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Title: Dropping Acid: Global Warming's Equally Evil Twin Ocean Acidification in Estero Bay, Florida.
Creator: Nathanson, Marshall, Aquila: The FGCU Student Research Journal Vol. II
Abstract / Description: In the face of anthropogenically induced geochemical shifts, our oceans are increasingly at risk from an exponentially increasing atmospheric partial pressure of carbon dioxide. When there is a surplus of CO2 in the atmosphere, it dissolves into the ocean and forms carbonic acid (H2CO3). This absorption by the ocean helps curb atmospheric emissions, but also alters ocean chemistry and causes a reduction in seawater pH [Doney et al., 2009]. We are beginning to witness biota face detrimental...
Show moreIn the face of anthropogenically induced geochemical shifts, our oceans are increasingly at risk from an exponentially increasing atmospheric partial pressure of carbon dioxide. When there is a surplus of CO2 in the atmosphere, it dissolves into the ocean and forms carbonic acid (H2CO3). This absorption by the ocean helps curb atmospheric emissions, but also alters ocean chemistry and causes a reduction in seawater pH [Doney et al., 2009]. We are beginning to witness biota face detrimental consequences from environments with lower-than-normal pH. However, no research has been conducted to determine the risk that calcium carbonate accumulators face in Estero Bay. Therefore, this research is being conducted to gain knowledge about the effects that a 0.4 decrease in pH would have on Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) populations.
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Date Issued: 2016-04
Identifier: fgcu_aquila_0007
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Influence of environmental factors on the spatial and temporal distributions and abundances of ichthyoplankton and gelatinous predators in Estero Bay, Florida, with inferences on estuarine trophodynamics.
Creator: Evans, James T. III
Abstract / Description: It is well known that gelatinous zooplankton such as chaetognaths, hydromedusae and ctenophores are voracious predators of copepods and the eggs and larvae of fishes. Because gelatinous predators and ichthyoplankton often co-occur within estuaries, changes in environmental factors, many of which are driven by freshwater inflow, can influence zooplankton distribution and abundance, potentially altering trophic relationships. To determine how freshwater inflow shapes ichthyoplankton and...
Show moreIt is well known that gelatinous zooplankton such as chaetognaths, hydromedusae and ctenophores are voracious predators of copepods and the eggs and larvae of fishes. Because gelatinous predators and ichthyoplankton often co-occur within estuaries, changes in environmental factors, many of which are driven by freshwater inflow, can influence zooplankton distribution and abundance, potentially altering trophic relationships. To determine how freshwater inflow shapes ichthyoplankton and gelatinous predator assemblages and the potential interactions between them, zooplankton were collected monthly using oblique plankton tows at 16 stations throughout Estero Bay, Florida from January 2005 through December 2006. Samples were collected from the passes, open bay waters and tidal tributaries. Ichthyoplankton and gelatinous zooplankton were identified to the lowest practical taxon and data were analyzed using contour plots, and correlation and regression analyses. Distribution and abundance of ichthyoplankton were primarily influenced by reproductive timing, water temperature, salinity, prey availability, and freshwater inflow. Gelatinous predator abundances were primarily influenced by water temperature, prey availability, and freshwater inflow. Ichthyoplankton abundances were 2-fold higher in 2005 compared to 2006. Conversely, gelatinous predator abundances were 8-fold higher in 2006 compared to 2005. The high degree of interannual variability in abundances between years was likely related to differences in freshwater inflow. Data suggest flows >0.5 m3 s-1 would be sufficient to prevent a majority of the gelatinous predator taxa identified in this study from entering nursery habitat associated with the tributaries. This would result in less competition for resources and may increase survival rates of larval fishes.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0429
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Abundance of Lucinidae Clams in Estero Bay.
Creator: Walters, Alexandra, STEM Undergraduate Research Symposium
Abstract / Description: Clams in the family Lucinidae have a unique symbiosis with chemosynthetic sulfide-oxidizing bacteria that live in the clams’ specialized gills. The focus of this study will be analyzing the abundance of Lucinid clams at sites that have seagrass or no seagrass within Estero Bay. Results have indicated that there is a strong correlation of seagrass sites containing lucinids, as well as, a high diversity of clams. The data within this study could potentially benefit future studies because it...
