Seagrass Monitoring in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Identification_Information
Data_Quality_Information
Spatial_Data_Organization_Information
Spatial_Reference_Information
Entity_and_Attribute_Information
Distribution_Information
Metadata_Reference_Information
Identification Information
Section Index
Citation:
Citation Information:
Originator: These data were collected by Seagrass Ecosystems Research Lab staff at Florida International University
Publication Date: 2003
Title: Seagrass Monitoring in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Geospatial Data Presentation Form: vector digital data
Online Linkage: \\B4ZLT21\camra\fknms_cdrom3\data\seagrass\allsitess2_geo.shp
Description:
Abstract:
Data on the spatial distribution and temporal dynamics of benthic marine communities is being collected using a stratified-random site selection approach coupled with repeated monitoring of permanent sites. Data on abundance, cover, biomass, species composition, productivity, leaf emergence rates, population demographics and nutrient content are being collected on benthic marine plants (macroalgae and seagrasses).
Purpose:
The general objective of seagrass monitoring in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS) is to measure the status and trends of seagrass communities to evaluate progress toward protecting and restoring the living marine resources of the Sanctuary. The scope and depth of this monitoring effort are without precedent or peer for seagrass ecosystems throughout the world. Specific objectives are: 1) To provide data needed to make unbiased, statistically rigorous statements about the status and temporal trends of seagrass communities in the Sanctuary as a whole and within defined strata; 2) To help define reference conditions in order to develop resource-based water quality standards; and 3) To provide a framework for testing hypothesized pollutant fate/effect relationships through process-oriented research and monitoring.
Time Period of Content:
Time Period Information:
Range of Dates/Times:
Beginning Date: 1/1/1996
Ending Date: Present
Currentness Reference: ground condition
Status:
Progress: In Work
Maintenance and Update Frequency: Continually
Spatial Domain:
Bounding Coordinates:
West Bounding Coordinate: -83.044732
East Bounding Coordinate: -80.183442
North Bounding Coordinate: 25.872451
South Bounding Coordinate: 24.428735
Keywords:
Theme:
Theme Keyword Thesaurus: Seagrass Monitoring
Theme Keyword: abundance
Theme Keyword: algae
Theme Keyword: aquatic
Theme Keyword: benthic
Theme Keyword: biodiversity
Theme Keyword: community
Theme Keyword: distribution
Theme Keyword: flora
Theme Keyword: habitat
Theme Keyword: hardbottom
Theme Keyword: land cover
Theme Keyword: marine
Theme Keyword: populations
Theme Keyword: productivity
Theme Keyword: seagrass
Theme Keyword: seasonality
Place:
Place Keyword Thesaurus: Seagrass Monitoring
Place Keyword: Dry Tortugas
Place Keyword: Dry Tortugas National Park
Place Keyword: Everglades National Park
Place Keyword: Florida Bay
Place Keyword: Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Place Keyword: Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge
Place Keyword: John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
Place Keyword: Key West National Wildlife Refuge
Place Keyword: Looe Key National Marine Sanctuary
Place Keyword: Lower Keys
Place Keyword: Middle Keys
Place Keyword: Southwest Florida
Place Keyword: Upper Keys
Access Constraints: None
Use Constraints: None; Please check with data contact to assure appropriateness of application
Point of Contact:
Contact Information:
Contact Person Primary:
Contact Person: Dr. James Fourqurean
Contact Organization: Florida International University
Contact Position: Associate Professor
Contact Address:
Address Type: mailing and physical address
Address:
Southeast Environmental Research Program
Florida International University
City: Miami
State or Province: Florida
Postal Code: 33199
Contact Voice Telephone: (305)3 48-4084
Contact Facsimile Telephone: (305) 348-4096
Contact Electronic Mail Address: fourqure@fiu.edu
Data Set Credit: Fourqurean, J. W., Durako, M. D., and J. C. Zieman. Seagrass monitoring in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
Native Data Set Environment: Microsoft Windows 2000 Version 5.0 (Build 2195) Service Pack 4; ESRI ArcCatalog 9.0.0.535
Data Quality Information
Section Index
Lineage:
Process Step:
Process Description:
OVERVIEW
Seagrass monitoring will involve in situ measurements of population and community level characteristics. Seagrass communities will be monitored using a stratified random design based on the Sanctuary segmentation framework (Klein and Orlando 1994). Three sets of sites will be monitored:
Level I sites (shoot morphometrics and Thalassia productivity)
Randomly chosen, permanent sites will be sampled quarterly to estimate Thalassia productivity and analyze shoot morphometrics. This will allow a comparison of the two approaches to characterizing seagrass community status as a function of the information obtained and the costs of sampling and analysis.
