# Correlation Between Waste Water Treatment Plant Effluent Quality and Cyanobacteria Proliferation on Gulf Stream Reef,

Boynton Beach, Florida

Prepared September 2004 by Ed Tichenor P.O. Box 207 Boynton Beach, Florida 33425

## CONTENTS

Section

1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Background 1.2 Socioeconomic Significance 1.3 Volunteer Dive Team 2.0 OBSERVATIONS 2.1 Cyanobacteria Proliferation 2.2 Cyanobacteria Die

- off 2.3 Cyanobacteria Re

- emergence 2.4 Emergence of Macro Algae Species 2.4.1 Codium 2.4.2 Sphaerococcus 2.4.3 Halimeda 2.5 Emergence of Branching Hydroids 3.0 DMR REPORTING INCONSISTENCIES 3.1 Total Organic Nitrogen 3.2 Pounds Per Day 3.3 Implications of DMR Reporting Errors 4.0 BLOOM THRESHOLD CONCENTRATIONS 5.0 EFFLUENT QUALITY 5.1 Reporting Units 5.2 Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen and Ammonia 5.3 Nitrite/Nitrate and Total Phosphorus 5.4 Limitations of Analytical Methodologies 6.0 BLOOM LIMITING COMPOUNDS 7.0 CONCLUSIONS

LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix Description A Socioeconomic Study of Reefs in Southeast Florida B Photograph #1 Sea Fan

Photograph #2 Sea Fan Photograph #3 Deep Water Sea Fan Photograph #4 Black Coral P h o t o g r a p h # 5 L y n n ’ s A f t e r C y a n o b a c t e r i a D i e - off P h o t o g r a p h # 6 L y n n ’ s A f t e r C y a n o b a c t e r i a R e - emergence Photograph #7 Codium

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## LIST OF APPENDICES (continued) Appendix Description B Photogra ph #8 Sphaerococcus

Photograph #9 Halimeda Photograph #10 Branching Hydroids Photograph #11 Loggerhead Sea Turtle Photograph #12 Green Sea Turtle Appendix Description C Results of Effluent Analyses

Annual Average Concentration Graphs January 2001 through December 2003 D Dive Log/Field Notes, March 2004 to August 2004 E Correspondence

LIST OF TABLES Table Description I Weekly Analyses, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen & Ammonia, Milligrams per Liter,

January 2004 through August 2004
II Weekly Analyses, Total Phosphorus, Nitrite & Nitrate, Milligrams per Liter,

January 2004 through August 2004 III Flow Through Treatment Plant, Million Gallons Per Day,

January 2001 through Aug ust 2004 IV Monthly Averages, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen & Ammonia, Pounds Per Day,

January 2001 through August 2004 V Monthly Averages, Total Phosphorus, Nitrite & Nitrate, Pounds Per Day,

January 2001 through August 2004 VI Weekly Analyses, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, Ammonia & Flow Rate, Pounds Per Day,

January 2004 through August 2004 VII Monthly Averages, Results of Effluent Nu trient Analyses, Milligrams Per Liter,

January 2001 through August 2004 VIII Weekly Analyses, Results of Effluent Nutrient Analyses, Milligrams Per Liter,

January 2004 through Aug ust 2004

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## LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Description #1 Investigation Area, Location Map #2 Cyanobacteria Footprint #3 Occurrence and Distribution of Cyanobacteria, January 2004 #4 Cyanobacteria Proliferation, January 2004 through August 2004 #5 Macro Algae Distribution, August 2004

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## 1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background Volunteer scuba divers from the Bo ynton Beach, Florida area have documented the spread of a Lyngbya Cyanobacteria algae bloom that has been negatively impacting the Gulf Stream Reef (GSR) system since March 2002 (Figure 1). The grass

- roots group has prepared three reports detailing their i nvestigations: Occurrence and Distribution of Cyanobacteria on the Gulf Stream Reef, Boynton Beach, Florida, September 2003 Results of Phase II Investigations, February 2004, and Supplemental Data, April 2004 The reports and investigations used USEP A hazardous waste site investigation protocols as a guide; i.e., contaminants (cyanobacteria) were fully delineated both horizontally and vertically to aid in determining the contaminant source. The above referenced reports chronicle the occurrence, sprea d and resulting damage to the coral reef habitat caused by the Lyngbya cyanobacteria. In addition, potential sources of nutrient loading were identified. From March 2002 to May 2004 the spread of the cyanobacteria had been unremitting and resulted in the d eath of many key reef organisms, such as soft corals and damaged habitat essential to endangered sea turtles and other protected species. The February 2004 Report “ R e s u l t s o f P h a s e I I I n v e s t i g a t i o n s ” , provided evidence which strongly suggest the Delray o cean outfall, operated by the South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Board (SCRWTDB), is the most likely source of nutrients fueling the cyanobacteria bloom on GSR. This conclusion is based on: 1) The distribution pattern (footprint) of the cyanobacteria in relationship to the outfall (Figure 2). 2) The correlation between nutrient parameter concentration in the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent and the temporal and spatial distribution of the cyanobacteria. 3) The lack of other viable nutrient sources in the investigation area. (See Section 2.4 Footprint of Cyanobacteria Bloom, Section 4.3 Statistical Analysis of Effluent Data and Section 5.1 Non

- point Source Pollution, February 2004). In May 2004 the cyanobacteria on GSR began to lessen, by early June 2004 the bloom had been reduced by 90

- 95%, leaving the reef essentially cyanobacteria free for the first time since March 2002. However, during July 2004 the cyanobacteria reappeared. This report examines the relationsh ip between the WWTP effluent nutrient concentrations and the emergence, proliferation, die

- off and re

- emergence of the Lyngbya cyanobacteria on GSR.

## 1.2 Socioeconomic Significance

Coral reefs are one of the world's most productive yet threatened ecosystems . In more than 100 countries around the world, coral reefs make significant contributions to economies through tourism, fisheries and other resources. Hazen and Sawyer, P.C. in association with Florida State University and The National Oceanic and Atmosphe ric Administration (NOAA) conducted a study to measure the contribution of reefs to the southeast Florida economy. The study looked at the twelve month period June 2000 to May 2001 and found reef related expenditures generated $194 million dollars in incom e to Palm Beach County and created 6,300 jobs for the period (Appendix A). The coral reefs of south Palm Beach County are one of the last tracts of healthy reef in Florida. Unlike the ecosystems of the Florida Keys, Dade and Broward Counties to the south and the Indian River Lagoon complex to the north, the southern Palm Beach County reefs remain relatively free from negative anthropogenic impact, coral disease and bleaching. Accessed from the Boynton Beach Inlet, Gulf Stream Reef is the most prominent an d frequently visited reef in south Palm Beach County.

1.3 Volunteer Dive Team During the course of the GSR cyanobacteria investigations the core group of volunteer scuba divers completed more than 1500 dives in the study area. Typically (weather permitti ng), on average a minimum of twelve survey dives per week are performed. In addition, daily reports are received from the local dive charter boat captains. Many of the group have engineering and/or scientific backgrounds and some have been diving GSR for more than 20 years. This represents a significant body of local knowledge. Coupled with the fact that GSR is less than 3/4 of a mile square, these local divers have an intimate understanding of the reef status quo and any significant change is quickly i dentified. This intensity of reef observation combined with the thousands of individual analyses reviewed from the WWTP equal a unique level of real

- time investigation, likely unmatched at any coral reef ecosystem worldwide. This degree of scrutiny repre sents a considerable scientific resource and database for the study of cyanobacteria proliferation.

## 2.0 OBSERVATIONS

2.1 Cyanobacteria Proliferation T h e L y n g b y a c y a n o b a c t e r i a b l o o m f i r s t b e c a m e e v i d e n t i n M a r c h 2 0 0 2 , o n t h e L y n n ’ s section of on GSR. In the months that followed the cyanobacteria spread rapidly, by November 2002, nearly the entire length of GSR was infested. By the end of 2003 and the beginning of 2004 the heavy cyanobacteria infestations resulted in significant damage to soft corals, benthic organisms and loss of habitat (Figure 3). During March 2004 the cyanobacteria began to yellow. Toward the end of May and early June 2004 the cyanobacteria experienced a rapid die

- off, with as much as 90

- 95% disappearing in less than a two

- week period. For the remainder of June 2004, GSR remained essentially cyanobacteria free. However, in July 2004 the cyanobacteria began to reappeared.