Show moreClams in the family Lucinidae have a unique symbiosis with chemosynthetic sulfide-oxidizing bacteria that live in the clams’ specialized gills. The focus of this study will be analyzing the abundance of Lucinid clams at sites that have seagrass or no seagrass within Estero Bay. Results have indicated that there is a strong correlation of seagrass sites containing lucinids, as well as, a high diversity of clams. The data within this study could potentially benefit future studies because it will provide confirmation that lucinids are within seagrass sites and more specifically which species of lucinids are in Estero Bay.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0084
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Seagrass Abundance and Distribution in relation to Changing Environmental Factors in Estero Bay, Florida.
Creator: Rickards, Lisa Marie
Abstract / Description: Seagrasses provide various ecological services including water filtration, sediment stabilization, provisioning of food and habitat, and carbon sequestration. However, seagrasses are declining globally, largely due to decreases in optical water quality. Estero Bay is a shallow estuary in Southwest Florida and has historically had extensive seagrass beds. Anecdotal reports suggest that seagrasses are seriously declining in the Bay, but trends in the monitoring data are difficult to interpret....
Show moreSeagrasses provide various ecological services including water filtration, sediment stabilization, provisioning of food and habitat, and carbon sequestration. However, seagrasses are declining globally, largely due to decreases in optical water quality. Estero Bay is a shallow estuary in Southwest Florida and has historically had extensive seagrass beds. Anecdotal reports suggest that seagrasses are seriously declining in the Bay, but trends in the monitoring data are difficult to interpret. In this analysis, we updated and integrated all available seagrass data for Estero Bay, as well as analyzed trends in seagrass abundance in relation to available environmental factors. In addition, we developed a new, Bay-wide monitoring technique to quantify seagrass health and extent, and utilized the method quarterly for a year (2017-2018). This monitoring effort was paired with water quality data collection to relate seagrass abundance to spatial and short-term temporal variation in environmental conditions. Optical water quality was measured as light attenuation and was also partitioned into three main components: chlorophyll a, turbidity, and colored dissolved organic matter. Analysis of historical transect monitoring data and aerial photography demonstrated that seagrass abundance and density are in serious decline in the Bay. Seagrass losses from 2003-2016 were best predicted by temperature and total phosphorus concentrations, which had negative and positive relationships with seagrass abundance, respectively. Analysis of our 2017-2018 data indicated that seagrass abundance was positively correlated with light availability and inversely correlated with macroalgae cover and turbidity. Both analyses were consistent with the hypothesis that eutrophication is a major contributor to poor optical water quality and seagrass declines, implying that efforts to reduce nutrient loading into the system are strongly needed.
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Date Issued: 2018-08-09
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0251
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A Reconstruction of Past Intense Hurricane Landfalls in Estero Bay Utilizing Back-Barrier Lagoonal Sediments.
Creator: Culligan, Nicholas
Abstract / Description: As hurricanes are one of nature’s most destructive forces, patterns in the recurrence intervals of intense hurricane landfalls are important to understand. Unfortunately, the modern instrumental record exists only as far back as 1860, which does not allow for geologically long-term hurricane trends to be studied. Paleotempestology is the study of ancient hurricane by means of sediment proxies, which allows for the hurricane record to be extended to before the modern record. Utilizing sediment...
Show moreAs hurricanes are one of nature’s most destructive forces, patterns in the recurrence intervals of intense hurricane landfalls are important to understand. Unfortunately, the modern instrumental record exists only as far back as 1860, which does not allow for geologically long-term hurricane trends to be studied. Paleotempestology is the study of ancient hurricane by means of sediment proxies, which allows for the hurricane record to be extended to before the modern record. Utilizing sediment cores that contain hurricane overwash layers (tempestites), the occurrence of hurricanes can be confirmed using moisture content, inorganic content, grain size analysis, and radiometric dating. Estero Bay is in a hurricane prone and extremely populated area. The recurrence interval for catastrophic hurricanes and the strength of the storm surge of hurricanes in this area is important to determine. This study utilizes paleotempestology to extend the hurricane record of Estero Bay and create a timeline for catastrophic hurricanes that have made landfall here. Additionally, this study serves to create a comprehensive guide to tempestite types found in Estero Bay and Southwest Florida. Hurricane Irma also occurred during the study period which allowed for the unique opportunity to study the tempestite deposition from a hurricane in which all parameters are known. Four confirmed tempestites from two sites ranging in age from 60-2000 years before present (YBP) were identified and classified. Additionally, characteristics and long-term trends of Estero Bay back-barrier lagoons were determined. This study is only the second paleotempestology study in Southwest Florida and the first which investigates an area that directly affects tens of thousands of people.