Level II sites (shoot morphometrics)
Wider geographic coverage will be obtained by monitoring additional, randomly chosen sites for shoot morphometrics alone. Sampling will occur annually, with new sites chosen each year.
Level III sites (cover-abundance)
Even wider geographic coverage will be accomplished by using a rapid, semi-quantitative approach to characterizing seagrass community status through measurement of cover-abundance at randomly chosen sites. Sampling will occur annually, with new sites chosen each year.
The mix of site types is intended to monitor trends through quarterly sampling at a few permanent locations (Level I sites) and to annually characterize the broader seagrass population through less intensive, one-time sampling at more locations (Level II and III sites).
Sampling methods will be comparable to those being used to monitor seagrass in Florida Bay and Biscayne Bay. Seagrass communities in these areas are being monitored by researchers from Everglades National Park, Florida International University, the University of Virginia, FMRI, EPA/EMAP, and the Dade County Department of Environmental Management. The approach and methods described in this program have been developed with the collaboration of the primary researchers involved in the ongoing programs.
MONITORING LOCATIONS
Monitoring locations have been chosen to be compatible with other monitoring programs being conducted by Everglades National Park, Florida International University, FMRI, and EPA/EMAP).
Existing benthic maps for the Sanctuary are of limited value for selecting representative seagrass sites (i.e., selecting a probability sample of known seagrass locations). The NOAA/FMRI benthic mapping program scheduled for completion by the spring of 1995 should resolve these inadequacies and data gaps. In the meantime, because seagrass is nearly ubiquitous in the Sanctuary, it is reasonable to select sites by picking random locations. If seagrass is present at the chosen location, a site will be established there; otherwise, the nearest seagrass bed of suitable size on a random compass heading will be chosen. After the benthic mapping program is completed, future sites can be selected as a probability sample from EMAP hexagons where seagrass is present.
Level I Sites
Level I sites will be located in Segments 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. Beginning FY96, there will be six sites in each segment. In Segments 5, 7, and 9 (Atlantic side of the Keys), two sites will be located in each of the following strata: nearshore, Hawk Channel, and offshore. No further stratification is planned within the other segments.
Because it is advantageous to co-locate biological and water quality monitoring sites, and because seagrass is nearly ubiquitous in the Sanctuary, all Level I (permanent) sites will be located at or near water quality stations. Within each stratum, one of the several water quality stations will be picked at random and the seagrass site will be located at the water quality station or in the nearest seagrass bed on a random heading. Randomization of Level I sites is assured by the process used to position water quality stations.
Level II Sites
Level II sites will be located in all segments except number 8. There will be six sites each in Segments 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9; nine sites each in Segments 1 and 2; and three sites in Segment 3. Level II sites will be located randomly within each segment using the EMAP grid. In Segments 5, 7, and 9 (Atlantic side of Keys), the sites will be located within each of the following strata: nearshore, Hawk Channel, and offshore. No further stratification is planned within the other segments.
Level III Sites
Level III sites will be located in all segments except number 8. There will be 10 sites in Segment 3 and 30 sites in each of the others. Level III sites will be located randomly within each segment using the EMAP grid. In Segments 5, 7, and 9, sites will be located in each of the following strata: nearshore, Hawk Channel, and offshore. No further stratification is planned within the other segments.
PARAMETERS AND METHODS
Monitoring will provide measures of population and community level characteristics in the seagrass community, including seagrass cover, density, growth rate, standing crop, productivity, and seagrass elemental content. The parameters to be measured and the sampling frequency and number of sites for each level of effort are listed in Table 1. Level I sites will be sampled quarterly. Level II and III sampling will occur annually, but new sites will be chosen each year.
Sampling techniques to be used in the monitoring program are based on the methodology primarily used by Fourqurean, Zieman, and Durako in Florida Bay to monitor seagrass die-off. The techniques include both rapid, qualitative assessments and more labor-intensive quantitative methods:
Productivity plots will be established at each Level I site. Quarterly quantitative measurements will be made of seagrass standing crop and productivity.
Shoot morphometrics will be analyzed from randomly selected shoots at each Level I and Level II site.
Cover-abundance of seagrass will be estimated at each Level I, Level II, and Level III site.
Seagrass elemental content (carbon, nitrogen and Phosphorus) will be determined for all seagrass species present at Level I and Level II sites, following the methods described in Fourqurean et al. (1992).
