RECOVER MAP 3.3.4.1 Reconnaissnce Study of Caloosahatchee

The objectives of the collaborative CRE program are to describe present-dayconditions of the study area, and to determine and empirically evaluate causal relationships of river flow to the distribution, abundance, and/or condition of selected valued ecosystem components. Specific issues to be evaluated by the CRE Cooperative Research Plan include the following:
· Role of hydrology (discharge) relative to red tide events
· Effects of salinity fluctuations on SAV beds, oysters, and juvenile fish populations and densities
· Ecological significance of SAV beds and oyster bars and the potential to reestablish these communities
· The effect of the presence and intensity of red tide blooms on juvenile fish and manatee health (as assessed through immune function ) within the estuary
· Effects of manatee use of SAV on SAV productivity in the Caloosahatchee River and nearby waters
· The effect of loss or reduction of SAV in the estuary on manatee health
· Immunological or other biomarkers that indicate serious exposure and potential compromises of manatee health
Studies began in 2001-2002, on the subjects of red tide, SAV, SAV-dependent fish communities, manatee distribution and abundance, manatee immunology, oyster growth and condition, oyster disease, and oyster-dependent fish communities.