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2018 Annual Report Of The Water Quality Monitoring Project For The Water Quality Protection Program Of The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Henry O. Briceño, Joseph N. Boyer

SERC Research Reports

This report serves as a summary of our efforts to date in the execution of the Water Quality Monitoring Project for the FKNMS as part of the Water Quality Protection Program. The period of record for this report is Apr. 1995 – Dec. 2018 and includes data from 94 quarterly sampling events within the FKNMS (24 years). Field parameters measured at each station (surface and bottom at most sites) include salinity (practical salinity scale), temperature (°C), dissolved oxygen (DO, mg l-1 ), turbidity (NTU), relative fluorescence, and light attenuation (Kd, m-1 ). Water quality variables include the dissolved nutrients nitrate …

2017 Annual Report Of The Water Quality Monitoring Project For The Water Quality Protection Program Of The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Henry O. Briceño, Joseph N. Boyer

SERC Research Reports

This report serves as a summary of our efforts to date in the execution of the Water Quality Monitoring Project for the FKNMS as part of the Water Quality Protection Program. The period of record for this report is Apr. 1995 – Dec. 2017 and includes data from 92 quarterly sampling events within the FKNMS (23 years). Field parameters measured at each station (surface and bottom at most sites) include salinity (practical salinity scale), temperature (ºC), dissolved oxygen (DO, mg l-1 ), turbidity (NTU), relative fluorescence, and light attenuation (Kd, m-1 ). Water quality variables include the dissolved nutrients nitrate …

Water Quality Monitoring Project For Demonstration Of Canal Remediation Methods Florida Keys- Report Of Activities: September 7th, 2016, Henry O. Briceño, Alexandra Serna, Sandro Stumpf, James Duquesnel, Michael Absten

SERC Research Reports

Objective:

To provide data needed to make unbiased, statistically rigorous statements about the status and temporal trends of water quality parameters in the remediated canals.

Water Quality Monitoring Project For Demonstration Of Canal Remediation Methods Florida Keys- Preliminary Report #3: Assessment Of Canal Remediation Methods Canal Using Water Quality Data Before And After Remediation, Henry O. Briceño, Alexandra Serna, Florida International University, Sandro Stumpf, James Duquesnel

SERC Research Reports

Objective:

To provide data needed to make unbiased, statistically rigorous statements about the status and temporal trends of water quality parameters in the remediated canals

Water Quality Monitoring Program For Islamorada, Village Of Islands, Florida Keys- Preliminary Report #1: Canal Water Characterization And Monitoring, Henry O. Briceño, Alexandra Serna, Michael Absten, Sandro Stumpf, James Duquesnel

SERC Research Reports

Objective:

To assess the improvements in water quality (WQ) derived from remediation activities, especially linked to the installation of wastewater collection systems.

Water Quality Monitoring Project For Demonstration Of Canal Remediation Methods Florida Keys, Henry O. Briceño, Alexandra Serna

SERC Research Reports

This report serves to transmit a summary of our efforts in the execution of the Water Quality Monitoring Project for Demonstration of Canal Remediation Methods, as per our US EPA Agreement #X7 00D02412. This report consists of this summary along with corresponding datasets generated during field and laboratory measurements. The period of record of this report is September 2015 to March 2016 and includes data from sampling conducted until February 2016. Data from March 2014 to September 2015 are included for comparison and they were presented in a previous report (Briceno and Serna, 2015).

Water Quality Monitoring Project For Demonstration Of Canal Remediation Methods, Florida Keys- Project Summary, Henry O. Briceño, Alexandra Serna

SERC Research Reports

Several important results have been realized from Florida International University’s regional monitoring project. First is the documentation of elevated nutrient concentrations (nitrogen, phosphorous and silica) in waters close to shore along the Keys, and corresponding responses from the system, such as higher phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll-a), turbidity and light attenuation, as well as lower oxygenation and lower salinities of the water column. These changes, associated to human impact, have become more obvious in a new series of stations located very close to shore, near canal mouths and sampled since November 2011. These waters are part of the so called Halo Zone, …

Water Quality Monitoring Project For Demonstration Of Canal Remediation Methods Florida Keys- Report #3: Canal Water Characterization Before Remediation And Monitoring After Remediation, Henry O. Briceño, Alexandra Serna

SERC Research Reports

This report serves to transmit a summary of our efforts in the execution of the Water Quality Monitoring Project for Demonstration of Canal Remediation Methods, as per our US EPA Agreement #X7 00D02412. This report consists of this summary along with corresponding datasets generated during field and laboratory measurements. The period of record for this report is September 2015 to March 2016 and includes data from sampling conducted until February 2016. Data from March 2014 to September 2015 are included for comparison and they were presented in a previous report (Briceno and Serna, 2015).