2.2 Cyanobacteria Die

- off During March 2004 scuba divers began to notice a change in the appearance of the cyanobacteria. Documented in Dive Log/Fields Notes (Appendix D) divers first reported a yellowing of the cyanobacteria on March 6, 2004 (Appendix B, Photo #1). Dives continued in the investigation area through March and April 2004, with similar obs ervations; much of the cyanobacteria were yellowing, however there were still areas with what appeared to be healthy, red cyanobacteria. In early May divers began to suspect that the density of cyanobacteria coverage was diminishing at some reef locations . A dive conducted on May 9, 2004 (Appendix D, dive # 9 2 1 ) c o n f

i r m e d a l o s s o f c y a n o b a c t e r i a i n t h e L y n n ’ s s e c t i o n o f G S R , t h e l o c a t i o n w h e r e t h e b l o o m f

i r s t b e g a n . O n M a y 3 1 , 2 0 0 4 , L y n n ’ s w a s f

o u n d t o b e f

r e e o f cyanobacteria. From May 31, 2004 through J une 10, 2004 scuba divers and charter boat captains observed strong north currents on GSR, at times in excess of 2.5 knots. On June 10, 2004 d i v e r s r e p o r t e d “ t h e w a t e r c o l u m n f u l l o f d i s l o d g e d c y a n o b a c t e r i a ”

. D i v e s c o n d u c t e d o n June 12 and 13, 2004 found the reef essentially free of cyanobacteria. Soft corals and benthic organisms, which had been blanketed with algae a week before, were now clean. Although cyanobacteria free, the corals were heavily damaged or dead (Appendix B, Photos #2 through #5). The only remaining growths of cyanobacteria were observed at locations sheltered from the current. Written notification of this event was transmitted to the NOAA Atlantic Meteorological and Oceanographic Laboratory, Miami on June 14, 2004 (Appendix E). 2.3 C yanobacteria Re

- emergence During the 2004 fourth of July weekend three scuba teams, diving independent of one another, all reported the re

- e m e r g e n c e o f r e d , “ h e a l t h y ” c y a n o b a c t e r i a o n t h e L y n n ’ s section at the north end of GSR. By the end of July and ear l y A u g u s t 2 0 0 4 L y n n ’ s a n d

## other locations on the north end of the reef were again infested (Appendix B, Photo #6).

The progression of the bloom from January 2004 through August 2004 is depicted on Figure 4. 2.4 Emergence of Macro Algae Species On July 5, 2004 (dive #946 & #947, Appendix D) the occurrence of three species of macro algae proliferating on GSR was documented. These algae species are spreading and may be in the initial stages of a bloom (Figue5). 2.4.1 Codium Codium algae not normally fou nd on GSR, is proliferating at the base of the reef at approximately 26 29 817 N (Photo# 7, Appendix B). The Codium, first observed on the sand bottom to the east of the reef in 2003, is now densely covering the reef structure at 75

- 90 ft. below surface. 2.4.2 Sphaerococcus A second species of algae (not yet positively identified) possibly Sphaerococcus, (Appendix B, Photo #8) was observed beginning to colonize, the inshore side of GSR at depths of 45

- 55 ft. below surface, from approximately 26 30 750 N to 26 31 400 N. This is the location where, during winter storm surge, cyanobacteria laden octocorals were torn from the reef exposing areas of hard bottom (GSR, Supplemental Data, April 2004 Report ). Unlike Codium, the Sphaerococcus (sp.?) algae are ro utinely observed on GSR. However, it is now much more abundant and spreading. 2.4.3 Halimeda Like Sphaerococcus, the Halimeda species of algae is normally found on GSR and as is the case with Sphaerococcus the Halimeda is also proliferating. The abunda nce and distribution of the species is increasing in the depth range of 50

- 65 ft. below surface from approximately 26 30 500 N to 26 31 375 N, (Appendix B, Photo #9).

2.5 Emergence of Branching Hydroids On August 4, 2004 divers reported what appeared t o be a population explosion of Branching Hydroids. Subsequent dives (#953 to #959, Appendix D) confirmed these observations. The hydroids were found colonizing the remnants of the octocorals killed by the cyanobacteria. The distribution of the colonizing h ydroids coincides with the sections of GSR most severely damaged by the cyanobacteria bloom; 26 30 750 N to 26 31 500 N. During mid

- August cyanobacteria was observed to be developing on the hydroids (Appendix B, Photo #10).

## 3.0 DMR REPORTING INCONSIST ENCIES

The USEPA has promulgated requirements for analysis and reporting in conjunction with National Pollution Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permits for the release of pollutants into the environment. The requirements mandate specific analyti cal methodologies that must be performed and reported for a WWTP to remain in compliance with their permit conditions. During the review of the WWTP DMRs the following reporting inconsistencies were noted. 3.1 Total Organic Nitrogen Three different type s of nitrogen analyses are performed to obtain the four nitrogen reporting parameters represented on the WWTP monthly DMRs. The analyses include: Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKN), Ammonia and Nitrite/Nitrate. These three analytical parameters are then mathe matically manipulated to obtain the four nitrogen reporting parameters of Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Organic Nitrogen (TON), Ammonia and Nitrite/Nitrate in the following manner: Total Nitrogen is the sum of the Total Kjeldahl plus Nitrite/Nitrate. Total O rganic Nitrogen is derived by subtracting Ammonia from the Total Kjeldahl. Ammonia is reported as Ammonia and, Nitrite/Nitrate is reported as Nitrite/Nitrate. During the statistical review of the DMRs performed in preparation of this report apparent repo rting errors for TON were discovered. It appears the WWTP correctly arrives at the Total Nitrogen value by adding Nitrate/Nitrite to the Total Kjeldahl; however, the result reported for the TON appear to be the Total Kjeldahl without the Ammonia subtracted . Ammonia and Nitrite/Nitrate are correctly reported. The reporting error for TON was found in all 3 1/2 years of DMRs examined (January 2001 to July 2004). The May 2004 monthly averages are presented below as an example: As reported on the May 2004 DMR As should have been reported Total Nitrogen 15.03 mg/l Total Nitrogen 15.03 mg/l Total Organic Nitrogen 8.96 mg/l Total Organic Nitrogen 1.98 mg/l Ammonia 6.98 mg/l Ammonia 6.98 mg/l Nitrite/Nitrate 6.07 mg/l Nitrite/Nitrate 6.07 mg/l In the above example, the Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen is 8.96 mg/l , the Total Organic Nitrogen is 1.98 mg/l and not 8.96 mg/l as reported. This reporting inconsistency was confirmed by contacting the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Laboratory, which performed a review of the raw an alytical data. 3.2 Pounds Per Day Pounds per day (lbs./day) is a unit of expression represented on the DMRs. Prior to September 2003 the DMRs frequently contained miscalculated values for lbs./day.

## 3.3 Implications of DMR Reporting Errors

The February 2 0 0 4 , “ R e s u l t s o f P h a s e I I I n v e s t i g a t i o n s ” r e p o r t m a d e r e f e r e n c e t o T O N values, which were used to plot and calculate cyanobacteria bloom thresholds. The only significant implication to the data interpretation is that all prior reference to TON must be u nderstood to mean TKN. For the purposes of this report the value represented on the WWTP DMRs as TON is now correctly referred to as TKN. Whenever TON is referenced in this report it is a value calculated by subtracting Ammonia from the true TKN. All p ounds per day (lbs./day) data presented in this report were recalculated using the formula presented in Section 5.1.

## 4.0 BLOOM THRESHOLD CONCENTRATIONS

The February 2004 Report presented nutrient graphs, based on annual averages, which plotted three years (2001 to 2003) of effluent data reported by the WWTP. These graphs (Appendix C, first presented in the February 2004 report) highlight an increase in nutrient parameter concentration coincident with the emergence and spr ead of the cyanobacteria bloom. The graphs document the following effluent bloom threshold concentrations (BTC), above which cyanobacteria proliferation occurred on GSR during March 2002: Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (as N) 15.99 mg/l Ammonia (as N) 10.18 mg/l Nitrite/Nitrate (as N) 1.07 mg/l T

- Phosphorous (as P) 1.16 mg/l These values are used as a general guideline to examine effluent quality in relationship to cyanobacteria proliferation. The graphs were generated employing the annual average concentration reporting format from the WWTP monthly DMRs, (Section 4.2, Reporting Format, February 2004). The annual average method of expressing analytical data compensates for short

- term data fluct uations and provides a representation of long

- term trends, and as such, is useful in establishing threshold limits. When reviewing rapid parameter change, as in the case of the January 2004 through August 2004 data, weekly results and monthly averages were employed. For purposes of data interpretation in this report, only Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, Ammonia, Nitrite/Nitrate and Total Phosphorus are considered. Total Nitrogen is a reporting parameter and not a result obtained by actual laboratory analysis and is derived mathematically by combining the TKN and Nitrite/Nitrate analytical results. Since these two analytical parameters may exert different influences in the biological community, the use of TN may cloud the interpretation. Likewise it is believed t hat the mathematically derived Total Organic Nitrogen reporting parameter (TKN

– Ammonia = TON) does not add to the understanding of bloom limiting compounds.

## 5.0 EFFLUENT QUALITY

Nutrient analyses are performed at a frequency of once pe r week on the SCRWTDB effluent. These weekly results are averaged and reported as monthly averages on the DMR. The results of the analyses are expressed as both a solution concentration in mg/l and as a loading value, lbs./day. Laboratory nutrient analys es include the parameters of: Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, Ammonia, Nitrite/Nitrate and Total Phosphorus (TP). The SCRWTDB NPDES permit requirement for nutrients is for reporting purposes only. The permit does not establish maximum permissible nutrient levels , which the WWTP may not exceed.

