Charlotte Harbor National Estuary Program

Quarterly Environmental Monitoring Summary

March 31, 2004

Through the last quarter, water flows, water quality, and habitat were in generally good shape. Issues of particular concern this quarter included higher than normal water flows from the Myakka, higher than normal excess nutrients in Charlotte Harbor and Lemon Bay, a sewage spill in the Estero Bay basin, closed shellfishing in East Pine Island Sound, and chronic water quality impairments of waterbodies identified within the study area.

Water Flows:

Water flows are within expected limits for October through December for the Peace and Caloosahatchee. The Myakka had more than expected for the 67 year period of record, probably due to groundwater pumping.

Water Quality:

Charlotte Harbor Proper and Lemon Bay are the only waterbodies with up-to-date analysis of monthly monitoring. These waterbodies high slightly higher than normal nutrients but normal chlorophyll levels. Dissolved oxygen and turbidity were slightly better than normal and in excellent shape. The Caloosahatchee basin has on-going problems with excess nutrients, copper, lead, and low dissolved oxygen enrichment. Estero Bay basin has on-going problems with excess nutrients, copper, and low dissolved oxygen. Turbidity and Conductivity is worst in Shell and Prairie Creeks but Southwest Florida Water Management District has drafted a management strategy.

Habitat:

Habitat indicators for the study area were in good shape. Red Tide was not present in samples taken. Two fish kills is within normal parameters. There were no fish lesions, turtle mortality, or marine mammal mortality found. One sewage spill occurred in Estero Bay basin. Seagrasses within the northern portion of the study area have been found to be stable. Analysis is still being conducted for the southern portion of the study area.