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Date Issued: 2018-08-24
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0259
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Impervious Surface Analysis of the Estero Bay Watershed in Lee County, Florida.
Creator: Burr, Derek C.S.
Abstract / Description: It is not known if the increases in water quality degradation are the result of flawed BMPs or the overall cumulative increases in impervious surface are thus making BMPs ineffective. Impervious surface runoff coefficients represent the fraction of rainfall that runs off an impervious structure and becomes storm water runoff. Research also has shown that increases in impervious surface because of human development are a direct indicator of the future water and ecosystem quality (Schueler,...
Show moreIt is not known if the increases in water quality degradation are the result of flawed BMPs or the overall cumulative increases in impervious surface are thus making BMPs ineffective. Impervious surface runoff coefficients represent the fraction of rainfall that runs off an impervious structure and becomes storm water runoff. Research also has shown that increases in impervious surface because of human development are a direct indicator of the future water and ecosystem quality (Schueler, 1994). The purpose of this thesis is to determine if there is any indication of a relationship between impervious surface changes and the water quality of the Estero Bay Watershed.
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Date Issued: 2008
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0414
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Sources and characterization of dissolved organic matter in Southern Estero Bay, Florida.
Creator: Ketover, Rheannon Dian-Joy
Abstract / Description: Increasing residential and commercial development along the coasts of southwest Florida has resulted in lower water quality in local estuaries. Estero Bay's primary tributaries have experienced hypoxic conditions as well as elevated turbidity and nutrient concentrations. This study aimed to characterize the sources of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and inorganic nutrients to southern Estero Bay. Water samples were collected monthly along two tributary transects within Estero Bay on the Estero...
Show moreIncreasing residential and commercial development along the coasts of southwest Florida has resulted in lower water quality in local estuaries. Estero Bay's primary tributaries have experienced hypoxic conditions as well as elevated turbidity and nutrient concentrations. This study aimed to characterize the sources of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and inorganic nutrients to southern Estero Bay. Water samples were collected monthly along two tributary transects within Estero Bay on the Estero and Imperial rivers. Elemental ratios of DOM (as dissolved organic carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus; DOC, DON, DOP, respectively) had C:P (700-5000) and C:N (14-31) ratios greater than Redfield, indicating highly-refractory influences from vascular plants, while organic N:P ratios were between 23-42. The presence of the humic-derived terrestrial organic matter fluorescence peak from chromophoric dissolved organic matter analyses in all areas of Estero Bay suggests that mangrove detritus may be the primary source of DOM in the estuary. Ratios of C:P and N:P showed seasonality with greatest values occurring in the dry season, suggesting increased inputs of P during periods of heavy rainfall while C:N ratios did not vary significantly throughout the year. Overall concentrations of dissolved inorganic nutrients in the Imperial River were greater than in the Estero River. Mixing curve models suggested that there was a source of DOC within the Imperial River throughout the year and within the Estero River during the dry season only. Dissolved organic nitrogen was conservatively mixed along both transects indicating that much of it is refractory, while DOP was conservatively mixed in the Imperial River and a source within the Estero River. Benthic flux chamber experiments in two fringing mangroves showed that the low-impact backwater site (Fish Trap Bay), was an annual source of DOC and a sink for DOP to the water column, while Big Hickory Pass, an outlet to the Gulf, showed the opposite trend. These results suggest the possibility of no net benthic flux of DOC and DOP in the estuary. Both sites were sinks for DON indicating a highly N-limited system, and were also sinks for DIN and DIP annually. Together with higher DOM concentrations at lower salinities, these results indicate that much of the DOMin the estuary may be derived from anthropogenic terrestrial sources or perhaps more predominately, from benthic mangrove remineralization and decomposition of detrital material.
