Water Quality Research - FY 2021-22 SCCF Annual Report

Water Quality Research

The SCCF Marine Laboratory is focused on systematic water quality monitoring from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico and all surrounding watersheds. The lab’s research is focused on the conditions that cause algae blooms and the subsequent ecological consequences of these disturbances. Over the last year, the lab has worked closely with collaborators within and outside of SCCF. A project was launched with scientists at the University of Florida’s Center for Coastal Solutions to connect models and monitoring from Lake Okeechobee to the watershed and the Gulf of Mexico.

A theme throughout the lab’s research focuses on looking for indicators of the ecological health of the system, including microscopic algae in the water, macroalgae and seaweeds, seagrass, oyster reefs, and mangroves. This year, SCCF data were used to verify impaired estuarine waters surrounding Sanibel, elevating these waters for future research and funding.

Red Tide Study Confirms Human Impact

In April, as the first explanation of what some have long suspected, researchers announced that human activity helps sustain and feed naturally occurring red tide blooms in Southwest Florida. Conducted by the University of Florida, SCCF Marine Lab, and Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, the study found that while a combination of factors contributes to red tide blooms, discharges and nutrient inputs have consistently intensified them during the past decade.

Seagrass Studies

The Marine Lab has facilitated research by University of Florida scientists studying nutrient cycling in macroalgae and bivalve communities in seagrasses. This has led to numerous training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students who want to study Southwest Florida ecosystems.

Additionally, a phytoplankton identification guide was launched on iNaturalist with a Florida SouthWestern State College professor. Several grants are supporting research on seagrass and oysters with Florida Gulf Coast University's Water School.

FlyFishers Fund Interns

More opportunities for young scientists will grow from a new Marine Lab Internship Program funded by the Sanibel FlyFishers.

New Dock Coming

Thanks to Deborah La Gorce and Roberta and Philip Puschel, the construction of a new dock and lift will support new opportunities to research habitats surrounding the islands.

RECON 2.0

Thanks to Paul and Lucy Roth, Deborah La Gorce, an anonymous donor, the City of Sanibel, and Lee County, the Marine Lab launched the next generation of sensors for the River, Estuary, and Coastal Observing Network (RECON). We have successfully replaced four out of seven sensors and received grants to add two new sensors in the Caloosahatchee that detect phycocyanin, a pigment found in cyanobacteria. This will allow rapid detection of algal blooms and responses to conduct additional research when necessary. The nextgeneration RECON will also drive new models to help understand past events and the conditions that cause algae blooms.

Oyster & Mangrove Restoration

Our visibility and success in oyster and mangrove restoration on rookery islands in Pine Island Sound would not be possible without SCCF's Coastal Watch program. The outreach and conservation division of SCCF has been doing the heavy lifting of moving oyster shells and planting mangroves with the aid of the R/V Norma Campbell, the perfect vessel for accommodating heavy restoration materials and groups of 10 volunteers. Our success is shown in the number of live oysters and mangroves surviving and thriving at Benedict Key and Hemp Key. The nesting birds that use these islands include reddish egrets (Egretta rufescens), great blue herons (Ardea herodias), double-crested cormorants (Nannopterum auritum), osprey (Pandion haliaetus), brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis), and tricolored herons (Egretta tricolor).