A link has been suggested between an underground sand channel and nutrient levels in Florida Bay. Preliminary studies of sediment samples from the Bay bottom indicate there has been no major change in Florida Bay's nutrient supply over time. In general, since 1990, chlorophyll, turbidity and nitrogen levels have increased while salinity has decreased. Algae Blooms Algae growth is controlled by different nutrients in different parts of the Bay. There is no direct correlation between water turbidity and the abundance of algae in the water.
Algae blooms vary seasonally and by region.
The most dense algae blooms were recorded in 1994 and 1995. A slime mold infection has been closely associated with recent seagrass die-offs. The intensity of slime mold infection corresponds directly to salinity. The higher the salinity, the stronger the infection. There is a direct correlation between seagrass abundance and fish populations.