrium canadense 

Eastern Poison Ivy Toxicodendron radicans 

Puncturevine Tribulus terrestris 

Forked Bluecurls Trichostema dichotomum 

Hop clover Trifolium dubium 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 57 August 2010

Common Name Scientific Name 

White Clover Trifolium repens 

Clasping Venus' Lookingglass Triodanis perfoliata 

Humped Bladderwort Utricularia gibba 

Floating bladderwort Utricularia inflata 

Eastern Purple Bladderwort Utricularia purpurea 

Little Floating Bladderwort Utricularia radiata 

Zigzag Bladderwort Utricularia subulata 

Sparkleberry; Farkleberry Vaccinium arboreum 

Highbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum 

Shiny Blueberry Vaccinium myrsinites 

Deerberry Vaccinium stamineum 

Woolly Mullein Verbascum thapsus 

Wand Mullein Verbascum virgatum 

Purpletop Vervain Verbena bonariensis 

Brazilian Vervain Verbena brasiliensis 

Texas Vervain Verbena officinalis var. halei 

Harsh Vervain Verbena scabra 

Frostweed; White Crownbeard Verbesina virginica 

Giant Ironweed Vernonia gigantea 

Fourleaf Vetch Vicia acutifolia 

Hairypod Cowpea Vigna luteola 

White violet Viola affinis 

Bog White Violet Viola lanceolata 

Early Blue Violet Viola palmata 

Common Blue Violet Viola sororia 

Summer Grape Vitis aestivalis 

Muscadine Vitis rotundifolia 

Southern Rockbell Wahlenbergia marginata 

Hercules'-club Zanthoxylum clava-herculis 

Kingdom Animalia - 

Phylum Porifera (sea sponges) - 

Boring Sponge Cliona sp. 

Purple Sponge Haliclona permollis 

Sun Sponge Hymeniacidon heliophila 

Red Beard Sponge Microciona prolifera 

Phylum Cnidaria (jellyfishes and anemones) - 

Class Anthozoa (anemones and corals) - 

Brown Anemone Aiptasia pallida 

Anthopleura varioarmata GRM 

Astrangia danae GRM 

Tricolor Anemone Calliactis tricolor 

Sea Tube Anemone Ceriantheopsis americanus 

Sea Whip Leptogorgia virgulata 

Sea Pansy Renilla reniformis 

Class Hydrozoa (hydras) - 

Pink-hearted hydroid Ectopleura crocea (Tubularia crocea) 

Portugese man-of-war Physalia physalia 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 58 August 2010

Common Name Scientific Name 

Class Scyphozoa (jellyfishes) - 

Moon Jelly Aurelia aurita 

Sea Nettle Chrysaora quinquecirrha 

Lions' Mane Medusa Cyanea capillata 

Cannonball jellyfish Stomolophus meleagris 

Phylum Ctenophora (comb jellies) - 

Beroe Beroe sp. 

Sea Walnut Mnemiopsis leidyi 

Sea gooseberry Pleurobrachia pileus 

Phylum Platyhelminthes (flatworms) - 

Horseshoe Crab Worm Bdelloura candida 

Phylum Annelida (segmented worms)

Parchment Worm Chaetopterus variopedatus 

Tube Worm Diopatra cuprea 

Blood Worm Glycera americana 

Phylum Arthropoda (spiders, insects, 

crustaceans)

- 

Class Arachnida (spiders, scorpions, mites) - 

Grass spider Agelenopsis 

Lone star tick Amblyomma americanum 

Black-&-yellow argiope Argiope aurantia 

Black and yellow argiope Argiope aurantis 

Centruroides scorpion Centruroides spp. 

Florida Striped Bark Scorpion Centruroides Hentzi 

Wood tick Dermacentor spp. 

Chigger/Redbug Eutrombicula spp. 

Crablike spiny orb weaver Gasteracantha spp. 

Brown Widow Spider Latrodectus geometricus 

Southern Black widow spider Latrodectus mactans 

Giant vinegarone Mastigoproctus giganteus 

Golden silk spider Nephila clavipes 

Green lynx spider Peucetia viridans 

Brown daddy long legs Phalangium opilio 

Daring jumping spider Phidippus audax 

Sub-phylum Crustacea (shrimp, crabs, lobsters) - 

Aviu Shrimp Acetes americanus carolinae 

Snapping Shrimp Alpheus heterochaelis 

Speckled Swimming Crab Arenaeus cribrarius 

Pillbug Armadillium spp. 

Square backed marsh crab Armases cinereum 

Acorn Barnacle Semibalanus balanoides 

Common Barnacle Balanus balanoides 

Ivory Barnacle Balanus eburneus 

Barnacles Balanus spp. 

Flame Box Crab Calappa flammea 

Carolina Ghost Shrimp Callichirus major 

Red Blue Crab Callinectes bocourti 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 59 August 2010

Common Name Scientific Name 

Ornate Blue Crab Callinectes ornatus 

Blue crab Callinectes sapidus 

Lesser blue crab Callinectes similis 

Indo-Pacific Swimming Crab Charybdis hellerii 

Gray Barnacle Chthamalus fragilis 

Striped Hermit Crab Clibanarius vittatus 

Say mud crab Dyspanopeus sayi 

Atlantic sand crab Emerita talpoida 

Flat Mud Crab Eurypanopeus depressus 

Broadback Mud Crab Eurytium limosum 

Brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus 

Pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus duorarum 

Scuds Gammarus spp. 

