Volume transport and nutrient loading between Florida Bay and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary through Long Key Channel

Authors

Johathan Patrick Gibson, Florida International University

Document Type

Thesis

Degree

Master of Science (MS)

Major/Program

Biology

First Advisor's Name

Daniel L. Childers

First Advisor's Committee Title

Committee Chair

Second Advisor's Name

Ned P. Smith

Third Advisor's Name

James W. Fourqurean

Fourth Advisor's Name

Joseph N. Boyer

Date of Defense

11-15-2005

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to directly quantify the transport of water and nutrients between Florida Bay and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. The study was located at Long Key Channel, the principal conduit for exchange between these two federally protected ecosystems. Measurements of volume and mass transport were taken using acoustic Doppler current meters along with concurrent collections of water for nutrient concentrations. These water samples were collected by an underwater autosampler engineered specifically for this project. Results indicate an annual net flux of 5500 metric tons of total nitrogen (TN) and 90 metric tons of total phosphorus (TP) from Florida Bay to the Atlantic through the Middle Keys tidal channels. These estimates are less than half of previously reported values and are minor compared to input of nutrients to the FKNMS from offshore tidal bores.

Identifier

FI15101579

Recommended Citation

Gibson, Johathan Patrick, "Volume transport and nutrient loading between Florida Bay and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary through Long Key Channel" (2005). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3993.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3993