Level I Sites
Shoot Morphometrics
At Level I sites, ca. 100 short shoots of each seagrass species present will be collected using sediment core tubes. These shoot samples will be analyzed for:
no. of species
no. of short shoots per species
no. of blades per short shoot
no. of new shoots, fruits, and flowers
no. of leaf scars and no. of leaves per short shoot
shoot age (no. of leaf scars + no. of standing leaves)
plastochrone interval
canopy height
Productivity Measurements
Thalassia productivity will be monitored quarterly in five randomly selected 0.02 m2 plots within each Level I site by using a modification of the leaf marking method (Zieman 1974). Prior to productivity measurements, 0.25 m2 quadrats adjacent to productivity plots will be photographed to provide a permanent visual record. Productivity measurements will be made by randomly placing a 0.02 m2 quadrat within each site and marking the base of each blade within the quadrat with a needle. After 10 to 15 days, all of the above-ground biomass (seagrass short shoots and blades, macroalgae) will be harvested. Blades on each short shoot will be bound together, and the short shoot will be lifted out of the sediment. The material from each quadrat will be placed in a plastic bag, stored under ice, and brought to the laboratory for processing. In the laboratory, the material will be cleaned of fine sediment, using fresh water, and sorted. If the samples cannot be processed immediately, they will be stored at !10EC.
Linear and gravimetric measurements will be made on each sample to determine seagrass community parameters. For each sample, the number of short shoots will be determined and linear measurements will then be estimated from a subsample of three randomly selected short shoots. The following measurements will be made for each subsample:
Number of blades (per short shoot)
Length (cm) of each marked blade
Distance (cm) from the base of the blade to the needle mark
Number and length (cm) of unmarked blades (fresh-growth)
From these measurements, an estimate for the whole sample of the following parameters will be reported:
Above-ground standing crop, as
Total length (cm) of blades m-2 (cm old blades + cm new blades)
Number of short shoots m-2
Mean number of blades per short shoot m-2
Mean number of blades m-2
Productivity (cm new growth on old blades + cm new blades d-1)
Leaf area index (m2 total leaf area m-2 ground surface)
Blades will be treated with a weak HCl solution to remove carbonates, rinsed with freshwater, and oven-dried at 100EC to a constant weight. Oven dry-weight of the blades will be recorded to determine the following parameters:
Standing crop in g m-2 (as oven dry-weight of all blades in a sample)
Production in g m-2 d-1 (as oven dry-weight of new leaves and new growth on old leaves divided by number of days growth)
Specific growth rate or turnover rate as percent/day (production/standing crop)
Seagrass Elemental Content
Five samples of representative short shoots of each species will be collected at each level I site for determination of C, N and P content. The number of shoots collected for each sample is a function of species, with 5 Thalassia testudinum, 10 Syringodium filiforme, and 15 Halodule wrightii shoots being collected. These shoots will be selected arbitrarily, and collected in a manner that ensures sampling of complete shoots. These will be stored in a plastic bag on ice and transported back to the laboratory. Leaves will be separated from the shoots, and cleaned of epiphytes by gently scraping with a sharp blade. All baldes from a sample will be pooled, rinsed in tap water, and dried to constant weight at 60 C. Dried samples will be homogenized in a mortar and pestle or a mill. Samples will then be stored over dessicant until they are analyzed.
Carbon and nitrogen content will determined for triplicate subsamples from each sample, using an automated, combustion technique. Phosphorus content will be determined in duplicate using a dry-oxidation, acid-hydrolysis procedure (details of methods in Fourqurean et al. 1992).
Other Samples/Observations
Qualitative cover-abundance observations (same as for Level III sites; see below) will be recorded to allow cross-comparison of data.
Level II Sites
Level II sampling will occur annually, with new sites each year. At each Level II site, 50 randomly selected shoots will be collected and analyzed for shoot morphometrics. The shoots will be processed as described above for Level I sites. C:N:P analysis of samples will follow the procedure outlined above. Qualitative cover-abundance observations (same as for Level III sites; see below) will be recorded to allow cross-comparison of data.