Calico Crab Hepatus epheliticus 

Smooth Mud Crab Hexapanopeus augustifrons 

Veined Shrimp Hippolysmata wurdemanni 

Duck Barnacle Lepas anatifera 

Portly Spider Crab Libinia emarginata 

Wharf Roach Ligia exotica 

White shrimp Penaeus setiferus 

Lucifer faxoni - 

Cinnamon river shrimp Macrobrachium acanthurus 

Stone Crab Menippe spp. 

Florida Stone crab Menippe mercenaria 

Gulf Stone Crab Menippe adina 

Neopanope texana sayi -

Ghost crab Ocypode quadrata 

Mottled Shore Crab Pachygrapsus transversus 

Banded Hermit Crab Pagurus annulipes 

Long clawed hermit crab Pagurus longicarpus 

Flat-Clawed Hermit Crab Pagurus pollicaris 

Hermit crab Pagurus spp. 

Daggerblade Grass shrimp Palaemonetes pugio 

Panaeid shrimp Panaeus spp. 

Common Mud Crab Panopeus herbstii 

Furrowed Mud Crab Panopeus occidentalis 

Green Porchelain Crab Petrolisthes armatus 

Sea Spider Phoxichilidium femoratum 

Tube Pea Crab Pinnixa chaetopterana 

Pea crab Pinnixa retinens 

Mussel Crab Pinnotheres maculatus 

Oyster Crab Pinnotheres ostreum 

Tidal Spray Crab Plagusia depressa 

Eastern Tube Crab Polyonyx gibbesi 

Iridescent Swimming Crab Portunus gibbesii 

Sargassum Crab Portunus sayi 

Blotched Swimming Crab Portunus spinimanus 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 60 August 2010

Common Name Scientific Name 

Crayish Procambarus spp. 

Estuarine Mud Crab Rhithropanopeus harrisii 

Wharf Crab Sesarma cinereum 

Purple Marsh Crab Sesarma reticulatum 

Beach fleas Talorchestia spp. 

Arrow Shrimp Tozeuma carolinense 

Mussel Pea Crab Tumidotheres maculatus 

Red-Jointed Fiddler Uca minax 

Sand fiddler crab Uca pugilator 

Atlantic Marsh Fiddler Uca pugnax 

Coastal Mud Shrimp Upogebia affinis 

Oyster Pea Crab Zaops ostreum 

Class Insecta (insects) - 

Green stink bug Acrosternum hilare 

Luna moth Actias luna 

Eastern salt marsh mosquito Aedes sollicitans 

Salt marsh mosquitos Aedes taeniorhynchus 

Virescent green metallic bee Agapostemon virescens 

Gulf fritillary Agraulis vanillae 

Pink spotted hawk moth Agrius cingulata 

Eastern eyed click beetle Alaus oculatus 

White Peacock Anartia jatrophae 

Common green darner Anax junius 

Comet darner Anax longipes 

Mosquito Anopheles 

Polyphemus moth Antheraea polyphemus 

Honeybee Apis mellifera 

Gray green clubtail Arigomphus pallidus 

Great southern white Ascia monuste 

Io moth Automeris io 

Pipevine swallowtail Battus philenor 

Love bug Bibio 

Bumblebee Bombus pensylvanicus 

Four spotted pennant Brachymesia gravida 

Fiery searcher Calosoma scrutator 

Black carpenter ant Camponotus pennsylvanicus 

Halloween pennant Celithemis eponina 

Double ringed pennant Celithemis verna 

Deerflies Chrysops 

Mosquito Coquillettidia 

Goldsmith beetle Cotalpa lanigera 

Sand flies Culicoides 

Monarch Danaus plexippus 

Virginia creeper sphinx Darapsa myron 

Cow killer Dasymutilla occidentalis 

Northern walking stick Diapheromera femorata 

Rosy maple moth Dryocampa rubicunda 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 61 August 2010

Common Name Scientific Name 

E. pond hawk Erythemis simplicicollis 

Blue dragonlet Erythrodiplax connata 

Little sulphur Eurema lisa 

Chigger Futrombicula spp. 

Field cricket Gryllus pennsylvanicus 

Small whirligig beetle Gyrinus spp. 

Ceraunus blue Hemiargus ceraunus 

Riparian earwig Labidura riparia 

Silverfish Lepisma saccharina 

Giant waterbug Lethocerus americanus 

Marl pennant Macrodiplax balteata 

Tent caterpillar moth Malacosoma americanum 

Freshwater mosquitos Mansonia spp. 

American carrion beetle Necrophila americana 

Northern mole cricket Neocurtilla hexadactyla 

Roseate skimmer Orthemis ferruginea 

Blue dasher Pachydiplax longipennis 

Wandering glider Pantala flavescens 

Giant swallowtail Papilio cresphontes 

E. Tiger swallowtail Papilio glaucus 

Palamedes swallowtail Papilio palamedes 

American cockroach Periplaneta americana 

Scarab beetle Phanaeus vindex 

Cloudless sulphur Phoebis sennae 

Phaon crescent Phyciodes phaon 

Paper wasp Polistes spp. 