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Date Issued: 2011
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0428
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Estero Bay and Watershed Management and Improvement Plan Workshop.
Creator: Estero Bay and Watershed Management and Improvement Plan Workshop (1996 : Ft. Myers, Fla.), South Florida Water Management District (Fla.)
Abstract / Description: On May 1, 1996, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) convened a one-day workshop in Ft. Myers, Florida, addressing conservation, management, and improvement of Estero Bay. The workshop was attended by over twenty-five representatives of environmental and civic groups, as well as of local, regional, and state governments and agencies. The purpose of the workshop was twofold: to provide input to the SFWMD in the preparation of its Estero Bay and Watershed Management and...
Show moreOn May 1, 1996, the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) convened a one-day workshop in Ft. Myers, Florida, addressing conservation, management, and improvement of Estero Bay. The workshop was attended by over twenty-five representatives of environmental and civic groups, as well as of local, regional, and state governments and agencies. The purpose of the workshop was twofold: to provide input to the SFWMD in the preparation of its Estero Bay and Watershed Management and Improvement Plan; and to identify actions which local governments, environmental groups, and other stakeholders in Bay issues could undertake in the short-term to improve the condition of the Bay.
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Date Issued: 1996
Identifier: 39645748, fgcu_swfe_0472, AAA3764 QF
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve Management Plan.
Creator: Gissendanner, Elton J., Florida, Florida
Abstract / Description: This management plan addresses the Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve in southwest Florida. The plan is divided into chapters according to their management application. Topics covered include: management authority; major program policy directives; resource description; resource management; management implementation network; public, private, and commercial uses; scientific research; environmental education; and identified program needs.
Date Issued: 1983
Identifier: 12436642, fgcu_swfe_0049
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Light attenuation with respect to seagrasses in Sarasota Bay, Florida.
Creator: Mote Marine Laboratory (Sarasota, Fla.), Sarasota Bay National Estuary Program (Fla.), PALMM (Project)
Abstract / Description: Report of a study examining the factors contributing to water column light attenuation conducted at the deep edges of seven seagrass beds in Sarasota Bay. Results and discussion include water quality parameters, in situ diffuse attenuation coefficients, adjusted attenuation coefficients, laboratory attenuation coefficients, regression models of attenuation, partitioning of attenuation, special absorption and photosynthetic reusable radiation, epiphytic attenuation, light available to the...
Show moreReport of a study examining the factors contributing to water column light attenuation conducted at the deep edges of seven seagrass beds in Sarasota Bay. Results and discussion include water quality parameters, in situ diffuse attenuation coefficients, adjusted attenuation coefficients, laboratory attenuation coefficients, regression models of attenuation, partitioning of attenuation, special absorption and photosynthetic reusable radiation, epiphytic attenuation, light available to the seagrasses, and depth limits of seagrasses. Graphs and tables of data are included. A bibliography is attached.
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Date Issued: 1995
Identifier: GC10000006, 172898, fgcu:22237, AAA5666 QF
Format: E-book

Title: Summary of recent trends in seagrass distributions in southwest Florida coastal waters.
Creator: Kurz, Raymond C., PALMM (Project)
Abstract / Description: Report of a study initiated to assess seagrass coverage in the Tampa Bay, Sarasota Bay, Lemon Bay, and Charlotte Harbor estuaries and to monitor the effects of improvements in water quality on seagrass beds expansion. Maps, charts, tables of data, and a brief bibliography are included.
Date Issued: 1999, 1999
Identifier: AAA5664 QF, GC10000011, 177141, fgcu:22500
Format: E-book

Title: Investigation of Trophic Transfer from Oyster Reefs to Predatory Fishes in Southwest Florida.
Creator: Wasno, Robert Michael
Abstract / Description: Reefs formed by the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica are ecologically and economically important in the estuaries along the East and Gulf coasts of the United States. Crassostrea virginica is a sessile benthic organism that plays a vital role in improving water quality in estuaries by filtering nutrients, sedimentary fines (microscopic sand particles), phytoplankton and pollutants. The resulting increase of sunlight penetration into the water column also helps promote seagrass growth....
