Near-Surface Water-Quality Surveys of the Caloosahatchee River and Downstream Estuaries, Florida, USA

Moving-boat surveys are used to produce water-quality maps at least six times per year. The boat surveys typically began at the boat ramp near Punta Rassa, enters San Carlos Bay, travel around Pine Island and finally travel upstream along the Caloosahatchee River, ending at the W. P. Franklin Lock and Dam (S-79). Sensor and coordinate data are recorded as the boat travels throughout the study area making measurements using a flow-through onboard pump system. Salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity data are recorded at 5-second intervals. Sensors are calibrated prior to each survey following procedures described in Wagner and others (2006). Data is processed and reviewed using procedures outlined in Soderqvist and Patino (2010). Water quality maps are created using ESRI Arc Map GIS program. Maps and data in table format can be retrieved by date of survey and parameter.