Giant root borer Prionus spp. 

Flood-water Mosquito Psorophora spp. 

Black ground beetle Pterostichus spp. 

Brown water scorpion Ranatra fusca 

Termite Reticulitermes flavipes 

Termites Reticultermes flavipes 

SE. Lubber grasshopper Romalea microptera 

Black/yellow mud dauber Sceliphron caementarium 

Fire ant Solenopsis wagneri 

Oleander moth Syntomeida epilais 

Horseflies Tabanus spp. 

Violet masked glider Tramea carolina 

Common buckey Unonia coenia 

Long tailed skipper Urbanus proteus 

Bella moth Utetheisa ornatrix bella 

American lady Vanessa virginiensis 

Yellowjacket Vespula spp. 

Carpenter bee Xylocopa virginica 

Tersa moth Xylophanes tersa 

Class Merostomata - 

Horseshoe crab Limulus polyphemus 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 62 August 2010

Common Name Scientific Name 

Mantis shrimp Squilla empusa 

Class Gastropoda (snails) - 

Sea Hare Aplysia braziliana 

Striped Sea Slug Armina tigrina 

False Cerith Batillaria minima 

Variable Bittium Bittium varium 

West Indian Bubble Bulla occidentalis 

Ragged Sea Hare Bursatella leachi 

Knobbed Whelk Busycon carica 

Lightning Whelk Busycon sinistrum 

Sculptured Top-Shell Calliostoma euglyptum 

Tinted Cantharus Cantharus tinctus 

Ladder Horn Shell Cerithdea scalariformis 

Miniature Cerith Cerithiopsis greeni 

Florida Cerith Cerithium floridanum 

Spiny Slipper Shell Crepidula aculeata 

Atlantic Slipper Shell Crepidula fornicata 

Eastern White Slipper Shell Crepidula plana 

Giant Atlantic Cockle Dinocardium robustum 

Keyhold Limpet Diodora cayenensis 

Angulate Wentletrap Epitonium angulatum 

Banded Tulip Fasciolaria hunteria 

True Tulip Fasciolaria tulipa 

Mortons Egg Cockle Laevicardium mortoni 

Marsh periwinkle Littorina irrorata 

Zebra Periwinkle Littorina ziczac 

Common Marsh Snail Melampus bidentatus 

Saltmarsh snail Melampus coffeus 

Crown Conch Melongena corona 

Atlantic Modulus Modulus modulus 

Mud snail Nassarius obsoletus 

Eastern Nassa Nassarius vibex 

Olive Nerite Neritina reclivata 

Virgin Nerite Neritina virginea 

Impressed Odostome Odostomia impressa 

Olive Shell Oliva sayana 

Variable Dwarf Olive Olivella mutica 

Horse Conch Pleuroploca gigantea 

Shark Eye Polinices duplicatus 

Miniature Cerith Seila adamsi 

False Limpet Siphonaria pectinata 

Terrestrial gastrpod Succinea campestris 

Florida Rock Shell Thais haemastoma floridana 

Black-Lined Trifora Triphora nigrocincta 

Chestnut Turban Turbo castaneus 

Atlantic Oyster Drill Urosalpinx cinerea 

Class Polyplacophora (chitons) -
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Common Name Scientific Name 

Eastern Chiton Chaetopleura apiculata 

Class Bivalvia (clams, mussels, oysters) - 

Common Atlantic Abra Abra aequelis 

Paper Mussel Amygdalum papyria 

Greedy Dove-Shell Anachis avara 

Fat Dove-Shell Anachis obesa 

Transverse Ark Anadara transversa 

Jingle Shell Anomia simplex 

Zebra Turkey Wing Arca zebra 

Sawtooth Pen Clam Atrina serrata 

Angel Wing Barnea costata 

Scorched Mussel Brachidontes exustus 

Hooked Mussel Brachidontes recurvus 

Cross-Barred Venus Chione cancellata 

Conrad's False Mussel Congeria leucophaeata 

Contracted Corbula Corbula contracta 

Eastern Oyster Crassostrea virginica 

Angelwing Clam Cyrtopleura costata 

Coquina clam Donax variabilis 

Disk Dosinia Dosinia discus 

Jackknife Clam Ensis minor 

Razor clams Ensis spp. 

Comb Bittersweet Glycymeris pectinata 

Marsh Mussel Guekensia demissa 

Ribbed mussel Ischadium demissum 

Mahogany Date Mussel Lithophaga bisulcata 

Calico clam Macrocallista maculata 

Wedge-Shaped Martesia Martesia cuneiformis 

Southern Quahog Mercenaria campechiensis 

Quahog Mercenaria mercenaria 

Lunar Dove-Shell Mitrella lunata 

Dwarf Surf Clam Mulinia lateralis 

Pondersous Ark Noetia ponderosa 

Crested Oyster Ostrea equestris 

Carolina Marsh Clam Polymesoda caroliniana 

Florida Marsh Clam Pseudocyrena floridana 

Common Rangia Rangia cuneata 

Purplish Tagelus Tagelus divisus 

Stout Tagelus Tagelus plebius 

Rose Petal Tellin Tellina lineata 

Class Cephalopoda (squids and octopus) - 

Squid Loligunculus brevis 

Atlantic Octopus Octopus vulgaris 

Phylum Bryozoa (Ectoprocta, moss animals) - 

Zoobotryon verticillatum - 

Rubber bryozoan Alcyonidium hauffi 

Anguinella palmata -
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Common Name Scientific Name 