Appendix 1 To Report 1, Henry O. Briceño, Alexandra Serna

SERC Research Reports

Appendix to Water Quality Monitoring Project for Demonstration of Canal Remediation Methods, Florida Keys- Report #1: Canal Water Characterizaton

This report serves as a summary of our efforts to date in the execution of the Water Quality Monitoring Project for Demonstration of Canal Remediation Methods, and a channel to deliver the datasets generated during field and laboratory measurements. The period of record for this report is Mar. 2014 – Dec. 2014 and includes data from two sampling events. The objective of the project is to provide data needed to make unbiased, statistically rigorous statements about the status and temporal trends …

Appendix 2: Water Quality Monitoring Project For Demonstration Of Canal Remediation Methods Florida Keys- Report #1: Canal Water Characterization, Henry O. Briceño

SERC Research Reports

Appendix to Water Quality Monitoring Project for Demonstration of Canal Remediation Methods, Florida Keys- Report #1: Canal Water Characterizaton

This report serves as a summary of our efforts to date in the execution of the Water Quality Monitoring Project for Demonstration of Canal Remediation Methods, and a channel to deliver the datasets generated during field and laboratory measurements. The period of record for this report is Mar. 2014 – Dec. 2014 and includes data from two sampling events. The objective of the project is to provide data needed to make unbiased, statistically rigorous statements about the status and temporal trends …

2015 Annual Report Of The Water Quality Monitoring Project For The Water Quality Protection Program Of The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Joseph N. Boyer, Henry O. Briceño

SERC Research Reports

This report serves as a summary of our efforts to date in the execution of the Water Quality Monitoring Project for the FKNMS as part of the Water Quality Protection Program. The period of record for this report is Apr. 1995 – Dec. 2015 and includes data from 82 quarterly sampling events within the FKNMS (20.5 years). This annual report reflects funding cutbacks in 2012 resulting in reduction of spatial sampling from 155 to 112 sites. Field parameters measured at each station (surface and bottom at most sites) include salinity (practical salinity scale), temperature (ºC), dissolved oxygen (DO, mg l-1), …

Water Quality Monitoring Project For Demonstration Of Canal Remediation Methods Florida Keys- Report #2: Canal Water Characterization Before Remediation And Monitoring After Remediation, Henry O. Briceño, Alexandra Serna

SERC Research Reports

This report serves as a summary of our efforts to date in the execution of the Water Quality Monitoring Project for Demonstration of Canal Remediation Methods, and a channel to deliver the datasets generated during field and laboratory measurements. The period of record for this report is Jan. 2015- Sep. 2015 and includes data from two sampling events. Data from Mar. 2014- Dec. 2014 are included for comparison and they were presented in a previous report. The objective of the project is to provide data needed to make unbiased, statistically rigorous statements about the status and temporal trends of water …

Water Quality Monitoring Project For Demonstration Of Canal Remediation Methods Florida Keys- Report #1: Canal Characterization, Henry O. Briceño, Alexandra Serna

SERC Research Reports

This report serves as a summary of our efforts to date in the execution of the Water Quality Monitoring Project for Demonstration of Canal Remediation Methods, and a channel to deliver the datasets generated during field and laboratory measurements. The period of record for this report is Mar. 2014 – Dec. 2014 and includes data from two sampling events. The objective of the project is to provide data needed to make unbiased, statistically rigorous statements about the status and temporal trends of water quality parameters in the remediated canals. The execution of the project includes two phases: 1) Characterization of …

2014 Annual Report Of The Water Quality Monitoring Project For The Water Quality Protection Program Of The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Joseph N. Boyer, Henry O. Briceño

SERC Research Reports

This report serves as a summary of our efforts to date in the execution of the Water Quality Monitoring Project for the FKNMS as part of the Water Quality Protection Program. The period of record for this report is Mar. 1995 – Dec. 2014 and includes data from 78 quarterly sampling events within the FKNMS. This annual report reflects funding cutbacks in 2012 resulting in reduction of spatial sampling from 155 to 112 sites. Field parameters measured at each station (surface and bottom at most sites) include salinity (practical salinity scale), temperature (ºC), dissolved oxygen (DO, mg l-1), turbidity (NTU), …

Landscape Pattern – Marl Prairie/Slough Gradient: Vegetation Composition Along The Gradient And Decadal Vegetation Change Pattern In Shark Slough: Annual Report 2012, Jay P. Sah, Michael S. Ross, Pablo L. Ruiz

SERC Research Reports

In the southern Everglades, vegetation in both the marl prairie and ridge and slough landscapes is sensitive to large-scale restoration activities associated with the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) authorized by the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2000 to restore the south Florida ecosystem. More specifically, changes in hydrologic regimes at both local and landscape scales are likely to affect vegetation composition along marl prairie-slough gradient resulting in a shift in boundary between plant communities in these landscapes. To strengthen our ability to assess how vegetation would respond to changes in underlying ecosystem drivers along the gradient, an improved understanding …

