The ecological condition of south Florida estuaries

An assessment of the ecological condition ofsouth Florida estuaries based on regional probabilisticmonitoring was conducted during the summer of 1995. Samples anddata were collected on water and sediment quality, benthos, andfish tissue contaminants. Elevated concentrations of metals andpesticides were measured in both sediments and fish tissue withsome exceedances of guidance values. Bottom dissolved oxygenlevels over 23–37% of the area were below state criteria. Eighty-eight percent of surface waters had greater than10% penetration of ambient light to a depth of 1.0 m. Ninepercent of the area studied in South Florida exhibited degradedbiology and impaired use based on a calculated index ofecological condition. Using the probability-based monitoringdesign, useful information of this type can be provided toresource managers regarding estuarine condition on a regional scale.