Bugula neritina - 

Common sea mat Membranipora tenuis 

Schizoporella errata - 

Phylum Echinodermata - 

Common Starfish Asterias forbesi 

Margined Sea Star Astropecten articulatus 

Lines Sea Star Luidea clathrata 

Class Echnioidea (sea urchins) - 

Purple Spined Sea Urchin Arbacea punctulata 

Variable Urchin Lytechinus variegatus 

Sand Dollar Mellita quinquesperforata 

Class Holothuroidea (sea cucumbers) -

Common Thyone Thyone briatus 

Class Ophiuroidea (brittle stars) -

Angular brittle star Ophiothrix angulata 

Phylum Hemichordata (acorn worms) - 

Southern acorn worm Ptychodera bahamensis 

Phylum Chordata (vertebrates and relatives) - 

Class Ascidiacea (sea squirts) -

Didemnum candidum - 

Mangrove Tunicate Ecteinascidia turbinata 

Common sea grape Molgula manhattensis 

Pleated sea squirt Styela plicata 

Sea pork Amaroucium stellatum 

Class Cephalochordata (lancelets) - 

Caribean Lacelet Branchiostoma caribaeum 

Sub-phylum Vertebrate (vertebrates) - 

Class Agnatha (jawless fishes) - 

Sea Lamprey Petromyzon marinus 

Class Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes) - 

Shortnose Sturgeon Acipenser brevirostrum 

Gulf Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi 

Spinner shark Carcharhinus brevipinna 

Bull shark Carcharhinus leucas 

Blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus 

Sandbar shark Carcharhinus plumbeus 

Southern Sting Ray Dasyatis americana 

Atlantic stingray Dasyatis sabina 

Smooth butterfly ray Gymnura micrura 

Lemon Shark Negaprion brevirostris 

Sand Shark Odontaspis taurus 

Clearnose Skate Raja eglanteria 

Atlantic Guitarfish Rhinobatos lentiginosus 

Cownose ray Rhinoptera bonasus 

Hammerhead sharks Shyrna spp. 

Scalloped Hammerhead Sphyrna lewini 

Great Hammerhead Sphyrna mokarran 
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Common Name Scientific Name 

Bonnethead Sphyrna tiburo 

Super-class Osteichthyes (bony fishes) - 

Seargeant major Abudefduf saxatilis 

Cowfish Acanthostracion quadricornis 

Lined sole Achirus lineatus 

Bonefish Albula vulpes 

Hickory shad Alosa mediocris 

Filefish Aluterus spp. 

Yellow bullhead Ameiurus natalis 

Bowfin Amia calva 

Striped anchovy Anchoa hepsetus 

Bay anchovy Anchoa mitchilli 

Anchovy Anchoa spp. 

Oscillated flounder Ancylopsetta quadrocellata 

American Eel Anguilla rostrata 

Sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus 

Sea catfish Ariopsis felis 

S. stargazer Astroscopus y-graecum 

Gafftopsail catfish Bagre marinus 

Silver perch Bairdiella chrysoura 

Triggerfish Balistes spp. 

Frillfin goby Bathygobius soporator 

Atlantic menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus 

Yellow jack Carangoides bartholomaei 

Crevalle jack Caranx hippos 

Horse-eye jack Caranx latus 

Snook Centropomus undecimalis 

Rock sea bass Centropristis philadelphica 

Black sea bass Centropristis striata 

Atlantic spadefish Chaetodipterus faber 

Striped blenny Chasmodes bosquianus 

Florida blenny Chasmodes saburrae 

Atlantic bumper Chloroscombrus chrysurus 

Striped Burrfish Cilomycterus schoepfi 

Spotted whiff Citharichthys macrops 

Bay whiff Citharichthys spilopterus 

Common Dolphin Coryphaena hippurus 

Spotted sea trout Cynoscion nebulosus 

Atlantic weakfish Cynoscion regalis 

Sheepshead minnow Cyprinodon variegatus 

Irish pompano Diapterus auratus 

Striped mojarra Diapterus plumieri 

Balloon fish Diodon holocanthus 

Dwarf sand perch Diplectrum bivittatum 

Sand perch Diplectrum formosum 

Silver porgy Diplodus argenteus 

Spottail pinfish Diplodus holbrooki 
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Common Name Scientific Name 

Gizzard shad Dorosoma cepedianum 

Threadfin shad Dorosoma petenense 

Sharksucker Echeneis naucrates 

Ladyfish Elops saurus 

Nassau Grouper Ephinephelus striatus 

Goliath grouper Epinephelus itajara 

Groupers Epinephelus spp. 