Level III Sites
Level III sampling will occur annually, with new sites each year. Each Level III site will surveyed once for seagrass and macroalgal abundance using the Braun-Blanquet cover-abundance scale. Depending on the community type and macrophyte density, a grid or a transect will be set up at each site, and cover-abundance in six to ten 0.25 m2 quadrats located randomly within the grid or along the transect will be assessed according to the following scale:
5 any number, with cover of more than 75% of the quadrat
4 any number, with 50 to 75% cover
3 any number, with 25 to 50% cover
2 any number, with 5-25% cover
1 numerous, but less than 5% cover, or scattered with up to 5% cover
+ few, with small cover (assigned a value of 0.5)
r solitary with small cover (assigned a value of 0.1)
The upper four scale values (5, 4, 3, 2) refer only to cover. The lower three scales are primarily estimates of abundance, i.e. the number of individuals per species. Frequency of occurrence, abundance, and density information for a species within a transect will be calculated using the following formulas:
Frequency = number of occupied quadrats/total number of quadrats
Abundance = sum of Braun-Blanquet scale values/number of occupied quadrats
Density = sum of Braun-Blanquet scale values/total number of quadrats
The presence/absence of fleshy epiphytic algae, calcareous epiphytic algae, and macroalgae will also be noted.
Cloud Cover:
Spatial Data Organization Information
Section Index
Direct Spatial Reference Method: Vector
Point and Vector Object Information:
SDTS Terms Description:
SDTS Point and Vector Object Type: Entity point
Point and Vector Object Count: 1577
Spatial Reference Information
Section Index
Horizontal Coordinate System Definition:
Geographic:
Latitude Resolution: 0
Longitude Resolution: 0
Geographic Coordinate Units: Decimal degrees
Geodetic Model:
Horizontal Datum Name: North American Datum of 1983
Ellipsoid Name: Geodetic Reference System 80
Semi-major Axis: 6378137
Denominator of Flattening Ratio: 298.257222
Entity and Attribute Information
Section Index
Detailed Description:
Entity Type:
Entity Type Label: allsitess2_geo
Attribute:
Attribute Label: DEPTHM
Attribute Definition: Depth (in meters)
Attribute:
Attribute Label: FID
Attribute Definition: Internal feature number.
Attribute Definition Source: ESRI
Attribute Domain Values:
Unrepresentable Domain: Sequential unique whole numbers that are automatically generated.
Attribute:
Attribute Label: HDA
Attribute Definition: Halophila decipiens Abundance
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 5
Attribute Units of Measure: Braun Blanquet density scores
Attribute:
Attribute Label: HDD
Attribute Definition: Halophila decipiens Density
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 5
Attribute Units of Measure: Braun Blanquet density scores
Attribute:
Attribute Label: HDF
Attribute Definition: Halophila decipiens Frequency of Occurance
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 1
Attribute Units of Measure: Percent
Attribute:
Attribute Label: HEA
Attribute Definition: Halophila engelmannii Abundance
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 5
Attribute Units of Measure: Braun Blanquet density scores
Attribute:
Attribute Label: HED
Attribute Definition: Halophila engelmannii Abundance
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 5
Attribute Units of Measure: Braun Blanquet density scores
Attribute:
Attribute Label: HEF
Attribute Definition: Halophila engelmannii Frequency of Abundance
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 1
Attribute Units of Measure: Percent
Attribute:
Attribute Label: HWA
Attribute Definition: Halodule wrightii Abundance
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 5
Attribute Units of Measure: Braun Blanquet density scores
Attribute:
Attribute Label: HWD
Attribute Definition: Halodule wrightii Density
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 5
Attribute Units of Measure: Braun Blanquet density scores
Attribute:
Attribute Label: HWF
Attribute Definition: Halodule wrightii Frequency of Abundance
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 1
Attribute Units of Measure: Percent
Attribute:
Attribute Label: RICHNESS
Attribute Definition: A summation of seagrass richness for the 5 species of seagrass
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 5
Attribute Units of Measure: Braun Blanquet density scores
Attribute:
Attribute Label: SERIAL
Attribute Definition: Number assigned to seasonal sites
Attribute:
Attribute Label: SFA
Attribute Definition: Syringodium filoforme Frequency
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 5
Attribute Units of Measure: Braun Blanquet density scores
Attribute:
Attribute Label: SFD
Attribute Definition: Syringodium filoforme Density
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 5
Attribute Units of Measure: Braun Blanquet density scores
Attribute:
Attribute Label: SFF
Attribute Definition: Syringodium filoforme Frequency of Abundance
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 1
Attribute Units of Measure: Percent
Attribute:
Attribute Label: Shape
Attribute Definition: Feature geometry.
Attribute Definition Source: ESRI
Attribute Domain Values:
Unrepresentable Domain: Coordinates defining the features.