5.1 Reporting Units There are two different reporting units that appear on the monthly DMRs, milligrams per liter (mg/l) and pounds per day (lbs./day); these are two ways of reporting the same analytical result. Milligra ms per liter is a weight/volume unit of expression used to represent the concentration of a parameter in a solution. Pounds per day is a weight/time expression of an analytical result, which incorporates the effluent flow rate into the reporting unit. Fo r example; an outfall pipe with a solution concentration of 10 mg/l nitrate, at a flow rate of two liters per hour is discharging twice as much nitrate as an outfall with a concentration of 10 mg/l and a flow rate of one liter per hour. The reporting unit mg/l is converted to pounds per day by multiplying mg/l X 

## 8.344 to obtain pounds per million gallons. This value is then multiplied by the flow (as million gallons per day) to arrive at lbs./day. Example: An outfall with a nitrate concentration of 10 mg/ l and a flow rate of 20 million gallons per day (MGD) is discharging 1,669 lbs./day nitrate. (10 X 

## 8.344 = 83.44 X 

## 20 = 1,668.8) The distinction between these two reporting units is important in understanding nutrient loading to the biological community down current of the ocean outfall. The monthly average for treated sewage discharged from the Delray ocean outfall varied from 9.91 to 19.76 MGD for the data review period, January 2001 to August 2004 (Table III). Monthly average effluent data for this period were converted from mg/l to lbs/day and are presented on Table IV and V. Table VI data were calculated by using the results of the individual (weekly) nutrient analyses and the flow rate reported for the day the sample was collected. As previously discussed the cyanobacteria bloom on GSR was first observed March 2002. The appearance of the bloom coincides with an increase of nutrients discharged from the Delray ocean outfall. For the February 2004 report the increase in nutrients was documented wi th annual average solution concentration (mg/l) data that showed a long

term, upward trend. However, the examination of the cyanobacteria die

- off and re

emergence of May to July 2004 requires a reporting format that can highlight the rapid parameter change which occurred during that timeframe. Therefore, monthly averages

## and individual results of weekly analyses are examined. Further, due to the variation in

discharge volume from 8.29 MGD to 16.49 MGD (daily flow rates, January 2004 to August 2004), the lb s./day reporting format is the most useful when determining the actual quantity of nutrients entering the down

- current biological community.

5.2 Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen and Ammonia Beginning March 2004 the flow from the Delray ocean outfall began to dec rease from 13.12 MGD (monthly average) to a low of 10.06 MGD (monthly average) for June 2004. The June 2004 monthly average flow rate is the second lowest reported for the January 2001 to July 2004 period. The three month average flow for May, June and Jul y 2004 is 10.42 MGD, the lowest three month average for the January 2001 to July 2004 period. In addition to the reduced flow the May 2004 monthly averages (mg/l) for TKN and Ammonia are some of the lowest levels reported since before the cyanobacteria b loom began in March 2002. The May 2004 monthly average is TKN 8.96 mg/l and Ammonia 6.98 mg/l. June 2004 is 11.11 mg/l TKN and 8.95 mg/l Ammonia. July 2004, TKN 13.81 mg/l and Ammonia 11.10 mg/l. The reduced flow from the ocean outfall combined with the low solution concentrations resulted in loading values for May 2004 (TKN 786 lbs./day, Ammonia 612 lbs./day) and June 2004 (TKN 933 lbs./day, Ammonia 715 lbs./day) being the lowest since January 2001. Solution concentrations at the end of June increased and resulted in loading values of 1531 lbs./day for TKN and 1307 lbs./day for Ammonia on June 29, 2004. The July 2004 monthly average for TKN is 1233 lbs./day and 991 lbs./day for Ammonia. August 2004 monthly average data show the nutrient load trend con tinuing upward with TKN of 1489 lbs./day and Ammonia of 1308 lbs./day.

5.3 Nitrite/Nitrate and Total Phosphorus The Nitrite/Nitrate results for May 2004 show an upward trend in concentration (Table II). The May monthly average is 6.07 mg/l and the May annual average is 3.37 mg/l. The trend continues upward for June 2004, with a monthly average of 7.13 mg/l and an annual average of 3.91 mg/l. The result for June 22 is 14.00 mg/l. These averages are the highest concentrations reported for the 3 1/2 year data review period. The loading values for this parameter trended upward during the first half of 2004 with a six

- month average of 518 lbs./day. Even when coupled with a reduced discharge flow, the June 2004 monthly average is 598 lbs./day (Table V). Res ults of Total Phosphorus weekly effluent analysis (Table II) show concentrations below the monthly BTC (1.16 mg/l), 13 of 15 weeks for the period January 7, 2004 through April 14, 2004. On April 21, 2004 Total Phosphorus concentrations in the

## effluent beg an to increase. The May 2004 monthly average is 3.25 mg/l and the June

2004 monthly average is 2.24 mg/l. Total Phosphorus loading for the pre

- emergent cyanobacteria bloom period (January 2001 to February 2002) averaged 157 lbs./day. Post

- emergent (March 2002 to December 2003) averaged 216 lbs./day. The January through April 2004 average of 132 lbs./day is below the pre

- emergent value. While the May and June 2004 loading drifts upward with values of 285 lbs./day and 188 lbs./day respectively (Table V).

5.4 Limitations of Analytical Methodologies The nitrogen compounds reported on the WWTP DMRs do not necessarily reflect all nitrogen in the effluent. The USEPA requires specific laboratory analytical methodologies to be performed in conjunction with WW TP NPDES permit compliance. The methodologies are intended to provide a rapid and reliable means of assessing WWTP efficiency. These test methods do; however, have limitation when assessing environmental impacts, as in the case of cyanobacteria blooms. The TKN, Ammonia and Nitrite/Nitrate analyses performed on the WWTP effluent will only detect nitrogen compounds as defined by the methodology. For example, Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen does not detect the presence of all nitrogen compounds as the name might imply. Nitrogen occurring as certain organic compounds will not be measured by the method; these compounds include those having nitrogen in the following forms: azide, azine, azo, hydrazone, nitrate, nitrite, nitrile, nitro, nitroso, oxime, and semicarba zone. It is possible there may be nitrogen compounds (as well as others) in the effluent, which influence cyanobacteria proliferation, that remain undetected.

## 6.0 BLOOM LIMITING COMPOUNDS

The February 2004 Report demonstrated a conne ction between an increase in nutrient solution concentrations (mg/l) and the appearance and spread of cyanobacteria on GSR. An examination of the SCRWTDB January2001 through August 2004 DMRs found the same relationship between nutrient loading (lbs./day) and cyanobacteria emergence. The cyanobacteria decline and die

- off of May and June 2004 correlate with the lowest TKN and Ammonia output for the 3 1/2 year data review period. As solution concentrations for these nitrogen compounds increased at the end of June 2004, to above the pre

- bloom levels of March 2002, the cyanobacteria reappeared. The low levels of Phosphorus discharged from January through March 2004, may have contributed to the observed yellowing phenomenon of the cyanobacteria. It is also poss ible that the effects of low Total Phosphorus, TKN and Ammonia loading combined to result in the cyanobacteria die

- off. No direct correlation between the Nitrite/Nitrate and the reduction of the cyanobacteria bloom was found. The recent increase in Nitri te/Nitrate loading may be contributing to the emergence and proliferation of macro algae species found down current of the ocean outfall in July 2004.

## 7.0 CONCLUSIONS

The focus of this report is the examination of WWTP effluent quality discharged from the Delray ocean outfall and the correlation between nutrient concentrations and their impact on the surrounding biological community. It is important to understand that parameter concentrations exiting the outfall are not the sam e levels found on GSR. The actual nutrient levels responsible for cyanobacteria proliferation on GSR are not known. Background water quality may likely be a component of the bloom equation. However, it is reasonable to assume that nutrient levels on the reef systems immediately up current of the outfall are below bloom thresholds since no cyanobacteria has been detected at these locations. It has not been ascertained what contribution or combination of factors, if any, the ambient water quality plays in conjunction with the WWTP effluent. Without up and down current water quality data a full understanding of the bloom dynamic cannot be achieved. There is a clear correlation between the WWTP effluent quality and cyanobacteria proliferation Gulf Stream Re ef (Table VI). It is difficult to deny a connection between the discharge of treated sewage and the cyanobacteria bloom found immediately down current of the WWTP outfall. There is a cause and effect between the increase in nutrients and the beginning of the bloom; the decrease in nutrients and the die

- off; and the return to elevated nutrient levels and the re

- emergence of the cyanobacteria. There are no demonstrable impacts to GSR from non

- point sources or from the Boynton inlet located several miles do wn current of GSR. There appears to be no reasonable alternative but to conclude that the discharge of treated sewage from the Delray ocean outfall is the principal source of nutrients controlling cyanobacteria proliferation on Gulf Stream Reef.