Lake chubsucker Erimyzon sucetta 

Fringed flounder Etropus crossotus 

Silver jenny Eucinostomus gula 

Tidewater mojarra Eucinostomus harengulus 

Slender mojarra Eucinostomus jonesi 

Spotfin mojarra Eugerres plumieri 

Flying halfbeak Euleptorhamphus velox 

Little tunny Euthynnus alleteratus 

Golden topminnow Fundulus chrysotus 

Marsh killifish Fundulus confluentus 

Gulf killifish Fundulus grandis 

Mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus 

Striped/longnose killifish Fundulus majalis 

Tiger shark Galeocerdo cuviera 

Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis 

Eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki 

Yellowfin Mojarra Gerre cinereus 

Skilletfish Gobiesox strumosus 

Violet goby Gobioides broussonetii 

Darter goby Gobionellus boleosoma 

Highfin goby Gobionellus oceanicus 

Freshwater goby Gobionellus shufeldti 

Emerald goby Gobionellus smaragdus 

Marked goby Gobionellus stigmaticus 

Naked goby Gobiosoma bosc 

Twoscale goby Gobiosoma longipala 

Code goby Gobiosoma robustum 

Grunts Haemulon spp. 

Scaled sardine Harengula jaguana 

Least killifish Heterandria formosa 

Lined seahorse Hippocampus erectus 

Barred blenny Hypleurochilus bermudensis 

American halfbeak Hyporhamphus meeki 

Feather blenny Hypsoblennius hentz 

Brown bullhead Ictalurus nebulosus 

FL. Flagfish Jordanella floridae 

Hairy blenny Labrisomus nuchipinnis 

Trunkfish Lactophrys trigonus 

Pinfish Lagodon rhomboides 

Warmouth Lapomis gulosus 
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Common Name Scientific Name 

Banded drum Larimus fasciatus 

Spot Leiostomus xanthurus 

Longnose gar Lepisosteus osseus 

Redbreasted sunfish Lepomis auritus 

Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus 

Redear sunfish Lepomis microlophus 

Stumpknocker Lepomis punctatus 

Tripletail Lobotes surinamensis 

Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus 

Gray snapper Lutjanus griseus 

Lane snapper Lutjanus synagris 

Atlantic Manta Manta birostris 

Tarpon Megalops atlanticus 

Rough silvereside Membras martinica 

Tidewater Silverside Menidia beryllina 

Atlantic silverside Menidia menidia 

Silverside Menidia spp. 

Whiting Menticirrhus americanus 

Gulf kingfish Menticirrhus littoralis 

Northern kingfish Menticirrhus saxatilis 

Clown goby Microgobius gulosus 

Green goby Microgobius thalassinus 

Opposum pipefish Microphis brachyurus 

Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulatus 

Largemouth bass Micropterus floridanus 

Filefish Monacanthus spp. 

Striped mullet Mugil cephalus 

White mullet Mugil curema 

Gag Myctoperca microlepis 

Speckled worm eel Myrophis punctatus 

Golden shiner Notemigonus crysoleucus 

Polka-dot batfish Ogcocephalus cubifrons 

Leatherjack Oligoplites saurus 

Shrimp eel Ophichthus gomesi 

Cusk-eel Ophidion spp. 

Atlantic thread herring Opisthonema oglinum 

Oyster toadfish Opsanus tau 

Pigfish Orthopristis chrysoptera 

Gulf flounder Paralichthys albigutta 

Summer flounder Paralichthys dentatus 

S. flounder Paralichthys lethostigma 

Broad flounder Paralichthys squamilentus 

Harvest fish Peprilus paru 

Sailfin molly Poecilia latipinna 

Mollies Poecilia spp. 

Blackdrum Pogonias cromis 

Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix 
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Common Name Scientific Name 

Northern searobin Prionotus carolinus 

Striped searobin Prionotus evolans 

Blackfin searobin Prionotus rubio 

Leopard searobin Prionotus scitulus 

Bighead searobin Prionotus tribulus 

Short bigeye Pristigenys alta 

Cobia Rachycentron canadum 

Remora Remora remora 

Bonito Sarda sarda 

Spanish sardine Sardinella aurita 

Red drum Sciaenops ocellatus 

King Mackeral Scomberomorus cavalla 

Spanish mackerel Scomberomorus maculatus 

Barbfish Scorpaena brasiliensis 

Spotted scorpionfish Scorpaena plumieri 

Bigeye scad Selar crumenophthalmus 

Atlantic moonfish Selene setapinnis 

Lookdown Selene vomer 

Amberjack Seriola dumerili 

Florida Puffer Sphoerodies nephelus 

Northernpuffer Sphoeroides maculatus 

Southern puffer Sphoeroides nephelus 

Checkered puffer Sphoeroides testudineus 

Great barracuda Sphyraena barracuda 

Guaguanche Sphyraena guachancho 

Star drum Stellifer lanceolatus 

Planehead filefish Stephanolepis hispida 

Atlantic needlefish Strongylura marina 

Redfin needlefish Strongylura notata 

Blackcheek tonguefish Symphurus plagiusa 

Dusky pipefish Syngnathus floridae 

N. pipefish Syngnathus fuscus 

Chain pipefish Syngnathus louisianae 

Gulf pipefish Syngnathus scovelli 

Inshore lizardfish Synodus foetens 

Pompano Trachinotus carolinus 

Permit Trachinotus falcatus 

Rough scad Trachurus lathami 

Atlantic cutlassfish Trichiurus lepturus 

Hogchoker Trinectes maculatus 

Southern hake Urophycis floridana 

Class Amphibia (frogs and salamanders) -

Florida Cricket frog Acris gryllus dorsalis 

Mole salamander Ambystoma talpoideum 

Oak toad Bufo quercicus 

Southern Toad Bufo terrestris 

Greenhouse frog Eleutherodactylus planirostris 
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Common Name Scientific Name 

