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.

To fishery Scientists and other qualified researchers upon request.

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Data set is not for use in litigation. While efforts have been made to ensure that these data are accurate and reliable, NOAA cannot assume liability for any damages or misrepresentations caused by inaccuracies in these data, or as a result of these data being used on a particular system. NOAA makes no warranty, expressed or implied, nor does distribution constitute any such warranty

Another member of the laboratory staff checks each entry in the excel spreadsheet against the data in the laboratory record sheet and corrects any discrepancies. A further check of the data is made at the time of summarization.

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Field data include date, site number, geographic coordinates, and measurements taken in the field. Three samples are collected at each site and returned to the laboratory for processing. Processing includes: 1) removing animals from the debris (mud and vegetation), 2) sorting first by higher taxonomic group (fish, shrimp, crabs, echinoderms), 3) identification to species or lowest taxonomic group possible, 4) individual measurements, 5) a record for each individual on a laboratory record sheet, 6) entry of the data on laboratory record sheet to excel spreadsheet, with separate spreadsheets and information for each higher taxonomic group.