Abundance of Pyrodinium bahamense resting cysts in Old Tampa Bay, Florida during 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2023

These data were collected as part of a joint agency effort and multiple projects to monitor and understand distributions of Pyrodinium bahamense resting cysts in the sediments of Old Tampa Bay, Florida. The method of collection varied according to project and are indicated in file. Spatial sediment surveys (via grab samples) were performed in 2015, 2019, and 2023 in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County (EPCHC). Short sediment core samples were collected in 2015 and 2016 in collaboration with USGS as part of a project funded by Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund (TBERF). Cyst abundances are provided as cysts per gram of wet sediment or cysts per cubic centimeter of wet sediment or both, depending on the project, as indicated in the file. Sediment grab samples (spatial surveys) were performed through collaborations and existing monitoring efforts of the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Sediment core data collection and analysis were supported by the Tampa Bay Environmental Research Fund in collaboration with USGS.