Monitoring Of Tree Island Condition In The Southern Everglades: Hydrologic Driven Decadal Changes In Tree Island Woody Vegetation Structure And Composition: 2012 Annual Report, Pablo L. Ruiz, Michael S. Ross, Jay P. Sah

SERC Research Reports

This report examines the interaction between hydrology and vegetation over a 10-year period, between 2001/02 and 2012 within six permanent tree island plots located on three tree islands, two plots each per tree island, established in 2001/02, along a hydrologic and productivity gradient. We hypothesize that: (H1) hydrologic differences within plots between census dates will result in marked differences in a) tree and sapling densities, b) tree basal area, and c) forest structure, i.e., canopy volume and height, and (H2) tree island growth, development, and succession is dependent on hydrologic fluxes, particularly during periods of prolonged droughts or below average …

Water Quality Monitoring Program For Bermuda's Coastal Resources Final Report, Henry O. Briceño, Joseph N. Boyer

SERC Research Reports

No abstract provided.

2013 Annual Report Of The Water Quality Monitoring Project For The Water Quality Protection Program Of The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Joseph N. Boyer, Henry O. Briceño

SERC Research Reports

This report serves as a summary of our efforts to date in the execution of the Water Quality Monitoring Project for the FKNMS as part of the Water Quality Protection Program. The period of record for this report is Mar. 1995 – Dec. 2013 and includes data from 73 quarterly sampling events within the FKNMS. This annual report reflects funding cutbacks in 2012 resulting in reduction of spatial sampling from 155 to 112 sites. Field parameters measured at each station (surface and bottom at most sites) include salinity (practical salinity scale), temperature (ºC), dissolved oxygen (DO, mg l‐1), turbidity (NTU), …

Water Quality Monitoring Project For Demonstration Of Canal Remediation Methods: Florida Keys, Henry O. Briceño, Alexandra Serna

SERC Research Reports

Several important results have been realized from FIU’s regional monitoring project. First is the documentation of elevated nutrient concentrations (DIN, TP and SiO2) in waters close to shore along the Keys, and corresponding responses from the system, such as higher phytoplankton biomass (CHLA), turbidity and light attenuation (Kd), as well as lower oxygenation (DO) and lower salinities of the water column. These changes, associated to human impact, have become more obvious in a new series of ten stations (# 500 to #509) located very close to shore, near canal mouths and sampled since November 2011 (SHORE; Fig 4). These waters …

Assessment Of Natural Resource Conditions In And Adjacent To Biscayne National Park. Natural Resource Report Nps/Bisc/Nrr—2012/598, Peter Wayne Harlem, Joseph N. Boyer, Henry O. Briceño, James W. Fourqurean, Piero R. Gardinali, Rudolph Jaffé, John F. Meeder, Michael S. Ross

SERC Research Reports

This report is an assessment of the conditions of natural resources in Biscayne National Park (BNP) based on the compilation, review and evaluation of existing information on the Park’s natural resources. This review evaluates threats and stressors, and is intended to improve understanding of BNP resources to help guide Park management to address the identified threats, which are supported by enhanced data collection, research and assessment efforts.

The report is focused on broad resource components, namely terrestrial resources and aquatic systems including: wetlands, canals, bay waters, marine/reef areas and ground waters. Biotic and abiotic resource components are considered in the …

Mapping And Assessing Fire Damage On Broadleaved Forest Communities In Big Cypress National Preserve, Pablo L. Ruiz, Jay P. Sah, James R. Snyder, Michael S. Ross

SERC Research Reports

Within Big Cypress National Preserve (BICY), oak-dominated forests and woodlands as well as tropical and temperate hardwood hammocks are integral components of the landscape and are biodiversity hotpots for both flora and fauna. These broadleaved forest communities serve as refugia for many of the Preserve’s wildlife species during prolonged flooding and fires. However, both prolonged flooding and severe fires, which are important and necessary disturbance vectors within this landscape, can have deleterious effects on these forested communities. This is particularly true in the case of fires, which under extreme conditions associated with drought and elevated fuel loads, can burn through …

Monitoring Of Tree Island Condition In The Southern Everglades: Annual Report 2011, Jay P. Sah, Michael S. Ross, Pablo L. Ruiz, Suresh Subedi

SERC Research Reports

Tree islands, a prominent feature in both the marl prairie and ridge and slough landscapes of the Everglades, are sensitive to large-scale restoration actions associated with the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) authorized by the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) 2000 to restore the south Florida ecosystem. More specifically, changes in hydrologic regimes at both local and landscape scales are likely to affect the internal water economy of islands, which in turn will influence plant community structure and function. To strengthen our ability to assess the “performance” of tree island ecosystems and predict how these hydrologic alterations would translate into …