Dwarf salamander Eurycea quadradigitata 

Narrow-mouthed toad Gastrophryne carolinensis 

Green tree frog Hyla cinerea 

Pine woods tree frog Hyla femoralis 

Barking treefrog Hyla gratiosa 

Squirrel tree frog Hyla squirella 

Striped newt Notophthalmus perstriatus 

Cuban tree frog Osteopilus septentrionalis 

Spring peeper Pseudacris crucifer 

Florida Chorus frog Pseudacris nigrita verrucosa 

Little grass frog Pseudacris ocularis 

Gopher Frog Rana capito 

Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana 

Pig frog Rana grylio 

Florida leopard frog Rana sphenocephala 

Eastern spadefoot Scaphiopus holbrookii 

Class Reptilia (reptiles) - 

Florida cottonmouth Agkistrodon piscivorus conanti 

American Alligator Alligator mississippiensis 

Green anole Anolis carolinensis 

Brown anole Anolis sagrei 

Florida Softshell Turtle Apalone ferox 

Six-lined racerunner Aspidoscelis sexlineatus 

Loggerhead sea turtle Caretta caretta 

Florida scarlet snake Cemophora coccinea 

Green sea turtle Chelonia mydas 

Florida Snapping turtle Chelydra serpentina osceola 

Florida cooter Chrysemys floridana 

Spotted Turtle Clemmys guttata 

Black racer Coluber constrictor priapus 

Eastern Diamondback rattlesnake Crotalus adamanteus 

Chicken turtle Deirochelys reticularia 

Leatherback sea turtle Dermochelys coriacea 

Southern Ringneck snake Diadophis punctatus punctatus 

Eastern Indigo snake Drymarchon corais couperi 

Red rat snake Elaphe guttata 

SE five-lined skink Eumeces inexpectatus 

Broad-headed skink Eumeces laticeps 

Eastern Mud snake Farancia abacura abacura 

Gopher tortoise Gopherus polyphemus 

Florida red bellied turtle Grysemys nelsoni 

Mediteranian gecko Hemidactylus garnotii 

Striped mud turtle Kinosternon bauri 

Florida Mud turtle Kinosternon subrubrum steindachneri 

Eastern Mud turtle Kinosternon subrubrum subrubrum 

Eastern King snake Lampropeltis getula getula 

Scarlet king snake Lampropeltis triangulum elapsoides 
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Common Name Scientific Name 

Kemp's Ridley Lepidochelys kempii 

Diamondback terrapin Malaclemys terrapin centrata 

E. Coachwhip Masticophis flagellum flagellum 

Coral Snake Micrurus fulvius 

Fl. water snake Nerodia fasciata pictiventris 

Rough green snake Opheodrys aestivus 

E. Glass lizard Ophisaurus ventralis 

Corn snake Pantherophis guttata guttata 

Yellow rat snake Pantherophis obsoleta quadrivittata 

FL. Redbelly turtle Pseudemys nelsoni 

Peninsula cooter Pseudemys peninsularis 

Pine woods snake Rhadinaea flavilata 

Ground skink Scincella lateralis 

Greater siren Siren lacertina 

Dusky pigmy rattlesnake Sistrurus miliarius barbouri 

FL. Box turtle Terrapene carolina bauri 

Peninsula ribbon snake Thamnophis sauritus nitae 

E. Garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis 

Yellow-bellied slider Trachemys scripta 

Florida softshell Apalone ferox 

Class Aves (birds) - 

Cooper's hawk Accipiter cooperii 

Sharp-shinned Hawk Accipiter striatus 

Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia 

Red-winged Blackbird Agelaius phoeniceus 

Wood Duck Aix sponsa 

Roseate Spoonbill Ajaia ajaja 

Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrow Ammodramus caudacutus 

Seaside Sparrow Ammodramus maritimus 

Nelson's Sharp-tailed Sparrow Ammodramus nelsoni 

Grasshopper Sparrow Ammodramus savannarum 

Northern Pintail Anas acuta 

American Widgeon Anas americana 

Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata 

Green-winged Teal Anas crecca 

Blue-winged Teal Anas discors 

Mottled Duck Anas fulvigula 

Mallard Anas platyrhynchos 

American black duck Anas ruprides 

American black duck Anas ruprides 

Gadwall Anas strepera 

Anhinga Anhinga anhinga 

American Pipit Anthus rubescens 

Water pipit Anthus spinoletta 

Florida Scrub Jay Aphelocoma coerulescens 

Fox sparrow Apsserella iliaca 

Limpkin Aramus guarauna 
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Common Name Scientific Name 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird Archilochus colubris 

