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

Photograph #5 Lynn’sAfterCyanobacteriaDie-off

Photograph #6 Lynn’sAfterCyanobacteriaRe-emergence

Photograph #7 Codium

(i)
LIST OF APPENDICES

(continued)

Appendix Description

B Photograph #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 August 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 Nutrient Analyses, Milligrams Per Liter,

January 2001 through August 2004

VIII Weekly Analyses, Results of Effluent Nutrient Analyses, Milligrams Per Liter,

January 2004 through August 2004

(ii)
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

(iii)
1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Volunteer scuba divers from the Boynton 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 investigations:

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 USEPA 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, spread 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 death 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 “ResultsofPhaseIIInvestigations”, provided evidence which

strongly suggest the Delray ocean 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 relationship 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 Atmospheric

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 income

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 and 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

permitting), 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

identified.

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 represents a

considerable scientific resource and database for the study of cyanobacteria proliferation.
2.0 OBSERVATIONS

2.1 Cyanobacteria Proliferation

TheLyngbyacyanobacteriabloomfirstbecameevidentinMarch2002,ontheLynn’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

observations; 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

#921)confirmedalossofcyanobacteriaintheLynn’ssectionofGSR,thelocation

wherethebloomfirstbegan.OnMay31,2004,Lynn’swasfoundtobefreeof

cyanobacteria.

From May 31, 2004 through June 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

diversreported“thewatercolumnfullofdislodgedcyanobacteria”.Divesconductedon

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 Cyanobacteria Re-emergence

During the 2004 fourth of July weekend three scuba teams, diving independent of one

another, all reported the re-emergenceofred,“healthy”cyanobacteriaontheLynn’s

section at the north end of GSR. By the end of July and earlyAugust2004Lynn’sand
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 found 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 routinely

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 abundance

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 to 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 hydroids 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 INCONSISTENCIES

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 analytical

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 types 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 mathematically 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 Organic 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 reporting 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 analytical 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 2004,“ResultsofPhaseIIInvestigations”reportmadereferencetoTON

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

understood 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 pounds 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 spread 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

fluctuations 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 that 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 per 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 analyses 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. Milligrams 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. For 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 with annual average solution concentration (mg/l) data that showed a longterm, upward trend. However, the examination of the cyanobacteria die-off and reemergence 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 lbs./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 decrease 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 July 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 bloom

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 continuing 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).

Results 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 began 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 WWTP 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

semicarbazone. 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 connection 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

possible 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 Nitrite/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 same 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 Reef (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 down 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 average effluent Bloom Threshold Concentration

______________________________________________________________________________

1) Value suspect, see Table VIII footnotes.
TABLE III

Flow Through Treatment Plant

Million Gallons Per Day –Monthly Average

January 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 2600 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 696 933 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 April 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 965 678 418 707 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 998

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 20.00 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 (mg/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 June 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 6/08/04 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

April 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

July 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

this 71⁄2 ft. tall specimen was killed by cyanobacteria. Taking 100 years to reach a full size of

12 ft., this rare specimen of slow growing coral is estimated to be 50 to 75 years old.

(Protected by State, Federal and International law)
PHOTO #5

SectionGS/Lynn’s- 26 31 430oN, 80 01 910oW

After Cyanobacteria Die-off

June 12, 2004

Photograph by E. Tichenor

PHOTO #6

SectionGS/Lynn’s- 26 31 430oN, 80 01 910oW

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

Photographs 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 emerging 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 by 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 “OccurrenceandDistributionofCyanobacteriaonthe

GulfStreamReef,BoyntonBeach,Florida,ResultsofPhaseIIInvestigations”

February 2004
Results of Effluent Analysis

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 2004
Date: 3/6/04

Dive #: 904

Water temp. oF: 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 on octocorals.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 3/6/04

Dive #: 905

Water temp. oF: 73

Dive Team: ET, JT

Location:TableTopstoLynn’s

Observations: Same as # 904.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 4/3/04

Dive #: 914

Water temp. oF: 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 –yellowish,doesn’tlook

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. oF: 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. Cyanobacteria @ 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. oF: 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 02 322 W.