2012 Annual Report Of The Water Quality Monitoring Project For The Water Quality Protection Program Of The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, Henry O. Briceño

SERC Research Reports

This report serves as a summary of our efforts to date in the execution of the Water Quality Monitoring Project for the FKNMS as part of the Water Quality Protection Program. The period of record for this report is Mar. 1995 – Sep. 2012 and includes data from 69 quarterly sampling at 155 sampling sites events within the FKNMS, including the Dry Tortugas National Park (DRTO). This annual report reflects funding cutbacks resulting in reduction of spatial sampling to 112 sites, none within DRTO. Field parameters measured at each station (surface and bottom at most sites) include salinity (practical salinity …

Cape Sable Seaside Sparrow Habitat Monitoring And Assessment - 2010 Final Report, Jay P. Sah, Michael S. Ross, Pablo L. Ruiz, James R. Snyder, Diana Rodriguez, W.T. Hilton

SERC Research Reports

For the last two decades, the Cape Sable seaside sparrow (CSSS), a federally endangered species, has been a pivot point for water management operations in the Everglades, primarily because a decline in sparrow population in the early 1990s was attributed in part to managementinduced alterations in hydrologic regimes. With a goal of understanding the response of landscape-level processes to hydrological restoration and its interaction with fire, a study intended to monitor vegetation structure and composition throughout the marl prairie landscape has been conducted since 2003 with funding from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). In the first three years (2003-2005), …

Monitoring Of Tree Island Conditions In The Southern Everglades: The Effects Of Hurricanes And Hydrology On The Status And Population Dynamics Of Sixteen Tropical Hardwood Hammock Tree Islands, Pablo L. Ruiz, Jay P. Sah, Michael S. Ross, Diana L. Rodriguez, Allison M. Lambert

SERC Research Reports

In 2005 we began a multi-year intensive monitoring and assessment study of tropical hardwood hammocks within two distinct hydrologic regions in Everglades National Park, under funding from the CERP Monitoring and Assessment Program. In serving as an Annual Report for 2010, this document, reports in detail on the population dynamics and status of tropical hardwood hammocks in Shark Slough and adjacent marl prairies during a 4-year period between 2005 and 2009. 2005-09 was a period that saw a marked drawdown in marsh water levels (July 2006 - July 2008), and an active hurricane season in 2005 with two hurricanes, Hurricane …

2011 Annual Report Of The Water Quality Monitoring Project For The Southeast Florida Coral Reef Initiative (Sefcri), Joseph N. Boyer, Henry O. Briceño, Jeff Absten, David Gilliam, Dick Dodge

SERC Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Water Quality Monitoring Program For Bermuda's Coastal Resources, Joseph N. Boyer, Henry O. Briceño

SERC Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Developing A Data-Driven Classification Of South Florida Plant Communities, Jay P. Sah, Michael S. Ross, Susana Stofella

SERC Research Reports

A comprehensive, broadly accepted vegetation classification is important for ecosystem management, particularly for planning and monitoring. South Florida vegetation classification systems that are currently in use were largely arrived at subjectively and intuitively with the involvement of experienced botanical observers and ecologists, but with little support in terms of quantitative field data. The need to develop a field data-driven classification of South Florida vegetation that builds on the ecological organization has been recognized by the National Park Service and vegetation practitioners in the region. The present work, funded by the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program - South Florida/Caribbean …

A Geospatial Database Of Tree Islands Within The Mustang Corner Fire Incident Of 2008, Pablo L. Ruiz, Michael S. Ross, Jay P. Sah

SERC Research Reports

Fire, which affects community structure and composition at all trophic levels, is an integral component of the Everglades ecosystem (Wade et al. 1980; Lockwood et al. 2003). Without fire, the Everglades as we know it today would be a much different place. This is particularly true for the short-hydroperiod marl prairies that predominate on the eastern and western flanks of Shark River Slough, Everglades National Park (Figure 1). In general, fire in a tropical or sub-tropical grassland community favors the dominance of C4 grasses over C3 species (Roscoe et al. 2000; Briggs et al. 2005). Within this pyrogenic graminoid community …

Resampling Of Permanent Pine Rockland Vegetation Plots On Big Pine Key, Jay P. Sah, James R. Snyder, Michael S. Ross, Danielle Ogurcak

SERC Research Reports

The pine rocklands of South Florida are characterized by an herbaceous flora with many narrowly endemic taxa, a diverse shrub layer containing several palms and numerous tropical hardwoods, and an overstory of south Florida slash pine (Pinus elliottii var. densa). Fire has been considered as an important environmental factor for these ecosystems, since in the absence of fire these pine forests are replaced by dense hardwood communities, resulting in loss of the characteristic pineland herb flora. Hence, in the Florida Keys pine forests, prescribed fire has been used since the creation of the National Key Deer Refuge. However, such prescribed …