Great Egret Ardea alba 

Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias 

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres 

Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis 

Redhead Aythya americana 

Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris 

Greater Scaup Aythya marila 

Canvasback Aythya valisineria 

Tufted Titmouse Baeolophus bicolor 

Cedar Waxwing Bombycilla cedrorum 

American Bittern Botaurus lentiginosus 

Brant Branta bernicla 

Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus 

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 

Bufflehead Bucephala albeola 

Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula 

Red-tailed Hawk Buteo jamaicensis 

Red-shouldered Hawk Buteo lineatus 

Green Heron Butorides virescens 

Sanderling Calidris alba 

Dunlin Calidris alpina 

Red Knot Calidris canutus 

Western Sandpiper Calidris mauri 

Least Sandpiper Calidris minutilla 

Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla 

Chuck-will's-widow Caprimulgus carolinensis 

Whip-poor-will Caprimulgus vociferus 

Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis 

American Goldfinch Carduelis tristis 

Purple finch Carpodacus purpureus 

Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura 

Veery Catharus fuscescens 

Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus 

Gray-cheeked Thrush Catharus minimus 

Swainson's Thrush Catharus ustulatus 

Willet Catoptrophorus semipalmatus 

Belted Kingfisher Ceryle alcyon 

Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica 

Piping Plover Charadrius melodus 

Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus 

Killdeer Charadrius vociferus 

Wilson's Plover Charadrius wilsonia 

Snow Goose Chen caerulescens 

Black Tern Chlidonias niger 

Lark Sparrow Chondestes grammacus 

Common Nighthawk Chordeiles minor 
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Common Name Scientific Name 

Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus 

Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris 

Sedge Wren Cistothorus platensis 

Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus 

Northern Flicker Colaptes auratus 

Northern Bobwhite Colinus virginianus 

Rock Pigeon Columbia livia 

Common Ground-Dove Columbina passerina 

Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens 

Black Vulture Coragyps altratus 

American Crow Corvus brachyrhynchos 

Fish Crow Corvus ossifragus 

Blue Jay Cyanocitta cristata 

Tundra swan Cygnus columbianus 

Black-bellied Whistling Duck Dendrocygna autumnalis 

Fulvous Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna bicolor 

Black-throated Blue Warbler Dendroica caerulescens 

Bay-breasted Warbler Dendroica castanea 

Cerulean Warbler Dendroica cerulea 

Yellow-rumped Warbler Dendroica coronata 

Prairie Warbler Dendroica discolor 

Yellow-throated Warbler Dendroica dominica 

Blackburnian Warbler Dendroica fusca 

Kirtland's Warbler Dendroica kirtlandii 

Magnolia Warbler Dendroica magnolia 

Palm Warbler Dendroica palmarum 

Chestnut-sided Warbler Dendroica pensylvanica 

Yellow Warbler Dendroica petechia 

Pine Warbler Dendroica pinus 

Blackpoll Warbler Dendroica striata 

Cape May Warbler Dendroica tigrina 

Black-throated Green Warbler Dendroica virens 

Bobolink Dolichonyx oryzivorus 

Pileated Woodpecker Dryocopus pileatus 

Gray Catbird Dumetella carolinensis 

Little Blue Heron Egretta caerulea 

Reddish Egret Egretta rufescens 

Snowy Egret Egretta thula 

Tricolored Heron Egretta tricolor 

Swallow-tailed Kite Elanoides forficatus 

White Ibis Eudocimus albus 

Merlin Falco columbarius 

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 

American Kestrel Falco sparverius 

Magnificent Frigate bird Fregata magnificens 

American Coot Fulica americana 

Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago 
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Common Name Scientific Name 

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus 

Common Loon Gavia immer 

Red-throated Loon Gavia stellata 

Common Yellowthroat Geothlypis trichas 

Florida Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis pratensis 

Blue Grosbeak Guiraca caerulea 

American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus 

Bald Eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus 

Worm-eating Warbler Helmitheros vermivora 

Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus 

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica 

Wood Thrush Hylocichla mustelina 

Baltimore Oriole Icterus galbula 

Orchard Oriole Icterus spurius 

Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis 

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis 

Loggerhead Shrike Lanius ludovicianus 

Herring Gull Larus argentatus 

Laughing Gull Larus atricilla 

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis 

Lesser black backed gull Larus fuscus 

Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus 

Bonaparte's Gull Larus philadelphia 

Short-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus griseus 

Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus 

Marbled Godwit Limosa fedoa 

Hooded Merganser Lophodytes cucullatus 

Wild Turkey Melagris gallopavo 

Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus 

Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus 

White-winged Scoter Melanitta fusca 

Black Scoter Melanitta nigra 

Surf Scoter Melanitta perspicillata 

Swamp Sparrow Melospiza georgiana 

Song Sparrow Melospiza melodia 

Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator 

Northern Mockingbird Mimus polyglottos 

Black-and-white Warbler Mniotilta varia 

Brown-headed Cowbird Molothrus ater 

Northern Gannet Morus bassanus 

Wood Stork Mycteria americana 

Great Crested Flycatcher Myiarchus crinitus 

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus 

Yellow-crowned Night-Heron Nyctanassa violacea 

Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax 

Yellow crowned night heron Nycticorax violaceous 

Wilson's Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus 
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Common Name Scientific Name 

