An Invaluable Resource Indian River Lagoon ... - LobbyTools
A Sustained and Diverse Effort
An Invaluable Resource
Harbor Branch researchers have been studying the effects of water quality on seagrasses, macroalgae, dolphin health and on other animals in the IRL and St. Lucie Estuary (SLE) for four decades.
More than beautiful, the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) has an annual economic impact that exceeds $3.7 billion for Florida. Furthermore:
This unique, highly diverse, shallow-water estuary of national significance stretches along 40% of Florida’s east coast
Reduction in IRL Seagrass: The economic value of seagrass to sport and commercial fisheries is estimated to be $1 billion per year. In the 1990s, Harbor Branch launched a detailed study of the relationship of water quality, light and seagrass cover over a large extent of the IRL. Ongoing results are still used by water managers today. In the past year, there has been a drastic reduction in seagrass in the IRL, and it remains unclear if this is an isolated event or the beginning of a chronic problem.
Coral Health: HBOI researchers have studied South Florida coral reef ecosystems since 1983 to understand the impacts of coastal development on the health of the corals and macroalgal blooms associated with release of high nutrients in freshwater discharge. In 2010, HBOI joined the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to begin a baseline assessment of coral health on the St. Lucie Reef (SLR). HBOI researchers are now conducting an in-depth ecological assessment to determine the short- and long-term impacts of freshwater discharge on the resilience of coral and algal communities on the SLR.
Dolphin Photo ID Program: In 1996, the HBOI Marine Mammal Research and Conservation program began observing IRL dolphins using photo ID. These studies showed the need to understand the health of the IRL dolphins and their movement in and out of unfavorable water conditions.
Dolphin Health: In 2003, the Dolphin Health and Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) project was initiated to evaluate the relationship between dolphin exposure to environmental stressors and adverse health effects. Long-term data reveal that dolphins found near the SLE and southern IRL have an extremely high prevalence of the fungal disease, lobomycosis and other emerging diseases.
Manatee Monitoring: Habitats of manatees have been radically altered due to dredging canals, decline in seagrass beds and the creation of artificial warm-water habitats. Some manatees use the HBOI canal yearround. During the winter cold months, over 100 manatees use the canal as a thermal refuge. HBOI researchers started a study in 2011 to assess seasonal habitat utilization and behavior of manatees. This will contribute to the FWC comprehensive interim and long-term plans for the management of manatees in warm-water habitats.
Harmful Algal Blooms: A study after the 2004-05 hurricanes revealed that freshwater discharges from Lake Okeechobee caused major fecal coliform bacterial blooms. Results led to improved sewage collection/treatment in the area.
Indian River Lagoon Symposium: The Indian River Lagoon Symposium attracts nearly 300 people each year for exchange and discussion of current IRL knowledge, research, monitoring and management issues among researchers, students and agency decision makers and representatives. This annual event is designed to foster collaboration.
The IRL watershed hosts more than 4,300 plant and animal species, including 35 listed as endangered
For more than 40 years, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) scientists have developed a comprehensive research portfolio of IRL health and ecology. Building on this base, HBOI is moving ahead with a new signature program that will enable us to better understand, manage and preserve this resource for generations to come: the Indian River Lagoon Observatory.
HERA and Photo ID programs monitor IRL dolphins
Indian River Lagoon Observatory Environmental observatories use sensing technology to facilitate long-term data collection, which helps researchers track and understand ecosystem change. Harbor Branch’s Indian River Lagoon Observatory (IRLO) will address emerging issues of ecosystem health and the impact of stressors, including the surrounding human population. Essential elements of this effort include:
A long-term, multi-disciplinary, ecosystem-based approach
A network of observing stations that will employ sensing technologies to better capture IRL conditions, enabling science
Collaboration among other organizations conducting IRL research to share information through efforts such as the Indian River Lagoon Symposium (see next page)
Manatees of the IRL
Ultimately, IRLO will produce an enhanced understanding of IRL ecology and its relationship with human health and the regional economy, and narrow the gap between research and resource management through greater collaboration among research institutions, governmental agencies and bodies, not-for-profits and other interested parties.
Applying Advanced Technology
Critical Issues Facing the IRL: Excessive freshwater releases Degradation of water quality Contaminant loading
Advanced observing stations are at the heart of the IRLO. Adding this leading-edge technology to our traditional monitoring techniques will greatly enhance data collection and synthesis. In January 2013, the first two monitoring units were placed in strategic locations in the Harbor Branch channel to provide HBOI researchers, colleagues, governmental agencies, students at all levels and the general public unprecedented environmental data. The Institute also has an NSF grant proposal currently under review, requesting funds for three additional units that would be placed in other IRL locations. This technology will:
Help model and correlate environmental data to biological and physical phenomena of the IRL
Decline of fisheries
Provides real-time environmental data and a framework for innovation that will advance coastal and estuarine monitoring technology
Emerging diseases in marine mammals
Enable researchers to follow environmental changes in the IRL (e.g., in wet vs. dry seasons)
Assist resource and planning managers to make informed decisions for the good of the IRL
Create a platform for education and outreach activities
Loss of habitat
Cyanobacterial algal blooms in the IRL
IRL water quality studies
Harbor Branch Projects in the IRL
Bottlenose Dolphin Health and Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) Principal Investigator: Greg Bossart, VMD, Ph.D.