# TABLES Results of Effluent Analyses South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment & Disposal Board

Delray Beach, Florida * 

# NPDES #FL0035980

# TABLE I Weekly Analyses

– Milligrams per Liter Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen & Ammonia January 2004 through August 2004

Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (as N) Ammonia (as N) Monthly Average BTC= 15.99 mg/l Monthly Average BTC= 10.18 mg/l 

## Parameter 1/07/04 1/14/04 1/21/04 1/28/05 2/04/04 2/11/04 2/18/04 2/25/04 TKN 16.60 16.20 20.90 18.40 20.60 14.40 14.80 20.70 Ammonia 13.40 14.40 17.70 15.00 18.80 11.70 12.70 18.20 Parameter 3/03/04 3/10/04 3/17/05 3/24/04 3/31/04 4/07/04 4/14/04 4/21/04 4/28/04 TKN 17.70 15.80 20.50 12.70 10.30 17.60 17.00 17.50 13.10 Ammonia 11.80 13.40 17.30 9.69 9.85 13.80 13.50 14.00 11.50 Parameter 5/05/04 5/12/04 5/18/04 5/25/04 6/01/04 6/08/04 6/15/04 6/22/04 6/29 /04 TKN 11.70 9.38 8.70 6.05 8.87 10.90 4.60 14.10 17.10 Ammonia 8.21 7.98 7.35 4.38 6.82 8.72 1.52 13.10 14.60 Parameter 7/06/04 7/13/04 7/20/04 7/27/04 8/03/04 8/10/04 8/17/04 8/24/04 8/31/04 TKN 7.53 10.90 16.10 20.70 13.90 9.47 15.00 13.30 10.70 Ammonia 4.80 8.18 13.70 17.70 10.90 9.01 13.20 12.30 9.38 Bold values = parameter below monthly average effluent Bloom Threshold Concentration

# TABLE II Weekly Analyses

– Milligrams per Liter Total Phosphorus, Nitrite & Nitrate January 2004 through August 2004

Nitrite/Nitrate (as N) Total Phosphorus (as P) Monthly Average BTC = 1.07 mg/l Monthly Average BTC = 1.16 mg/l 

## Parameter 1/07/04 1/ 14/04 1/21/04 1/28/05 2/04/04 2/11/04 2/18/04 2/25/04 Nitrite + 3.56 3.45 2.20 3.44 0.95 4.15 4.81 2.80 TP 0.98 1.08 1.15 0.76 1.72 1.13 1.10 1.13 Parameter 3/03/04 3/10/04 3/17/05 3/24/04 3/31/04 4/07/04 4/14/04 4/21/04 4/28/04 Nitrite + 3.74 7.10 3.76 6.95 0.97 (1) 

## 4.78 6.22 4.85 6.91 TP 0.91 0.85 1.07 0.72 0.97 1.74 0.49 1.27 2.67 Parameter 5/05/04 5/12/04 5/18/04 5/25/04 6/01/04 6/08/04 6/15/04 6/22/04 6/29/04 Nitrite + 7.50 3.51 5.54 7.72 1.56 6.92 10.50 14.00 2.67 TP 2.64 3.61 1.66 5.08 1 .72 2.44 3.02 2.02 2.00 Parameter 7/06/04 7/13/04 7/20/04 7/27/04 8/03/04 8/10/04 8/17/04 8/24/04 8/31/04 Nitrite + 7.74 6.32 3.23 1.82 4.15 4.32 1.08 3.10 0.68 (1) 

## TP 2.24 1.63 0.99 1.05 1.10 1.65 1.24 0.69 0.68 Bold values = parameter below monthly a verage effluent Bloom Threshold Concentration

______________________________________________________________________________ 1) Value suspect, see Table VIII footnotes.

# TABLE III Flow Through Treatment Plant Million Gallons Per Day

– Monthly Average Janu ary 2001 through August 2004



# l = Beginning of Cyanobacteria Bloom 

# I = Cyanobacteria Die

- off 

# l = Cyanobacteria Re

- emergence



## Flow Through Treatment Plant Monthly Average (MGD)
Jan. Feb. March April May June July August Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 2001 17.29 12.36 11.07 16.05 14.86 15.31 17.17 17.87 19.02 13.25 18.16 17.29 2002 18.68 19.76 19.21 16.83 15.40 16.65 16.67 15.75 16.33 16.07 16.61 17.31 2003 17.13 17.04 11.70 17.04 16.56 16.20 9.91 10.98 11.86 11.27 14.09 13.97 2004 14 .43 15.19 13.12 11.65 10.51 10.06 10.70 14.31 * * * *

# TABLE IV Monthly Averages

- Pounds Per Day Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen & Ammonia January 2001 through August 2004



# l = Beginning of Cyanobacteria Bloom 

# I = Cyanobacteria Die

- off 

# l = Cyanobacteria Re

- emergence



## Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (lbs./day as N) Jan. Feb. March April May June July August Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 2001 2020 1209 1399 2277 2182 2172 2350 2446 2539 1529 2679 2738 2002 2483 2663 2068 1880 2024 2292 (1) 

## 2629 26 00 2723 2313 2353 2658 2003 2001 (1) 

## 2173 1479 1381 3162 2620 1485 1274 1875 1614 2102 2040 2004 2171 2235 1686 1497 786 933 1233 1489 * * * * 

## Ammonia (lbs./day as N) Jan. Feb. March April May June July August Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 2001 1541 696 9 33 1031 1711 1371 1519 1208 865 1096 2197 1959 2002 1641 2201 1548 1393 1432 2820 (1) 

## 2181 2103 1820 * 1903 2337 2003 2097 (1) 

## 1826 1430 677 2702 2126 1265 1077 1397 978 1722 1638 2004 1822 1946 1359 1283 612 751 991 1308 * * * *

1) Value suspect, Ammonia reported higher than TKN.

# TABLE V Monthly Averages

- Pounds Per Day Total Phosphorus, Nitrite & Nitrate January 2001 through August 2004



# l = Beginning of Cyanobacteria Bloom on Gulf Stream Reef.



## Total Phosphorus (lbs./day as P)
Jan. Feb. March Apri l May June July August Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 2001 141 142 123 119 179 137 176 115 241 111 249 186 2002 165 114 88.2 226 117 222 166 134 187 137 133 355 2003 277 702 135 159 379 261 112 137 121 141 176 470 2004 119 161 98.5 150 285 188 132 128 * * * * Nitrite and Nitrate (lbs./day as N)
Jan. Feb. March April May June July August Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 2001 300 184 99.8 107 92.0 38.3 0 41.8 25.4 240 229 377 2002 184 465 785 671 358 94.5 161 214 244 * 496 196 2003 495 697 256 755 118 83.8 48.0 257 316 291 313 410 2004 381 403 642 553 532 598 427 391 * * * *

# TABLE VI Weekly Analyses

– Pounds Per Day Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, Ammonia & Flow Rate (MGD)

January 2004 through August 2004



## Parameter 1/07/04 1/14/04 1/21/04 1/28/05 2/04/04 2/11/04 2/ 18/04 2/25/04 TKN 2272 1680 2654 2243 2551 1812 1738 2549 Ammonia 1834 1494 2248 1829 2391 1472 1491 2241 Flow 16.40 12.43 15.22 14.61 15.24 15.05 14.07 14.76 Parameter 3/03/04 3/10/04 3/17/05 3/24/04 3/31/04 4/07/04 4/14/04 4/21/04 4/28/04 TKN 1852 1639 2821 1290 1064 1786 2036 1580 1135 Ammonia 1235 1390 2380 984 1018 1400 1616 1264 966 Flow 12.54 12.43 16.49 12.17 12.38 12.16 14.35 10.82 10.38 Parameter 5/05/04 5/12/04 5/18/04 5/25/04 6/01/04 6/08/04 6/15/04 6/22/04 6/29/04 TKN 1349 965 678 4 18 707 1080 384 1041 1531 Ammonia 947 821 573 303 543 864 127 967 1307 Flow 13.82 12.33 9.34 8.29 9.55 11.88 10.01 8.85 10.73 Parameter 7/06/04 7/13/04 7/20/04 7/27/04 8/03/04 8/10/04 8/17/04 8/24/04 8/31/04 TKN 673 865 1889 1814 1812 1181 1606 1636 9 98 Ammonia 429 649 1607 1551 1421 1124 1413 1513 875 Flow 10.71 9.51 14.06 10.50 15.62 14.95 12.83 14.74 11.18

# TABLE VII Monthly Averages

– Milligrams Per Liter Results of Effluent Nutrient Analyses January 2001 through August 2004 