Eastern Screech-Owl Otus asio 

Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis 

Osprey Pandion haliaetus 

Northern Parula Parula americana 

House Sparrow Passer domesticus 

Savannah Sparrow Passerculus sandwichensis 

Painted Bunting Passerina ciris 

Indigo Bunting Passerina cyanea 

American White Pelican Pelecanus erythrorhynchos 

Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis 

Double-crested Cormorant Phalacrocorax auritus 

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Pheucticus ludovicianus 

Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Picoides borealis 

Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens 

Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus 

Eastern Towhee Pipilo erythrophthalmus 

Scarlet Tanager Piranga olivacea 

Summer Tanager Piranga rubra 

Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis 

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus 

Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola 

Horned grebe Podiceps auritus 

Red-necked Grebe Podiceps grisegena 

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps 

Carolina Chickadee Poecile carolinensis 

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Polioptila caerulea 

Vesper Sparrow Pooecetes gramineus 

Purple Gallinule Porphyrula martinica 

Sora Porzana carolina 

Purple Martin Progne subis 

Prothonotary Warbler Protonotaria citrea 

Boat-tailed Grackle Quiscalus major 

Common Grackle Quiscalus quiscula 

King rail Rallus elegans 

Virginia Rail Rallus limicola 

Clapper Rail Rallus longirostris 

American Avocet Recurvirostra americana 

Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula 

Golden-crowned Kinglet Regulus satrapa 

Black Skimmer Rynchops niger 

Eastern Phoebe Sayornis phoebe 

American Woodcock Scolopax minor 

Ovenbird Seiurus aurocapillus 

Louisiana Waterthrush Seiurus motacilla 

Northern Waterthrush Seiurus noveboracensis 

American Redstart Setophaga ruticilla 

Eastern Bluebird Sialia sialis 
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Common Name Scientific Name 

Red breasted nuthatch Sitta canadensis 

Brown-headed Nuthatch Sitta pusilla 

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker Sphyrapicus varius 

Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina 

Field sparrow Spizella pusilla 

Northern Rough-winged Swallow Stelgidopteryx serripennis 

Least Tern Sterna antillarum 

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia 

Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii 

Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri 

Common Tern Sterna hirundo 

Royal Tern Sterna maxima 

Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica 

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis 

Eurasian Collared-Dove Streptopelia decaocto 

Barred owl Strix varia 

Eastern Meadowlark Sturnella magna 

European Starling Sturnus vulgaris 

Northern rough winged swallow Telgidopteryx serripennis 

Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus 

Brown Thrasher Toxostoma rufum 

Tree Swallow Trachycineta bicolor 

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes 

Greater Yellowlegs Tringa melanoleuca 

Solitary Sandpiper Tringa solitaria 

House Wren Troglodytes aedon 

American Robin Turdus migratorius 

Gray Kingbird Tyrannus dominicensis 

Eastern Kingbird Tyrannus tyrannus 

Western Kingbird Tyrannus verticalis 

Barn Owl Tyto alba 

Orange-crowned Warbler Vermivora celata 

Golden-winged Warbler Vermivora chrysoptera 

Tennessee Warbler Vermivora peregrina 

Blue-winged Warbler Vermivora pinus 

Nashville Warbler Vermivora ruficapilla 

Yellow-throated Vireo Vireo flavifrons 

White-eyed Vireo Vireo griseus 

Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus 

Blue-headed Vireo Vireo solitarius 

Hooded Warbler Wilsonia citrina 

Wilson's Warbler Wilsonia pusilla 

Mourning Dove Zenaida macroura 

White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis 

White-crowned Sparrow Zonotrichia leucophrys 

Class Mammalia (mammals) - 

Right whale Balaena glacialis 
Nutrient Criteria Technical Support Document Tolomato–Matanzas Estuary

Draft 76 August 2010

Common Name Scientific Name 

Short tail shrew Blarina brevicauda 

Rafinesque's Big-Eared Bat Corynorhinus rafinesquii 

Nine-banded armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus 

Virginia opossum Didelphis virginiana 

Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis 

Southeastern pocket gopher Geomys pinetis 

S. Flying squirrel Glaucomys volans 

Pygmy Sperm Whale Kogia breviceps 

E. Red Bat Lasiurus borealis 

River otter Lontra canadensis 

Bobcat Lynx rufus 

Humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae 

Striped skunk Mephitis mephitis 

House mouse Mus musculus 

Florida mink Mustela vison lutensis 

Florida Mink Mustela vison mink 

S.E. Myotis Myotis austroriparius 

Round tailed muskrat Neofiber alleni 

Eastern woodrat Neotoma floridana 

Seminole bat Nycteris seminolis 

Golden mouse Ochrotomys nuttalli 

White-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus 

Marsh rice rat Oryzomys palustris 

Cotton mouse Peromyscus gossypinus gossypinus 

Anastasia Island Beach Mouse Peromyscus polionotus phasma 

Old field mouse Peromyscus polionotus polionotus 

Florida mouse Podomys floridanus 

Raccoon Procyon lotor 

Norway rat Rattus norvegicus 

Black rat Rattus rattus 

Eastern harvest mouse Reithrodontomys humulis 

Eastern mole Scalopus aquaticus 

Gray squirrel Sciurus carolinensis 

Hispid cotton rat Sigmodon hispidus 

Southeastern shrew Sorex longirostris 

Eastern spotted skunk Spilogale putorius 

Feral pig Sus scrofa 

Eastern Cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus 

Marsh rabbit Sylvilagus palustris 

West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus 

Bottle-nosed dolphin Tursiops truncatus 

Gray fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus 

Florida Black Bear Ursus americanus floridanus 

Red fox Vulpes vulpes