Show moreReefs formed by the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica are ecologically and economically important in the estuaries along the East and Gulf coasts of the United States. Crassostrea virginica is a sessile benthic organism that plays a vital role in improving water quality in estuaries by filtering nutrients, sedimentary fines (microscopic sand particles), phytoplankton and pollutants. The resulting increase of sunlight penetration into the water column also helps promote seagrass growth. However, environmental value increases further when oysters and the reefs they create provide feeding stations for many species of predatory fish. These reef structures provide refugia for mobile benthic organisms that utilize the reef's interstitial spaces for protection, feeding and reproductive activities. These organisms are important as a food source for higher trophic level organisms, such as recreationally and commercially important fishes, that use reefs as feeding stations. Previous studies have shown that unique organisms are associated with specific types of benthic habitats, such as oyster reefs, seagrass meadows, mangrove root structure systems and mudflats. Habitats for particular organisms encompass certain characteristics such as physical structure, provision of food, substrate, hydrodynamics and hydrology that, together, determine their utilization by organisms. For example, species of mud crabs in southwest Florida belonging to the family Xanthidae are found predominantly on oyster reefs because of their ability to find protection inside the interstitial spaces between and beneath oyster valves, where they can endure the harsh environment created by inter-tidal exposure, and wave energy. For each of the benthic habitats previously mentioned, there are unique parameters that allow certain organisms to thrive, while others may struggle to survive. Unique organisms that have evolved to exist in a particular environment as their primary residence are usually found in the greatest numbers in those habitats. This presence makes them an indicator species for specific benthic habitats. However, many of these same organisms can be found in lesser numbers in several types of habitat as they could transition between habitats via tidal currents, swimming or hitching a ride on floating algae. This project investigated the link between oyster reef communities and the trophic transfer of biomass to tertiary-level predator fishes that were captured in proximity to isolated reef structures. A previous study using stable isotopes (Abeels et al. 2012), demonstrated trophic transfer of biomass from nutrients in the water column through oysters and several organisms that reside on the oyster reefs. By examining gut contents and identifying prey items classified as oyster reef indicator species, this extension of the trophic link can be established. From January 2006 through September 2006, sampling of fishes around oyster reefs was conducted using an entanglement net (also referred to as a gill net). A total of 294 fishes were captured for analysis of stomach contents. Of those fishes, 106 stomachs contained identifiable prey items. Within the gut contents, a total of 26 different prey item categories were identified. These prey items were then characterized using the Lima-Junior and Goitein (2001) Importance Index method of analysis. This method serves to rank predator diet composition of stomach contents to community prey assemblages of oyster reefs and of those from other benthic habitats. These fishes were captured in the Horseshoe Keys area of Estero Bay, Lee County, Florida from a specified area measuring 4 km2. This site was chosen because of the nearly complete isolation of oyster reef habitat from that of other habitats, such as seagrass. Results showed that prey items indicative of oyster reef residency belonging to the family Xanthidae (mudcrabs) occurred in the greatest number of stomachs (44%). Xanthids found in the stomachs of predator fish include Panopeus spp. and Eurypanopeus depressus. Other prey items deemed to be indicator species of oyster reefs, including Palaemonetes pugio (daggerblade grass shrimp), Alpheus heterochaelis (big claw snapping shrimp), Petrolisthes armatus (green porcelain crab), Opsanus beta (gulf toad fish) and Gobiesox strumosus (skillet fish), occurred in the majority of stomachs, contributing 53% of the overall Importance Index (AI). These indicator species contributed 48% of the dry season diet and 58% of the wet season diet for cumulative prey items of all predators. Results suggest that while the diversity of predatory fish caught in wet and dry seasons did vary, the diets of those fish did not differ significantly. These results demonstrate that several key prey items identified as oyster reef indicator species and found in the stomachs of predatory fishes contribute to oyster reef biomass transfer. Therefore these results identify an important ecological service provided by oyster reefs as feeding sites for a variety of transient fishes. Further studies could show that expanded oyster reef restoration efforts can lead directly to enhanced fisheries production and, peripherally with clearer bay water, to greater production of seagrass meadows. This, in turn, could greatly enhance the overall ecological production of estuaries such as Estero Bay.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: Wasno_fgcu_1743_10084
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Benthic habitat status of the Palm River: 1995-1998.