## Total Nitrogen (mg/ l as N) Jan. Feb. March April May June July August Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 2001 16 13.5 16.23 17.8 18.34 17.3 16.4 14.53 16.16 16.0 19.18 21.60 2002 17.1 19.0 17.8 18.18 18.53 29.8 1.19 21.43 19.35 * 20.55 19.75 2003 19.48 19.56 20.80 15.02 22.88 20.0 0 18.54 16.70 22.15 20.22 20.05 21.03 2004 21.18 20.83 21.26 22.00 15.03 18.24 18.59 15.74 * * * * Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (mg/l as N) Jan. Feb. March April May June July August Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 2001 14.00 11.73 15.15 17.00 17.6 17.00 16.40 16 .40 16.00 13.83 17.68 18.98 2002 15.93 16.15 12.90 13.39 15.75 16.50 18.90 19.78 19.98 17.25 16.98 18.40 2003 14.00 15.28 15.15 9.71 22.88 19.38 17.96 13.90 18.95 17.16 17.88 17.50 2004 18.03 17.63 15.40 15.40 8.96 11.11 13.81 12.47 * * * * Ammonia (m g/l as N) Jan. Feb. March April May June July August Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 2001 10.68 6.75 10.1 7.70 13.8 10.75 10.60 8.10 5.45 9.91 14.5 13.58 2002 10.53 13.35 9.66 9.92 11.14 20.30 15.68 16.00 13.36 * 13.73 16.18 2003 14.67 12.84 14.65 4.76 19.55 15.73 15.30 11.75 14.12 10.40 14.65 14.05 2004 15.13 15.35 12.41 13.20 6.98 8.95 11.10 10.96 * * * * Nitrite and Nitrate (mg/l as N) Jan. Feb. March April May June July August Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 2001 2.08 1.78 1.08 0.795 0.742 0.30 0 0.28 0.16 2 .17 1.51 2.61 2002 1.18 2.82 4.90 4.78 2.79 0.68 1.16 1.63 1.79 * 3.58 1.36 2003 3.46 4.90 2.62 5.31 0.85 0.62 0.58 2.80 3.19 3.09 2.66 3.52 2004 3.16 3.18 5.86 5.69 6.07 7.13 4.78 3.28 * * * * Total Phosphorus (mg/l as P) Jan. Feb. March April May J une July August Sept. Oct. Nov. Dec. 2001 0.98 1.38 1.33 0.89 1.44 1.07 1.23 0.77 1.52 1.0 1.64 1.29 2002 1.06 0.69 0.55 1.61 0.91 1.60 1.19 1.02 1.37 1.02 0.96 2.46 2003 1.94 4.94 1.38 1.12 2.74 1.93 1.35 1.50 1.22 1.50 1.50 4.03 2004 0.99 1.27 0. 90 1.54 3.25 2.24 1.48 1.07 * * * *

# TABLE VIII Weekly Analyses

– Milligrams Per Liter Results of Effluent Nutrient Analyses January 2004 through August 2004
Parameter (1) 

## 1/07/04 1/14/04 1/21/04 1/28/05 2/04/04 2/11/04 2/18/04 2/25/04 TN 20.20 19 .60 23.10 21.80 21.60 18.60 19.60 23.50 TKN 16.60 16.20 20.90 18.40 20.60 14.40 14.80 20.70 Ammonia 13.40 14.40 17.70 15.00 18.80 11.70 12.70 18.20 TON 3.20 1.80 3.20 3.40 1.80 2.70 2.10 2.50 Nitrite + 3.56 3.45 2.20 3.44 0.95 4.15 4.81 2.80 TP 0.98 1 .08 1.15 0.76 1.72 1.13 1.10 1.13
Parameter 3/03/04 3/10/04 3/17/05 3/24/04 3/31/04 4/07/04 4/14/04 4/21/04 4/28/04 TN 21.40 22.90 24.30 19.60 18.10 22.40 23.20 22.40 20.00 TKN 17.70 15.80 20.50 12.70 10.30 17.60 17.00 17.50 13.10 Ammonia 11.80 13.40 17.30 9.69 9.85 13.80 13.50 14.00 11.50 TON 5.90 2.40 3.20 3.01 0.45 3.80 3.50 3.50 1.60 Nitrite + 3.74 7.10 3.76 6.95 0.97 (2) 

## 4.78 6.22 4.85 6.91 TP 0.91 0.85 1.07 0.72 0.97 1.74 0.49 1.27 2.67
Parameter 5/05/04 5/12/04 5/18/04 5/25/04 6/01/04 6/08/0 4 6/15/04 6/22/04 6/29/04 TN 19.20 12.90 14.20 13.80 10.40 17.80 15.10 28.10 19.80 TKN 11.70 9.38 8.70 6.05 8.87 10.90 4.60 14.10 17.10 Ammonia 8.21 7.98 7.35 4.38 6.82 8.72 1.52 13.10 14.60 TON 3.49 1.40 1.35 1.67 2.05 2.18 3.08 1.00 2.50 Nitrite + 7 .50 3.51 5.54 7.72 1.56 6.92 10.50 14.00 2.67 TP 2.64 3.61 1.66 5.08 1.72 2.44 3.02 2.02 2.00
Parameter 7/06/04 7/13/04 7/20/04 7/27/04 8/03/04 8/10/04 8/17/04 8/24/04 8/31/04 TN 15.27 17.22 19.33 22.52 18.05 13.79 16.08 16.40 14.47 TKN 7.53 10.90 16. 10 20.70 13.90 9.47 15.00 13.30 10.70 Ammonia 4.80 8.18 13.70 17.70 10.90 9.01 13.20 12.30 9.38 TON 2.73 2.72 2.40 3.00 3.00 0.46 1.80 1.00 2.32 Nitrite + 7.74 6.32 3.23 1.82 4.15 4.32 1.08 3.10 0.68 (6) 

## TP 2.24 1.63 0.99 1.05 1.10 1.65 1.24 0.69 0.68
Bold values = parameter below monthly average Bloom Threshold Concentration

# TABLE VIII (continued)

Bloom Threshold Concentrations Total Nitrogen (as N) 17.08 (3)



## – 17.57mg/l (4) 

## Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (as N) 15.99 (3)



## – 16. 30 mg/l (4) 

## Total Organic Nitrogen (as N) no value established (5) 

## Ammonia (as N) 10.18 (3)



## – 11.00 mg/l (4) 

## Nitrite/Nitrate (as N) 1.07 (3)



## – 1.26 mg/l (4) 

## T

- Phosphorous (as P) 1.16 (3 )



## – 1.16 mg/l (4)



## 1) TN = Total Nitrogen TKN = Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen, TON = Total Organic Nitrogen, Nitrite + = Nitrite/Nitrate, TP = Total Phosphorus ( See Section 3.1 for an explanation of nitrogen reporting parameters.) 2) Value suspect, appears to be a reporting error. The TN for this date is 18.10 mg/l and the TKN is 10.30 mg/l, the difference between these two values (7.80 mg/l) should equal the Nitrite/Nitrate concentration. 3) Value derived from monthly average calculation. 4) Value derived from plotting annual average concentrations. 5) No value established due to DMR reporting inconsistencies. 6) Appears to be a reporting error on DMR Part B, 8/31/04 result would need to 3.77 mg/l for monthly average to be 3.38 mg/l as reported on DMR Part A.

# APPENDIX A Socioeconomic Study of Reefs in Southeast Florida, Palm Beach County

# APPENDIX B PHOTOGRAPHS

## PHOTO #1 Sea Fan with Cyanobacteria Beginning to Yellow Apr il 10, 2004

– Dive # 917

Photograph by E. Tichenor

## PHOTO #2 Damaged Sea Fan with Traces of Yellowed/Dying Cyanobacteria June 12, 2004

- Dive # 931 After Cyanobacteria Die

- off

Photographs by E. Tichenor

## PHOTO #3 Dead/Damaged Remnant Deep Water Sea Fan June 12, 2004

- Dive # 930 After Cyanobacteria Die

- off

Photograph by E. Tichenor

## PHOTO #4 Black Coral, Antipathes species J uly 5, 2004

Photograph by E. Tichenor 

## Found 80 ft. below the surface, at an undisclosed location on Gulf Stream Reef, volunteer scuba divers cleaned this coral twice in the last year. In spite of their efforts the top 1/3 of t h i s 7 1⁄2 f t

. t a l l s p e c i m e n w a s k i l l e d b y c y a n o b a c t e r i a . T a k i n g 1 0 0 y e a r s t o r e a c h a f u l l s i z e o f 12 ft., this rare specimen of slow grow ing coral is estimated to be 50 to 75 years old.

(Protected by State, Federal and International law)

## PHOTO #5 S e c t i o n G S / L y n n ’ s - 26 31 430 o 

### N, 80 01 910 o 

### W After Cyanobacteria Die

- off June 12, 2004

Photograph by E. Tichenor 

## PHOTO #6 S e c t i o n G S / L y n n ’ s - 26 31 430 o 

### N, 80 01 910 o 

### W After Cyanobacteria Re

- emergence

July 19, 2004

Photograph by P. Schulz

## MACRO ALGAE SPECIES Gulf Stream Reef, Boynton Beach, Florida

July 5, 2004 PHOTO #7

Photographs by E. Tichenor 

## Codium species PHOTO #8

Ph otographs by E. Tichenor 

## Sphaerococcus(?) species

## PHOTO #9

Photographs by E. Tichenor 

## Halimeda species with emerging Cyanobacteria

PHOTO # 10

Photographs by P. Schulz 

## Remnant of severely damaged Deep Water Sea Fan with colonizing Branching Hydroids

and emergi ng cyanobacteria, August 2004.