Attribute:
Attribute Label: SITE
Attribute Definition: Unique identifier for each station
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: Unique identifier for each station
Attribute:
Attribute Label: STATION
Attribute Definition: General description of the site's classification: Seasonal, Permanent, or SW Shelf
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: General description of the site's classification
Attribute:
Attribute Label: TTA
Attribute Definition: Thalassia testudinum Abundance
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 5
Attribute Units of Measure: Braun Blanquet density scores
Attribute:
Attribute Label: TTD
Attribute Definition: Thalassia testudinum Density
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 5
Attribute Units of Measure: Braun Blanquet density scores
Attribute:
Attribute Label: TTF
Attribute Definition: Thalassia testudinum Frequency of Abundance
Attribute Domain Values:
Range Domain:
Range Domain Minimum: 0
Range Domain Maximum: 1
Attribute Units of Measure: Percent
Attribute:
Attribute Label: UTMX
Attribute Definition: X-coordinate for site (UTM, Zone 17, NAD83)
Attribute:
Attribute Label: UTMY
Attribute Definition: Y-coordinate for site (UTM, Zone 17, NAD83)
Attribute:
Attribute Label: YEAR
Attribute Definition: The year the date were captured
Overview Description:
Entity and Attribute Overview:
This data set contains data collected by the Seagrass Ecosystems Research Lab at FIU. Abundance, Density, and Frequency are collected for five seagrass species: Halophila decipiens, Halophila engelmannii, Halodule wrightii, Syringodium filoforme, and Thalassia testudinum.
Abundance is defined as the sum of Braun-Blanquet scale values/number of occupied quadrats
Density is defined as the sum of Braun-Blanquet scale values/total number of quadrats
Frequency is defined as the number of occupied quadrats/total number of quadrats
Distribution Information
Section Index
Distributor:
Contact Information:
Contact Person Primary:
Contact Person: Chris Anderson
Contact Organization: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institue
Contact Position: WQPP Data Manage
Contact Address:
Address Type: mailing and physical address
Address: 100 8th Ave. SE
City: St. Petersburg
State or Province: Florida
Postal Code: 33701
Contact Voice Telephone: (727) 896-8626
Contact Facsimile Telephone: (727) 893-1679
Contact Electronic Mail Address: chris.anderson@myfwc.com
Resource Description: Downloadable Data
Standard Order Process:
Digital Form:
Digital Transfer Information:
Fees: None. However, persons or organizations requesting information must provide transfer media (CD-ROM only) if FTP is not available and must pay express shipping costs if express shipping is required.
Ordering Instructions:
Contact WQPP Data Manager or Project Manager by e-mail, telephone, or letter explaining which products are needed and providing a brief description of how the products will be used. Also, provide name and address of the person or organization requesting the products.
Turnaround: Usually within 10 business days, although, complex requests may take longer
Distribution Information
Section Index
Distributor:
Contact Information:
Contact Person Primary:
Contact Person: Susie P. Escorcia
Contact Organization: Florida International University
Contact Position: Project Manager
Contact Address:
Address Type: mailing and physical address
Address:
Southeast Environmental Research Program
Florida International University
City: Miami
State or Province: Florida
Postal Code: 33199
Contact Voice Telephone: (305) 348-1556
Contact Electronic Mail Address: escorcia@fiu.edu
Standard Order Process:
Ordering Instructions:
Contact WQPP Data Manager or Project Manager by e-mail, telephone, or letter explaining which products are needed and providing a brief description of how the products will be used. Also, provide name and address of the person or organization requesting the products.
Metadata Reference Information
Section Index
Metadata Date: 1/26/2005
Metadata Review Date:
Metadata Future Review Date:
Metadata Contact:
Contact Information:
Contact Person Primary:
Contact Person: Chris Anderson
Contact Organization: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institue
Contact Position: WQPP Data Manage
Contact Address:
Address Type: mailing and physical address
Address: 100 8th Ave. SE
City: St. Petersburg
State or Province: Florida
Postal Code: 33701
Contact Voice Telephone: (727) 896-8626
Contact Facsimile Telephone: (727) 893-1679
Contact Electronic Mail Address: chris.anderson@myfwc.com
Metadata Standard Name: FGDC Content Standards for Digital Geospatial Metadata
Metadata Standard Version: FGDC-STD-001-1998
Metadata Time Convention: local time
Metadata Extensions:
Online Linkage: http://www.esri.com/metadata/esriprof80.html
Profile Name: ESRI Metadata Profile
SMMS Metadata report generated Thursday, 03/March/2005