______________________________________________________________________________________
Date: 4/10/04

Dive #: 917

Water temp. oF: 73

Dive Team: ET, TS

Location:GazebotoLynn’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. oF: 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 swath ~ 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. oF: 74

Dive Team: ET, TS, KS, LS

Location: 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 temp. oF: 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. oF: 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 spots

ontop;one~4’’dia..,other~2’’.Travelnorthto2630929N,8001965W,aboutthelocationwheredive#917began.Cyanobacteria

yellowishaspreviouslynoted,butsomestillred.PeterSchulzreportsthereislesscyanofromheretoLynn’s,thepurpose 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. oF: 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. oF: 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 occasional, isolated soft corals, increases as we head north, but never extensive.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 5/30/04

Dive #: 924

Water temp. oF: 75

Dive Team: ET, KS, LS

Location: Clubhouse

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 Stream (26 29

473 N, 80 02 320 W) where we end dive.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 5/30/04

Dive #: 925

Water temp. oF: 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. oF: 75

Dive Team: ET, JT

Location:BlkCondotoLynn’s

Observations: Strong north current, dive boat records 2.2-2.5kts.atsurface(dive#’s926&927).Outside(85ft.)@BlackCondo,

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 Lynn’snocyano.

______________________________________________________________________________________
Date: 5/31/04

Dive #: 927

Water temp. oF: 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 #: Kevin Metz

Water temp. oF: 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. oF: 82

Dive Team: ET, TS, JT

Location: Gulf Stream

Observations: Head south with current along outside/eastern reef line @ 80 ft. A striking 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 for the last two weeks. Have seen this in prior years, may

be seasonal.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 6/12/04

Dive #: 931

Water temp. oF: 82

Dive Team: ET, TS, JT

Location: Jump south toLynn’sandJerry’s

Observations:StartatnorthendofreefandheadsouthalongoutsideridgetoLynn’s,cyanoallbutgone.Travelsouthwestpastareas

of broken holdfasts (26 31 100 N), location free of cyano

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 6/12/04

Dive #: 932

Water temp. oF: 82

Dive Team: ET, TS, JT, KS, LS

Location:Jerry’stoBrinyBreezes

Observations: Start outside and east from end of last dive. Head south along outside slope 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. oF: 82

Dive Team: ET, JT, KS, LS

Location:BrinyBreezesnorthtoJerry’s

Observations:StartwherelastdiveendedstayinsideentirediveheadnorthbacktoJerry’s,wheredive#931ended.Verylimited

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. oF: 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. oF: 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. oF: 84

Dive Team: ET, TS

Location: Briny Breezes to Gazebo

Observations: Start dive were dive #934 ended. Continue along inside reef line. Little cyano, slightly more as we head north. KS &

LSdivingatJerry’sNo-namereportsomeredcyanothere.Placestakes#’s6-9, in reef as reference points, photos taken.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 6/20/04

Dive #: 936

Water temp. oF: 82

Dive Team: ET, TS, JT, KS, LS

Location: Outside Clubhouse

Observations: Patches of red cyano on outside, mostly in sheltered areas, fairly consistent along outside, little on reef top. Photos

taken.

______________________________________________________________________________________
Date: 6/20/04

Dive #: 937

Water temp. oF: 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. oF: 82

Dive Team: ET, TS, LC

Location: Gulf Stream

Observations: Some red cyano on octocorals, less as we head north along inside.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 6/26/04

Dive #: 939

Water temp. oF: 82

Dive Team: ET, TS, LC

Location:BrinyBreezestoLynn’s

Observations: Small patches of cyano on reef, not extensive, dive north along inside.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 6/27/04

Dive #: 940

Water temp. oF: 82

Dive Team: ET, TS, JT, LC

Location: Clubhouse

Observations: Extensive red cyano on inside, photos.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 6/28/04

Dive #: 942

Water temp. oF: 82

Dive 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. oF: 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. oF: 83

Dive Team: ET, TS

Location: Capt. Tony

Observations:Tracesofcyano,firstreported6/28/04havegrownto1/2”-3/4”long.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 7/4/04

Dive #: 945

Water temp. oF: 83

Dive Team: ET, TS

Location: Gazebo to Castle Ledge

Observations: Bright red cyano returning, also red branching algae thickets (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. oF: 83

Dive Team: ET, TS, KS, LS

Location: Outside Black Condo

Observations: Start on outside of reef near Pit Stop, extensive area of Codium beginning 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. oF: 83

Dive Team: ET, TS, KS, LS

Location:CastleLedgetoLynn’s

Observations: Start a little south of Castle Ledge, not much cyano, but Sphaerococcus sp.? developing. As we head north cyano

increasefromoccasionaltoabundant.AtnorthendofLynn’scyanoextensive,3”-5”filamentousandred.Nonehereon6/12/04.This

is the location were cyano bloom was first reported during March 2002.

