Dave Whitall

2015

2016

2017

In tropical and sub-tropical ecosystems, excess nutrient loads can cause increases in macroalgal growth and can have deleterious effects on corals, such as macroalgae outcompeting and overgrowing corals. Nitrogen and phosphorus can impact corals directly by lowering fertilization success, and reducing both photosynthesis and calcification rates. Land based contributions of nutrients come from a variety of sources. Phosphorus and reactive nitrogen can enter the environment from chemical fertilizer (agriculture, lawns, golf courses), industrial sources, animal waste, and human waste. Additionally, nitrogen can be contributed from biological nitrogen fixation and atmospheric nitrogen deposition (originating from fossil fuel combustion and ammonia volatilization from agriculture). Relatively little routine monitoring data exists for nutrients on the north reef tract of Florida. In 2014, FDEP approached NOAA scientists about assisting with the startup of their nutrient monitoring program on the northern Florida Reef Tract. This project will actively consult with FDEP and other stakeholders to design a water quality monitoring plan that will meet the management needs of the north Florida reef tract. In year one, NOAA staff (NCCOS and AOML) will communicate with stakeholders (both in person and remotely) in order to collaboratively design a monitoring program that will best address management needs. This includes such considerations as: site selection, analyte list, appropriate method detection limits, sample collection and storage protocols, laboratory protocols, inter-laboratory comparison (between AOML and FDEP labs), QA/QC, as well as spatial and statistical analysis of the data. Sample collection and analysis, with NOAA oversight, will leverage existing field efforts from a broad spectrum of scientists working in the area. This effort will begin in year 2 and continue into year 3. Beyond year 3, operation of the monitoring program will transfer completely to FDEP.

This project will launch a water quality monitoring program for the north Florida reef tract. These data will be useful to coastal managers to detect change in the ecosystem and to link observed changes and spatial differences with reef health Due to the continued engagement and collaboration between coral reef managers, local stakeholders and NCCOS staff, the sampling design and anticipated outcomes will ensure it is meeting their needs to more effectively manage the coral reef resources within this region and address public perception that water quality is the main factor degrading the reefs in this region.

• Florida

Land-based Sources of Pollution (LBSP)

Closed

Funding Ended

https://www.coris.noaa.gov/search/rest/find/document?searchText=projectNumber%3A30005%20OR%20projectTitle%3A"Technical%20Support%20of%20Inception%20of%20FDEP%20Coral%20Reef%20Nutrient%20Monitoring%20Program"&start=1&max=10&f=searchPage