A report on preparatory tasks 1-4 for the 2007 implementation of the Sarasota Tidal Creek Condition Index.

Abstract

This report describes a project where Mote Marine Laboratory and Sarasota County have collaborated to develop biological indicators for tidal creeks. The preliminary effort was divided into three phases. During the first phase, Sarasota County staff conducted research to collect existing data for the sub-basins of twenty Sarasota County tidal creeks. During the second phase, Mote conducted field studies to characterize extremes among County coastal systems to determine the range of ecological conditions available for index development. During the third phase, Mote developed and tested prototype creek index based on ecological attributes that could be measured using rapid survey techniques. Following these activities, the development of a Tidal Creek Condition Index was accomplished. Results of the activities are summarized.