______________________________________________________________________________________
Date: 7/5/04

Dive #: Peter Schulz

Water temp. oF: not reported

Dive Team: PS

Location:Lynn’s

Observations: Cyanobacteria has returned

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 7/10/04

Dive #: 948

Water temp. oF: 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 inside. Cross reef to outside, no cyano on outside.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 7/10/04

Dive #: 949

Water temp. oF: 84

Dive Team: ET, TS

Location: Black Condo reference stakes.

Observations:Stake#’s2&3freeofcyano,nextstakesfound:#’s6&8cyanobeginningattheselocations,photostaken.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 7/15/04

Dive #: T. St. Jean

Water temp. oF: 84

Dive Team: TS, KM

Location:JumptoLynn’s

Observations:Southcurrent,enterattheJump,headsouthtoSawfishCircle,continuetoLynn’sGS(2631430N, 80 01 910 W),

extensive cyano throughout dive.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 7/17/04

Dive #: T. St. Jean

Water temp. oF: 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. oF: 84

Dive Team: TS, KS, LS

Location:InsideofJerry’sNoName

Observations:InsideofJerry’sNoName,atlatitude2631030N,nocurrentchangingtoslightnorth,mostofdiveonsandandsome

patch reefs. Some cyano mats on sand.

__________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 7/19/04

Dive #: P. Schulz

Water temp. oF: no data

Dive Team: PS

Location:Lynn’s,GSsection

Observations: Cyanobacteria present, photos taken.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 7/31/04

Dive #: 950

Water temp. oF: 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) nothingon6/19/04,nowcyano4”long

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. oF: 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.

Also extensive Sphaerococcus (sp.?) from here to 1⁄4 mile north. Cyano throughout dive, heavy @ Lynn’ssectionGS,blanketingsoft

coralsw/clumps10’-12’long.Cyanoextensivetoendofdive@Jump.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 8/7/04

Dive #: 952

Water temp. oF: 85

Dive Team: ET, TS, 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. oF: 84

Dive 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

patches2”-3”long.Atstake#6,3”patch,@ stake#8cleanedtracesofcyano 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. oF: 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. No 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. oF: 86

Dive Team: ET, TS

Location:GazebotoLynn’s(GS)

Observations:Startwheredive#953ended(8/7/04),Verylittlecyano,isolated,persistentpatches2”-3”long, south of Castle Ledge.

Increasestoheavy@ Lynn’ssectionGS(2631430N,8001900W).Thecyanobacteriagrowthremainsunchangedsincedive#951

(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’-10’longgrowthandbrightred.Manyyellowed,deadandbrokenBarrelSpongesonthisdive.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 8/14/04

Dive #: 956

Water temp. oF: 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. oF: 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

headnorth.Heavygrowth@ Lynn’s,brightredw/10”longfilaments.Also,cyanobeginningtogrownontheBranching Hydroids

firstdescribedon8/4/2004.Sphaerococcus(sp?)increasingonLynn’s.Endaswetravelpastnorthendofreef.

______________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 8/15/04

Dive #: 958

Water temp. oF: 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 to Blk Condo. Sporadic, isolated clumps of cyano throughout dive, nowhere extensive.

______________________________________________________________________________________
Date: 8/15/04

Dive #: 959

Water temp. oF: 86

Dive Team: ET, TS

Location: Table Tops to West Edge

Observations:Start@ TableTops,thennorthwesttoWestEdge,everywhereextensivecyano,almostasbadas@ Lynn’s(#957).

WestEdgetonorthend,acrosscurrenttoLynn’s,driftnorthpastJumpinstrongcurrent,cyanobeginning 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. oF: 87

Dive Team: ET, TS

Location: Gulf Stream to inside SW Clubhouse

Observations: Start outside, 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 of approximately 26 29 023 N, 80 02 436 W.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Date: 8/28/04

Dive #: 961

Water temp. oF: 86

Dive Team: ET, TS

Location: Sawfish Circle

Observations: 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 Time

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 12, 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: Pictures - 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 ending on Gulf Stream.

There is a lot to be thankful for. And only a few bad spots on Gulf Stream.

Peter
FIGURES