## PHOTO # 11

Photograph by E. Tichenor



### Traveling 1000s of miles to return home an adult Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Threatened Species) rests on an undamaged section of Gulf Stream Reef, June 2004 nesting season. 

## PHOTO # 12

Photograph b y E. Tichenor 

### Juvenile Green Sea Turtle (Endangered Species), forages on Gulf Stream Reef, July 2004.

# APPENDIX C Results of Effluent Analyses Annual Average Concentration Graphs January 2001 through December 2003 South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment & Disposal Board Originally presented in “ O c c u r r e n c e a n d D i s t r i b u t i o n o f C y a n o b a c t e r i a o n t h e G u l f S t r e a m R e e f , B o y n t o n B e a c h , F l o r i d a , R e s u l t s o f P h a s e I I I n v e s t i g a t i o n s ” February 2004

## Results of Effluent A nalysis South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment & Disposal Board Delray Beach, Florida * NPDES #FL0035980 January 2001 through December 2003

## Results of Effluent Analysis South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment & Disposal Board Delray Beach , Florida * NPDES #FL0035980 January 2001 through December 2003

# APPENDIX D DIVE LOG/FIELDS NOTES March 2004 to August 2004Date: 3/6/04 Dive #: 904 Water temp. o F: 72 Dive Team (1) : ET, TS Location: Blk. Condo to Cleaning Station @ 26 30 594N, 80 02 012 W. Observations: Cyanobacteria present throughout dive, appears to be dying at some locations. Turning yellow on hard bottom and some Sea Fans; can be wiped

- off. Still red and heavy o n octocorals.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 3/6/04 Dive #: 905 Water temp. o F: 73 Dive Team: ET, JT L o c a t i o n : T a

b l e T o p s t o L y

n n ’ s Observations: Same as # 904.



### _____________________ _________________________________________________________________ Date: 4/3/04 Dive #: 914 Water temp. o F: 75 Dive Team: ET, TS, JT Location: Clubhouse Observations: South of 26 29 089 N, 80 02 411 W, only traces of cyano, To the north spotty, yet present

– y e l l o w i s h , d o e s n ’ t l o o k healthy. Head north on outside as cyano becomes heavier and healthier / brighter red, end dive @ 26 29 228 N, 80 02 322 W. KS and LS dive in another group through same area confirm observations.



### _______________________ _______________________________________________________________ Date: 4/3/04 Dive #: 915 Water temp. o F: 75 Dive Team: ET, TS, JT Location: Clubhouse Observations: Begin @ 26 29 273 N, 80 02 341 W inside ledge cyano present, but not heavy. Cyan obacteria @ southern extent of its range yellowish, but healthy / red northward on reef. End dive @ 26 29 223 N, 80 02 371 W.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 4/10/04 Dive #: 916 Water temp. o F: 73 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Southwest Clubhouse Observations: Start @ 26 29 064 N, 80 02 469 W , right at the cyano demarcation line, scant patches of yellowing CB present. Cyanobacteria increases as we head north. End @ 26 29 418 N, 80 02 32 2 W.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________Date: 4/10/04 Dive #: 917 Water temp. o F: 73 Dive Team: ET, TS L o c a t i o n : G a z e b o t o L y

n n ’ s Observations: Drop on inside edge of Gazebo, cyano extensive , some yellowing. At ~ 26 31 250 N, 80 01 938 W encounter scoured area (see dive #891, 11/30/03). Photos of area where octocorals have broken off, photos of CB throughout dive.



### _______________________________________________________________________________ ______ Date: 4/24/04 Dive #: 918 Water temp. o F: 73 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Capt. Tony and Northwest Observations: Drop on shipwreck, no cyano, head NW across sand until we encounter what appears to be red algae/cyano on sand bottom. A swa th ~ 20

- 30 yds. wide running NNE, follow this and end dive @ 26 29 063 N, 80 02 389 W.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 4/24/04 Dive #: 919 Water temp. o F: 74 Dive Team: ET, TS, KS, LS
L ocation: Southwest Tabletops Observations: Dropped @ SW end of Tabletops away from reef line. CB present in patch reef system.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________
Date: 5/9/04 Dive #: 920 Water te mp. o F: 76 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Capt. Tony Observations: Wreck clean, red algae/CB on sand beginning 10

- 15 yds. west of wreck. Stay near wreck entire dive.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 5/9/04 Dive #: 921 Water temp. o F: 77 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Cleaning Station @ 26 30 594 N, 80 02 012 W Observations: Sea fan @ cleaning station completely dead and draped in cyanobacteria. Large Brain Coral has two yellow/white spo ts o n t o p ; o n e ~ 4 ’ ’ d i a . . , o t

h e r ~ 2 ’ ’

. T r a v e l n o r t h t o 2 6 3 0 9 2 9 N , 8 0 0 1 9 6 5 W , a b o u t t h e l o c a t i o n w h e r e d i v e # 9 1 7 b e g a n . C y a n o b a c t e r i a y e l l o w i s h a s p r e v i o u s l y n o t e d , b u t s o m e s t i l l r e d

. P e t e r S c h u l z r e p o r t s t h e r e i s l e s s c y a n o f

r o m h e r e t o L y

n n ’ s , t h e p u rpose of this dive is to confirm that observation. Observed less cyano as reported, perhaps due to the loss of octocorals, photos taken.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________Date: 5/22/04 Dive #: 922 Water temp. o F: 77 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Southwest Clubhouse Observations: Dropped on sand south of reef @ 74 ft., algae on sand none on patch reefs at SW tip of reef.



### __________________________________________________________________________ ____________ Date: 5/22/04 Dive #: 923 Water temp. o F: 77 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Southwest Clubhouse Observations: Start @ same place as dive #922, then follow inside reef line north to 26 29 176 N, 80 02 385 W. Some cyanobacteria on occas ional, isolated soft corals, increases as we head north, but never extensive.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 5/30/04 Dive #: 924 Water temp. o F: 75 Dive Team: ET, KS, LS Location: Clubh ouse Observations: Start @ 26 29 103 N, 80 02 350 W on outside near Grouper Hole, some cyano here, not extensive and yellowing. Drift north and cross to inside, cyano increases as we proceed, with the most CB present on the inside at south end of Gulf St ream (26 29 473 N, 80 02 320 W) where we end dive.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 5/30/04 Dive #: 925 Water temp. o F: 75 Dive Team: ET, KS, LS Location: Gazebo to Jump Observations: Start mid

- Gazebo @ 26 31 065 N, 80 01 935 W, extensive cyano and yellowing. Areas on sand with clumps of white fungus/dead cyano?. Cyano present throughout dive, KS and LS think it is lessening

– hard to quantify? End dive as we cross Jump @ 26 31 449 N, 80 01 980W.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 5/31/04 Dive #: 926 Water temp. o F: 75 Dive Team: ET, JT L o c a t i o n : B l k C o n d o t o L y n n ’ s Observations: Strong north current, dive boat record s 2.2

- 2

. 5 k t s . a t s u r f a c e ( d i v e # ’ s 9 2 6 & 9 2 7 )

. O u t s i d e ( 8 5 f t

. ) @ B l a c k C o n d o , extensive cyano on Deep Water Sea Fans and Black Coral. Head west across reef top, cyano sporadic,. Then along inside ledge cyano present but not heavy. End dive on top of Lyn n ’ s n o c y a n o .



### ______________________________________________________________________________________Date: 5/31/04 Dive #: 927 Water temp. o F: 75 Dive Team: ET, JT Location: Clubhouse to Blk Condo Observations: Start dive mid

- Clubhouse and head north to end @ Black Condo, along inside entire dive. Cyano present on inside but not heavy, less as we travel north.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 6/10/04 Dive #: Ke vin Metz Water temp. o F: no data Dive Team: KM Location: GSR Observations: Receive telephone report from KM of his dives today. Screaming north current tearing cyanobacteria from reef, water column full of cyano as it washes north.



### _______________ _______________________________________________________________________ Date: 6/12/04 Dive #: 930 Water temp. o F: 82 Dive Team: ET, TS, JT Location: Gulf Stream Observations: Head south with current along outside/eastern reef line @ 80 ft. A str iking lack of cyanobacteria, can barely find a trace. Photograph damage to Deep Water Sea Fans where cyano had been. Head west across reef and south along inside ledge, practically no cyano, more photos. Several yellowed and dead Barrel Sponges today and f or the last two weeks. Have seen this in prior years, may be seasonal.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 6/12/04 Dive #: 931 Water temp. o F: 82 Dive Team: ET, TS, JT Location: Jump south t o L y n n ’ s a n d J e r r y ’ s O b s e r v a t i o n s : S t a r

t a t n o r t h e n d o f r e e f a n d h e a d s o u t h a l o n g o u t s i d e r i d g e t o L y n n ’ s , c y a n o a l l b u t g o n e . T r a v e l s o u t h w e s t p a s t a r e a s of broken holdfasts (26 31 100 N), location free of cyano



### _______________________________________ _______________________________________________ Date: 6/12/04 Dive #: 932 Water temp. o F: 82 Dive Team: ET, TS, JT, KS, LS L o c a t i o n : J e r

r y ’ s t o B r i n y B r e e z e s Observations: Start outside and east from end of last dive. Head south along outside s lope at 70

- 90 ft. Then west across top of reef and end dive as we arrive @ inside ledge. No cyano observed on this dive.



