RECOVER MAP 3.2.3.2 Biscayne Bay Salinity Monitoring Network

The Biscayne Bay Salinity Monitoring Network's (BBSMN) primary purpose is to provide the quality and quantity of data sufficient for determining the effects of CERP on salinity regimes in Biscayne Bay and for other investigators to use in their analysis of effects on organisms. The primary BBSMN area of interest extends from the North Bay area, from just north of the Snake Creek Canal, to Manatee Bay. Historically, freshwater deliveries to Biscayne Bay were delivered through overland and groundwater sources (i.e., transverse glades and coastal wetlands and groundwater seeps and springs). These sources of freshwater flow to Biscayne Bay have been dramatically reduced. Monitoring the salinity conditions and several other water quality parameters in the nearshore shallow areas of Biscayne Bay is important as these areas are considered to be sentinel sites for monitoirng changes in salinity due to CERP project implementation. Thus, this project provides descriptive, spatial, and temporal analysis of salinity patterns in Biscayne Bay. The objectives of this statement of work are to: (1) continue monitoring salinity, conductivity, temperature, and depth at all agreed upon stations; (2) provide this quality assured data to other scientists and managers via the DASR on CERPZone or via the NPS websites; (3) establish reference conditions (document temporal and spatial variability of salinity in the nearshore region of Biscayne Bay); (4) determine the status and trends of a key variable of the Conceptual Ecological Model (CEM); and (5) provide data for evaluation of the MAP Performance Measures and review for the Systems Status Report. All statements of work, work plans, and deliverables (status, annual, and final reports) are stored in the North Docbase of Documentum at the following link: https://www.cerpzone.info/webtop/drl/objectId/0b009f5c80072974.