Biscayne Bay Alongshore Epifauna

Field studies to characterize the alongshore epifauna (shrimp, crabs, echinoderms, and small fishes) along the western shore of southern Biscayne Bay were started in 2005 and then expanded in 2007 as part of the monitoring program of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP). Species abundance indices (occurrence and density) and community metrics (diversity and other) were examined and followed over time. Relationships to salinity were explored and, as the time series lengthened, Habitat Suitabiity Indices (HSI) in relation to salinity and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) could be developed. In 2012, the alongshore epifauna project became integrated three other projects in IBBEAM (Integrated Biscayne Bay Ecological Assessment and Monitoring) and continues to provide feedback for CERP on the effects of CERP project implementations in an adaptive management process. Most recently IBBEAM is monitoring the effects of advance implementations of the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project, a component of CERP.

The purpose of the alongshore epifauna project and the subsequent IBBEAM integrated project is to protect Biscayne Bay living resources and provide information on nearshore effects of implementation of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP). The western nearshore area of southern Biscayne Bay is an important nursery and feeding ground for fishery and other species. Performance measures developed from IBBEAM are used to assess CERP results, relating the nearshore Biscayne Bay ecosystem to water management.