### ____________________________________________________________________________________Date: 6/12/04 Dive #: 933 Water temp. o F: 8 2 Dive Team: ET, JT, KS, LS L o c a t i o n : B r i n y B r e e z e s n o r t h t o J e r r y ’ s O b s e r v a t i o n s : S t a r

t w h e r e l a s t d i v e e n d e d s t a y i n s i d e e n t i r e d i v e h e a d n o r t h b a c k t o J e r

r y ’ s , w h e r e d i v e # 9 3 1 e n d e d

. V e r y l i m i t e d amounts of cyano, when encountered it is yellowed and easily brushed from Sea Fans and octocorals. Only remaining cyano is in areas sheltered from the current. The reduction in the cyano is greater than est. 95%, only a few % remains.



### ______________________________________________________________________ _______________ Date: 6/13/04 Dive #: Peter Schulz Water temp. o F: no reported Dive Team: PS Location: Black Condo to Gulf Stream Observations: The reef is clean, no cyanobacteria, only a few bad spots on Gulf Stream.



### __________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Date: 6/19/04 Dive #: 934 Water temp. o F: 84 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Blk Condo to Briny Breezes Observations: Only traces of cyano from Blk Condo to Briny Breezes along inside reef line.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 6/19/04 Dive #: 935 Water temp. o F: 84 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Briny Breezes to Gazebo Observations: Start dive were dive #934 ended. Continu e along inside reef line. Little cyano, slightly more as we head north. KS & L S d i v i n g a t J e r

r y ’ s N o - n a m e r e p o r

t s o m e r e d c y a n o t h e r e . P l a c e s t a k e s # ’ s 6

- 9, in reef as reference points, photos taken.



### ________________________________________________________ ______________________________
Date: 6/20/04 Dive #: 936 Water temp. o F: 82 Dive Team: ET, TS, JT, KS, LS Location: Outside Clubhouse Observations: Patches of red cyano on outside, mostly in sheltered areas, fairly consistent a long outside, little on reef top. Photos taken.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________Date: 6/20/04 Dive #: 937 Water temp. o F: 82 Dive Team: ET, TS, JT, KS, LS Location: Briny Breezes to Gazebo Observations: Patches of red cyano on inside rubble and patch reefs, not on main reef.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 6/26/04 Dive #: 938 Water temp. o F: 82 Dive Team: ET, TS, LC Locati on: Gulf Stream Observations: Some red cyano on octocorals, less as we head north along inside.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 6/26/04 Dive #: 939 Water temp. o F: 82 Dive Team: ET, TS , LC L o c a t i o n : B r i n y B r e e z e s t o L y n n ’ s Observations: Small patches of cyano on reef, not extensive, dive north along inside.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 6/27/04 Dive #: 940 Water tem p. o F: 82 Dive Team: ET, TS, JT, LC Location: Clubhouse Observations: Extensive red cyano on inside, photos.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 6/28/04 Dive #: 942 Water temp. o F: 82 Div e Team: ET, LC Location: Capt. Tony Observations: Slight traces of cyano appearing on starboard side on wheel house and gunwale, photos. cyano not previously reported here.



### _____________________________________________________________________________ _________Date: 6/28/04 Dive #: 943 Water temp. o F: 82 Dive Team: ET, LC Location: Briny Breezes to Gazebo Observations: Very strong north current. Photos at stakes #2, 3 & 6. Traces of cyano @ #6.



### _________________________________________ _____________________________________________ Date: 7/4/04 Dive #: 944 Water temp. o F: 83 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Capt. Tony O b s e r v a t i o n s : T r a c e s o f c y a n o , f i r s t r e p o r t e d 6 / 2 8 / 0 4 h a v e g r o w

n t o 1 / 2 ”

- 3 / 4 ” l o n g .

_______________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________ Date: 7/4/04 Dive #: 945 Water temp. o F: 83 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Gazebo to Castle Ledge Observations: Bright red cyano returning, also red branching algae thic kets (Sphaerococcus sp.?) increasing at Gazebo, head north to Castle Ledge. Most cyano on south end of this dive, nowhere extensive, but appears to be coming back. Observations confirmed by KS, LS, & PS diving today on another boat.



### _______________________ _______________________________________________________________ Date: 7/5/04 Dive #: 946 Water temp. o F: 83 Dive Team: ET, TS, KS, LS Location: Outside Black Condo Observations: Start on outside of reef near Pit Stop, extensive area of Codium b eginning to encroach on reef at base (83ft.). KS reports Codium developed to the east on sand last year, now has reached reef. No or only traces of cyano on outside of Blk Condo. Photos taken.



### _______________________________________________________________ _______________________ Date: 7/5/04 Dive #: 947 Water temp. o F: 83 Dive Team: ET, TS, KS, LS L o c a t i o n : C a s t l e L e d g e t o L y n n ’ s Observations: Start a little south of Castle Ledge, not much cyano, but Sphaerococcus sp.? developing. As we head nor th cyano i n c r e a s e f r o m o c c a s i o n a l t o a b u n d a n t

. A t n o r t h e n d o f L y

n n ’ s c y a n o e x t e n s i v e , 3 ”

- 5 ” f i l a m e n t o u s a

n d r e d

. N o n e h e r e o n 6 / 1 2 / 0 4

. T h i s is the location were cyano bloom was first reported during March 2002.



### ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________Date: 7/5/04 Dive #: Peter Schulz Water temp. o F: not reported Dive Team: PS L o c a t i o n : L y

n n ’ s Observations: Cyanobacteria has returned



### ________________________________________________________________ ______________________ Date: 7/10/04 Dive #: 948 Water temp. o F: 84 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Southwest Tip Observations: Southwest tip cyano free, encounter cyano as we pass 26 29 064 N, 80 02 469 W. Some areas heavy with cyano growth on insi de. Cross reef to outside, no cyano on outside.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 7/10/04 Dive #: 949 Water temp. o F: 84 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Black Condo reference stakes. Observa t i o n s : S t a

k e # ’ s 2 & 3 f

r e e o f c y a n o , n e x t s t a

k e s f o u n d : # ’ s 6 & 8 c y a n o b e g i n n i n g a t t h e s e l o c a t i o n s , p h o t o s t a

k e n .



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 7/15/04 Dive #: T. St. Jean Water temp. o F: 84 Dive Team: TS, KM L o c a t i o n : J

u m p t o L y n n ’ s O b s e r v a t i o n s : S o u t h c u r

r e n t , e n t e r a t t

h e J u m p , h e a d s o u t

h t o S a w f i s h C i r c l e , c o n t i n

u e t o L y n n ’ s G S ( 2 6 3 1 4 3 0 N, 80 01 910 W), extensive cyano throughout dive.



### _______________________________________ _______________________________________________ Date: 7/17/04 Dive #: T. St. Jean Water temp. o F: 84 Dive Team: TS, KS, LS Location: Outside Black Condo Observations: Black Condo outside at reef base at 26 29 817 N, extensive Codium. Little to no cyano outside or inside at this latitude. Codium sample collected by TS and photographed on surface.



### ____________________________________________________________________________________Date: 7/17/04 Dive #: T. St. Jean Water temp. o F: 84
D ive Team: TS, KS, LS L o c a t i o n : I

n s i d e o f J e r

r y ’ s N o N a m e O b s e r v a t i o n s : I n s i d e o f J e r

r y ’ s N o N a m e , a t l a t i t

u d e 2 6 3 1 0 3 0 N , n o c u r

r e n t c h a n g i n g t o s l i g h t n o r

t h , m o s t o f d i v e o n s a n d a n d s o m e patch reefs. Some cyano mats on sand.



### ______________________ ____________________________________________________________ Date: 7/19/04 Dive #: P. Schulz Water temp. o F: no data Dive Team: PS L o c a t i o n : L y

n n ’ s , G S s e c t i o n Observations: Cyanobacteria present, photos taken.



### _________________________________ _____________________________________________________ Date: 7/31/04 Dive #: 950 Water temp. o F: 85 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Black Condo to Gazebo Observations: Intermittent cyano throughout dive. At stake #6 (26 30 412 N, 80 02 059 W) nothin g o n 6 / 1 9 / 0 4 , n o w c y a n o 4 ” l o n g clumps. Also cyano growing at Gazebo Cleaning Station (26 30 613 N, 80 02 006 W). Collected sample of Halmedia from area of heavy growth north of #6, and Sphaerococcus (sp.?) from area of heavy growth near 26 30 795 N, 80 01 971 W. Photos of algae taken on surface. Yellowed dying Barrel Sponges noted.