Creator: Grabe, Stephen A., Karlen, David., Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission, Southwest Florida Water Management District (Fla.), PALMM (Project)
Abstract / Description: Summarizes the results of 16 benthic samples collected during 1995, 1996, 1997, and 1998 from the Palm River in Florida. Results are compared with the Tampa Bay Benthic Index, which integrates Shannon-Wiener diversity, percentage of amphipods and gastropods, and abundance of tubificid oligochaetes and capitellid polychaetes into a single number. Methods, results, and discussion are presented, followed by a brief bibliography, charts, graphs, and tables of data.
Date Issued: [1999], 1999, 1999
Identifier: AAA5911 QF, GC10000014, 173449, fgcu:22601
Format: E-book

Title: Toxicity of tributyltin to marine bivalves.
Creator: Laughlin, Roy B., Pendoley, Peter., United States, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, PALMM (Project)
Abstract / Description: Examines the risks of tributyltin exposure to the hard shell clam and to the oyster, both identified as sensitive nontarget organisms to tributyltin release from antifouling coatings. Acute toxicity to Clam Veligers, chronic Mercenaria mercenaria embryolarval toxicity, hemolymph osmotic and ionic regulation, accumulation of tributyltin by clams, and accumulation of tributyltin by microalgae are examined. Results and discussion follow. Tables and charts. A bibliography and list of publications...
Show moreExamines the risks of tributyltin exposure to the hard shell clam and to the oyster, both identified as sensitive nontarget organisms to tributyltin release from antifouling coatings. Acute toxicity to Clam Veligers, chronic Mercenaria mercenaria embryolarval toxicity, hemolymph osmotic and ionic regulation, accumulation of tributyltin by clams, and accumulation of tributyltin by microalgae are examined. Results and discussion follow. Tables and charts. A bibliography and list of publications are appended.
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Date Issued: [1988], 1988, 1988
Identifier: GC10000013, 177237, fgcu:22548, AAA5677 QF
Format: E-book

Title: Benthic habitat status of the lower Hillsborough River: 1995-1998.
Creator: Grabe, Stephen A., Karlen, David., Hillsborough County Environmental Protection Commission, Southwest Florida Water Management District (Fla.), PALMM (Project)
Abstract / Description: Summarizes the results of an analysis of benthic samples collected during September-October, 1995-1998 from the Lower Hillsborough River. Water column and sediment characteristics and the biota from the samples are discussed. A brief bibliography is included. Charts, graphs, and tables of data are appended.
Date Issued: [1999], 1999, 1999
Identifier: AAA5909 QF, GC10000016, 173771, fgcu:22926
Format: E-book

Title: Imperial River and Estero Bay Circulation: Estimation of Pressure Gradient and Frictional Forcing Based on Flow Monitoring.
Creator: Harvey, Natalie, Stingu, Shanna, Aquila: The FGCU Student Research Journal Vol. V, Issue 1
Abstract / Description: Estuaries are dynamic water bodies with numerous physical and chemical influences dominated by estuarine circulation. The ecosystem is highly sensitive to circulation changes, which itself is controlled by tides, wind, and river hydrology (Geyer 2010). Frictional drag and barotropic and baroclinic pressure gradient forces were quantified to determine the tidal dominance in driving circulation within Estero Bay, Florida and the lower reaches of the Imperial River that joins into the estuary....