High-Frequency Water Quality Monitoring in Central IRL: Establishing a Baseline Principal Investigator: Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D.
Seagrass Communities along a Water Quality Gradient in the Central IRL Principal Investigator: Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D.
The Ecology and Nutrition of Macroalgal Blooms in the IRL Principal Investigator: Brian Lapointe, Ph.D.
Monitoring Oyster and Mussel Populations in the Middle and Southern IRL for the Presence of Parasitic Diseases Lead Principal Investigator: Susan Laramore, Ph.D.
Environmental Correlates of Habitat Use by Manatees in the HBOI Channel Using Advanced Technologies Principal Investigator: Marilyn Mazzoil
A Collaborative Study of Bacterial Contamination of the Indian River Lagoon Principal Investigator: Peter McCarthy, Ph.D.
Population Biology and Behavioral Ecology of Apex Predators Principal Investigator: Greg O’Corry-Crowe, Ph.D.
Epidemiology and Population Health of IRL Bottlenose Dolphin and Human Health Implications Principal Investigator: Adam Schaefer
Estuarine Impacts on St. Lucie Reef: Determining Effects of Changing Resource Management on Florida’s Northernmost Coral Reef Principal Investigator: Joshua Voss, Ph.D.
Investigation of CyanoHABs in the IRL Principal Investigator: Amy Wright, Ph.D.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function of an Estuary in Transition
HBOI researchers are seeking collaborations with other research institutions, federal and state agencies, not-for-profits, governmental bodies and other interested parties. For more information on project collaboration, please contact Dr. Dennis Hanisak, IRLO Director, at [email protected].
Florida Specialty License Plates: A Vital Funding Source for Harbor Branch Research These four Florida Specialty License Plates (SLPs) fund Harbor Branch research that is vital to understanding and conserving our estuaries and seas. The Protect Wild Dolphins and Save Our Seas plates are a significant funding source for all of the IRLO research projects listed above. To order your plate today, visit www.myfloridaplate.org, or for more information call the Harbor Branch SLP office at 772-242-2222.
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University 5600 N. US 1 Fort Pierce, FL 34946 772-242-2400 phone www.hboi.fau.edu IRLO Contact: Dr. Dennis Hanisak, [email protected]
The Indian River Lagoon Observatory:
To learn more about Harbor Branch and IRL dolphins, download our free iPad app today!
An Invaluable Resource
Harbor Branch researchers have been studying the effects of water quality on seagrasses, macroalgae, dolphin health and on other animals in the IRL and St. Lucie Estuary (SLE) for four decades.
More than beautiful, the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) has an annual economic impact that exceeds $3.7 billion for Florida. Furthermore:
This unique, highly diverse, shallow-water estuary of national significance stretches along 40% of Florida’s east coast
Reduction in IRL Seagrass: The economic value of seagrass to sport and commercial fisheries is estimated to be $1 billion per year. In the 1990s, Harbor Branch launched a detailed study of the relationship of water quality, light and seagrass cover over a large extent of the IRL. Ongoing results are still used by water managers today. In the past year, there has been a drastic reduction in seagrass in the IRL, and it remains unclear if this is an isolated event or the beginning of a chronic problem.
Coral Health: HBOI researchers have studied South Florida coral reef ecosystems since 1983 to understand the impacts of coastal development on the health of the corals and macroalgal blooms associated with release of high nutrients in freshwater discharge. In 2010, HBOI joined the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to begin a baseline assessment of coral health on the St. Lucie Reef (SLR). HBOI researchers are now conducting an in-depth ecological assessment to determine the short- and long-term impacts of freshwater discharge on the resilience of coral and algal communities on the SLR.
Dolphin Photo ID Program: In 1996, the HBOI Marine Mammal Research and Conservation program began observing IRL dolphins using photo ID. These studies showed the need to understand the health of the IRL dolphins and their movement in and out of unfavorable water conditions.
Dolphin Health: In 2003, the Dolphin Health and Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) project was initiated to evaluate the relationship between dolphin exposure to environmental stressors and adverse health effects. Long-term data reveal that dolphins found near the SLE and southern IRL have an extremely high prevalence of the fungal disease, lobomycosis and other emerging diseases.
Manatee Monitoring: Habitats of manatees have been radically altered due to dredging canals, decline in seagrass beds and the creation of artificial warm-water habitats. Some manatees use the HBOI canal yearround. During the winter cold months, over 100 manatees use the canal as a thermal refuge. HBOI researchers started a study in 2011 to assess seasonal habitat utilization and behavior of manatees. This will contribute to the FWC comprehensive interim and long-term plans for the management of manatees in warm-water habitats.
Harmful Algal Blooms: A study after the 2004-05 hurricanes revealed that freshwater discharges from Lake Okeechobee caused major fecal coliform bacterial blooms. Results led to improved sewage collection/treatment in the area.