### ____________________________________________________________________________________Date: 7/31/04 Dive #: 951 Water temp. o F: 86 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Gazebo to Jump Observations: Beginning @ 26 30 994 N 80 01 926 W as many as 10% of Barrel Sponges, of all sizes, some full grown, yellowing. A l s o e x t e n s i v e S p h a e r o c o c c u s ( s p . ? ) f r o m h e r e t o 1⁄4 m i l e n o r t h

. C y a n o t h r o u g h o u t d i v e , h e a v y @ L y n n ’ s s e c t i o n G S , b l a n k e t i n g s o f t c o r a l s w / c l u m p s 1 0 ’

- 1 2 ’ l o n g . C y a n o e x t e n s i v e t o e n d o f d i v e @ J u m p .



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 8/7/04 Dive #: 952 Water temp. o F: 85 Dive Team: ET, T S, KS, LS Location: East side of Delray Ledge Observations: Start dive @ 26 27 743 N, 80 02 625 W, just north of Delray outfall surface boil. Head north along outside edge, only minimal, isolated traces of cyano on sand, none on soft corals. End dive on reef top @ 26 28 073 N, 80 02 567 W, one clump of cyano on Sea Fan here. No yellowing Barrel Sponges on this dive.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 8/7/04 Dive #: 953 Water temp. o F: 84 Div e Team: ET, TS, KS Location: Black Condo to Gazebo Observations: Start @ 26 30 324 N, 80 02 080 W, head north with current. Very little cyano throughout dive, isolated, persistent p a t c h e s 2 ”

- 3 ” l o n g . A t s t a k e # 6 , 3 ” p a t c h , @ s t a

k e # 8 c l e a n e d t r a c e s o f cyano from around Brain Coral. End dive @ 26 30 624 N, 80 02 003 W, throughout entire dive population explosion of Branching Hydroids growing on dead soft coral remnants, first observed by PS on 8/4/04, photos taken.



### _______________________________________ ____________________________________________ Date: 8/8/04 Dive #: 954 Water temp. o F: 85 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: West side of Delray Ledge Observations: Start dive @ 26 28 312 N, 80 02 513 W, on reef top head NW to inside edge, then north. N o cyano on this dive. End dive at north end of reef, find small patch of healthy Staghorn Coral. Drift off north end, picked

- up @ 26 28 619 N, 80 02 556 W. A few yellowed Barrel Sponges on this dive.



### ________________________________________________________ ______________________________Date: 8/8//04 Dive #: 955 Water temp. o F: 86 Dive Team: ET, TS L o c a t i o n : G a z e b o t o L y

n n ’ s ( G S ) O b s e r v a t i o n s : S t a r

t w h e r e d i v e # 9 5 3 e n d e d ( 8 / 7 / 0 4 ) , V e r y l i t t l e c y a n o , i s o l a t e d , p e r s i s t e n t p a t c h e s 2 ”

- 3 ” l ong, south of Castle Ledge. I n c r e a s e s t o h e a v y @ L y

n n ’ s s e c t i o n G S ( 2 6 3 1 4 3 0 N , 8 0 0 1 9 0 0 W )

. T h e c y a n o b a c t e r i a g r o w t h r e m a i n s u n c h a n g e d s i n c e d i v e # 9 5 1 (7/31/04). It is heavy and abundant, but is not blanketing everything as it was before 6/04 die

- off. Patches are ~ 10 ft. apart @ GS w/ 8 ’

- 1 0 ’ l o n g g r o w

t h a n d b r i g h t r e d

. M a

n y y e l l o w e d , d e a d a n d b r o k e n B a r r e l S p o n g e s o n t h i s d i v e .



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 8/14/04 Dive #: 956 Water te mp. o F: 85 Dive Team: ET, KS Location: Gulf Stream to Briny Breezes Observations: Strong, 2+ kts. north current. Start outside at Gulf Stream, much Codium in water column. Travel NW across reef top to inside, then north to Briny Breezes, dive covers approx. 1 mi. Scattered, isolated patches of cyano throughout dive, nowhere extensive.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 8/14/04 Dive #: 957 Water temp. o F: 85 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Gazebo to Jump Observations: Start inside @ Gazebo, near where last dive ended. Cyanobacteria present throughout dive, progressively worse as we h e a d n o r t h

. H e a v y g r o w

t h @ L y n n ’ s , b r i g h t r e d w

/ 1 0 ” l o n g f

i l a m e n t s . A l s o , c y a n o b e g i n n i n g t o g r o w n o n t h e B r anching Hydroids f i r s t d e s c r i b e d o n 8 / 4 / 2 0 0 4

. S p h a e r o c o c c u s ( s p ? ) i n c r e a s i n g o n L y n n ’ s . E n d a s w e t r a v e l p a s t n o r t h e n d o f r e e f

.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 8/15/04 Dive #: 958 Water te mp. o F: 86 Dive Team: ET, TS, KS, LS Location: Clubhouse to Black Condo Observations: Blue Gulf Stream water, current still strong north. Start near Grouper Hole on outside, no Codium. Travel north, then northwest across reef top, then north inside t o Blk Condo. Sporadic, isolated clumps of cyano throughout dive, nowhere extensive.



### ______________________________________________________________________________________Date: 8/15/04 Dive #: 959 Water temp. o F: 86 Dive Team: ET, TS
L ocation: Table Tops to West Edge O b s e r v a t i o n s : S t a r

t @ T a b l e T o p s , t h e n n o r

t h w e s t t o W e s t E d g e , e v e r y w h e r e e x t e n s i v e c y a n o , a l m o s t a s b a d a s @ L y n n ’ s ( # 9 5 7 )

. W e s t E d g e t o n o r

t h e n d , a c r o s s c u r

r e n t t o L y n n ’ s , d r i f t n o r t h p a s t J u m p i n s t r o n g c u r r e n t , c y a n o beginning to grow on Branching Hydroids. Appears more yellowed Barrel Sponges on north end of GSR. Only locations on GSR not inspected on dives # 956 though #959 ( 8/14/2004 & 8/15/2004) are inside southwest Clubhouse and outside northeast, Sawfish Circle area.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 8/28/04 Dive #: 960 Water temp. o F: 87 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Gulf Stream to inside SW Clubhouse Observations: Start ou tside, north end of Gulf Stream and head south in moderate south current. Cyanobacteria on outside sporadic, isolated, but more extensive than on dive # 958 (8/15/04). Reef top and inside of Clubhouse cyano heavy and extensive, but ends to the southwest o f approximately 26 29 023 N, 80 02 436 W.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date: 8/28/04 Dive #: 961 Water temp. o F: 86 Dive Team: ET, TS Location: Sawfish Circle Observa tions: Sawfish Circle little cyano growth at base of reef, 75 ft. Increases to heavy and extensive near top of reef @ 45

– 50 ft.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________



### ___________________________________________________________________________________ 1) Dive Team Members: Jim Cagle = JC, Brian Catanzaro =BC, Lou Chismar = LC, Richard Glover = RG, Paul Libsman = PL, Kevin Metz = KM, Peter Schulz = PS, Kurt Spaugh = KS, Lynn Spaugh = LS, Terry St. Jean = TS, Jim Todd = JT, Ed Tichenor = ET.

# APPENDIX E Correspondence

### Subj: Significant Change
– Boynton Beach Cyanobacteria Report

Date: 6/14/2004 6:55:58 AM Eastern Standard T ime From: Etichscuba To: John.Proni@noaa.gov CC: peter@bocaratonwebs.com , lynn@splashdowndivers.com File: 6 - 12 - 04Report.doc (2656768 bytes) DL Time ( 50667 bps): < 15 minutes

Dr. Proni, There has been a dramatic reduction in the amount of cyanobacteria on Gulf Stream Reef. Attached to this email as a Microsoft Word doc. are my notes from March 2004 to the present as well as photos taken on June 1 2, 2004. We have been observing "something" happening i.e., yellowing (to varying degrees) for the last few months, but the most recent change on the reef has been striking. Ed



## ******************************************************** ****************

Subj: Fwd: Pictures - The Reef Is Much Better Date: 6/14/2004 7:06:37 AM Eastern Standard Time From: Etichscuba To: John.Proni@noaa.gov Right

- click picture(s) to display picture options
In a message dated 6/13/2004 8:58:27 PM Eastern Standard Time, peter@bocaratonwebs.com writes: Subj: Pict ures - The Reef Is Much Better Date: 6/13/2004 8:58:27 PM Eastern Standard Time From: peter@bocaratonwebs.com To: Etichscuba@aol.com CC: Lynn@SplashdownDivers.com Sent from the Internet

Taken Saturday 06/12/04 on a dive to the south starting at Black condo and en ding on Gulf Stream. There is a lot to be thankful for. And only a few bad spots on Gulf Stream. Peter

# FIGURES