Show moreEstuaries are dynamic water bodies with numerous physical and chemical influences dominated by estuarine circulation. The ecosystem is highly sensitive to circulation changes, which itself is controlled by tides, wind, and river hydrology (Geyer 2010). Frictional drag and barotropic and baroclinic pressure gradient forces were quantified to determine the tidal dominance in driving circulation within Estero Bay, Florida and the lower reaches of the Imperial River that joins into the estuary. As freshwater input for this estuary is seasonal in nature, tides control the estuarine dynamics, particularly during the dry season. The study made an attempt to evaluate the tidal circulation characteristics of this shallow estuary during spring and neap tidal conditions. The study concluded that the lower reaches of the Imperial River and the southern end of the Estero Bay experience low salinity due to their remoteness from the tidal inlets. Barotropic pressure gradient force is at least 2 orders of magnitude higher than the baroclinic pressure gradient in this section of the bay, indicating that the water column is more mixed. Additionally, bottom frictional drag was higher during the late ebbing phase of the spring tide, when the water level was at the lowest.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: fgcu_aquila_0042, 10.24049/aq.5.1.5
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Trophic Transfer and Habitat Use of Oyster Crassostrea Virginica Reefs in Southwest Florida Identified Using Stable Isotope Analysis.
Creator: Abeels, Holly A.
Abstract / Description: Oyster reefs have been identified as essential fish habitat for resident and transient species and, thus, provide habitat and shelter for these species. Oyster reefs may also provide higher diversity and availability of food or a greater amount of higher quality food compared to other habitats. Reef resident species are dependent on oyster reefs as their primary habitat and generally feed on other benthic invertebrates and fishes as well as on organic matter sources found on the reef. They...
Show moreOyster reefs have been identified as essential fish habitat for resident and transient species and, thus, provide habitat and shelter for these species. Oyster reefs may also provide higher diversity and availability of food or a greater amount of higher quality food compared to other habitats. Reef resident species are dependent on oyster reefs as their primary habitat and generally feed on other benthic invertebrates and fishes as well as on organic matter sources found on the reef. They use the narrow spaces between shell as shelter from predation and, in some cases, to avoid desiccation.
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Date Issued: 2010
Identifier: fgcu_ETD_0413
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: Application of Brevetoxin in Coastal-Marine Sediments as a Proxy for Reconstruction of Historic Red Tide Events in Southwest Florida.
Creator: Javaruski, James, 2019 STEM Undergraduate Research and Internship Symposium
Abstract / Description: Florida Red tide is a natural phenomenon, having been recorded by Spanish explorers as early as the 15th century. However, nutrient inputs from anthropogenic sources in recent years has exacerbated the issue. The dinoflagellate (K. brevis) is responsible for the release of neurotoxins known as brevetoxins. Brevetoxins are sources of respiratory irritation when aerosolized, as well as neurotoxin shellfish poisoning once accumulated in shellfish and ingested. Brevetoxins sorbed to sedimentary...
Show moreFlorida Red tide is a natural phenomenon, having been recorded by Spanish explorers as early as the 15th century. However, nutrient inputs from anthropogenic sources in recent years has exacerbated the issue. The dinoflagellate (K. brevis) is responsible for the release of neurotoxins known as brevetoxins. Brevetoxins are sources of respiratory irritation when aerosolized, as well as neurotoxin shellfish poisoning once accumulated in shellfish and ingested. Brevetoxins sorbed to sedimentary particles, which is followed by sinking and burial into the seafloor sediments. These toxins can be persistent in sediments, resulting in their accumulation in sediment and marine organisms. The accumulation rates of brevetoxin in Southwest Florida (SWF) coastal sediments reflects past red tide events, recent urbanization and population growth in this region. The main objective of this study was to determine vertical profiles of brevetoxins accumulated and preserved in SWF coastal-marine sediments.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: fgcu_UGR_0139
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: ENFO: Estero Bay: An Inherited Bucket of Worms.
Creator: Partington Jr., William M., Florida Conservation Foundation. Environmental Information Center
Date Issued: 1976.0
Identifier: fgcu_swfe_1007
Format: Document (PDF)

Title: A low-cost transplanting technique for shoalgrass (Halodule wrightii) and manatee grass (Syringodium filiforme).
Creator: Fonseca, Mark S., Palmm (Project), Waterways Experiment Station (U.S.)
Abstract / Description: Describes a method for transplanting shoalgrass and manatee grass including the selection of stock, growth rate, planting site adapt, and a method and tables for estimating the design, labor, and material requirements of the transplanting project.
Date Issued: 1985], 1985, 1985
Identifier: GC10000005, 172830, fgcu:22209, AAA5496 QF
Format: E-book

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