Publication Details
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Integrated Assessment of Ecosystem Condition and Stressor Impacts in Submerged Habitats of the Guana Tolomato Matanzas (GTM) National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR)
Author(s): Balthis W. L.; J. L. Hyland; C. Cooksey; M. H. Fulton; E. Wirth
NCCOS Center: CCEHBR
Publication Type: NOAA Technical Memoranda
Journal Title: NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS NCCOS 231
Date of Publication: 2017
Reference Information:
52 pp.
Abstract: The Guana Tolomato Matanzas reserve is one of 28 National Estuarine Research Reserves (GTM-NERR) encompassing approximately 73,300 acres of salt marsh and mangrove tidal wetlands, oyster bars, estuarine lagoons, upland areas, and offshore ocean waters along the northeastern coast of Florida in St. Johns and Flagler Counties. A study was initiated in summer 2014, through collaborative efforts by NOAA’s National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (NCCOS) and GTM-NERR staff, to assess the status of ecosystem condition and potential stressor impacts throughout submerged (subtidal, with the exception of intertidal oyster) habitats of the GTM reserve using multiple indicators of ecological condition. Results, reported herein, are intended to help address priority science and management research gaps identified in the GTM-NERR Site Profile and Management Plan, including characterization of submerged habitats and associated living resources, biological monitoring with measures of biodiversity and condition, and GIS-based mapping of submerged habitats to serve as baselines for future change analysis.
Specific objectives of the study are:
• To assess current status of ecosystem condition and potential stressor impacts throughout submerged habitats of the GTM-NERR, based on a field survey conducted in summer 2014 using multiple indicators of ecological condition including general habitat characteristics, stressor levels, sediment toxicity, health of resident benthic fauna, human-health risks, and aesthetics.
• To provide a quantitative baseline for detecting future change in condition in relation to natural factors (e.g., climatic) or anthropogenic impacts (e.g., pollution, habitat alteration).
• To provide GIS-based maps of habitat quality as tools for managers to use in monitoring status and trends in condition and identifying potential vulnerable areas or areas in need of management attention.
• To provide information to address priority research gaps identified in the GTM-NERR Site Profile and Management Plan as well as other evolving science and management needs.
• To generate reserve-wide measures of biological condition and sediment/water quality to complement the reserve’s time-series of water-quality data from its ongoing SWMP efforts at fixed monitoring sites.
Availability: len.balthis@noaa.gov
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