Indian River Lagoon Symposium: The Indian River Lagoon Symposium attracts nearly 300 people each year for exchange and discussion of current IRL knowledge, research, monitoring and management issues among researchers, students and agency decision makers and representatives. This annual event is designed to foster collaboration.
The IRL watershed hosts more than 4,300 plant and animal species, including 35 listed as endangered
For more than 40 years, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (HBOI) scientists have developed a comprehensive research portfolio of IRL health and ecology. Building on this base, HBOI is moving ahead with a new signature program that will enable us to better understand, manage and preserve this resource for generations to come: the Indian River Lagoon Observatory.
HERA and Photo ID programs monitor IRL dolphins
Indian River Lagoon Observatory Environmental observatories use sensing technology to facilitate long-term data collection, which helps researchers track and understand ecosystem change. Harbor Branch’s Indian River Lagoon Observatory (IRLO) will address emerging issues of ecosystem health and the impact of stressors, including the surrounding human population. Essential elements of this effort include:
A long-term, multi-disciplinary, ecosystem-based approach
A network of observing stations that will employ sensing technologies to better capture IRL conditions, enabling science
Collaboration among other organizations conducting IRL research to share information through efforts such as the Indian River Lagoon Symposium (see next page)
Manatees of the IRL
Ultimately, IRLO will produce an enhanced understanding of IRL ecology and its relationship with human health and the regional economy, and narrow the gap between research and resource management through greater collaboration among research institutions, governmental agencies and bodies, not-for-profits and other interested parties.
Applying Advanced Technology
Critical Issues Facing the IRL: Excessive freshwater releases Degradation of water quality Contaminant loading
Advanced observing stations are at the heart of the IRLO. Adding this leading-edge technology to our traditional monitoring techniques will greatly enhance data collection and synthesis. In January 2013, the first two monitoring units were placed in strategic locations in the Harbor Branch channel to provide HBOI researchers, colleagues, governmental agencies, students at all levels and the general public unprecedented environmental data. The Institute also has an NSF grant proposal currently under review, requesting funds for three additional units that would be placed in other IRL locations. This technology will:
Help model and correlate environmental data to biological and physical phenomena of the IRL
Decline of fisheries
Provides real-time environmental data and a framework for innovation that will advance coastal and estuarine monitoring technology
Emerging diseases in marine mammals
Enable researchers to follow environmental changes in the IRL (e.g., in wet vs. dry seasons)
Assist resource and planning managers to make informed decisions for the good of the IRL
Create a platform for education and outreach activities
Loss of habitat
Cyanobacterial algal blooms in the IRL
IRL water quality studies
Harbor Branch Projects in the IRL
Bottlenose Dolphin Health and Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) Principal Investigator: Greg Bossart, VMD, Ph.D.
High-Frequency Water Quality Monitoring in Central IRL: Establishing a Baseline Principal Investigator: Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D.
Seagrass Communities along a Water Quality Gradient in the Central IRL Principal Investigator: Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D.
The Ecology and Nutrition of Macroalgal Blooms in the IRL Principal Investigator: Brian Lapointe, Ph.D.
Monitoring Oyster and Mussel Populations in the Middle and Southern IRL for the Presence of Parasitic Diseases Lead Principal Investigator: Susan Laramore, Ph.D.
Environmental Correlates of Habitat Use by Manatees in the HBOI Channel Using Advanced Technologies Principal Investigator: Marilyn Mazzoil
A Collaborative Study of Bacterial Contamination of the Indian River Lagoon Principal Investigator: Peter McCarthy, Ph.D.
Population Biology and Behavioral Ecology of Apex Predators Principal Investigator: Greg O’Corry-Crowe, Ph.D.
Epidemiology and Population Health of IRL Bottlenose Dolphin and Human Health Implications Principal Investigator: Adam Schaefer
Estuarine Impacts on St. Lucie Reef: Determining Effects of Changing Resource Management on Florida’s Northernmost Coral Reef Principal Investigator: Joshua Voss, Ph.D.
Investigation of CyanoHABs in the IRL Principal Investigator: Amy Wright, Ph.D.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Function of an Estuary in Transition
HBOI researchers are seeking collaborations with other research institutions, federal and state agencies, not-for-profits, governmental bodies and other interested parties. For more information on project collaboration, please contact Dr. Dennis Hanisak, IRLO Director, at [email protected].
Florida Specialty License Plates: A Vital Funding Source for Harbor Branch Research These four Florida Specialty License Plates (SLPs) fund Harbor Branch research that is vital to understanding and conserving our estuaries and seas. The Protect Wild Dolphins and Save Our Seas plates are a significant funding source for all of the IRLO research projects listed above. To order your plate today, visit www.myfloridaplate.org, or for more information call the Harbor Branch SLP office at 772-242-2222.
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University 5600 N. US 1 Fort Pierce, FL 34946 772-242-2400 phone www.hboi.fau.edu IRLO Contact: Dr. Dennis Hanisak, [email protected]
The Indian River Lagoon Observatory:
To learn more about Harbor Branch and IRL dolphins, download our free iPad app today!
