Fish, Water Quality, and Watershed Data for Sarasota Bay: Data Compilation, Review, and Analysis Submitted to: Sarasota Bay

Abstract

An effort to synthesize existing information collected within the boundaries of Sarasota Bay Estuary Program (SBEP) for utilizing these data to assist in the development of protective water quality standards for SBEP tidal tributaries. The objectives of this effort were to compile databases on existing water quality data in SBEP tidal creeks, watershed land use information, and relevant biological data collected in SBEP tidal creeks including a comprehensive summary of Mote Marine Laboratory’s finfish data collected by their stock enhancement program. Additionally, this report presents exploratory data analysis to relate fisheries data collected Mote Marine Laboratory to integrated watershed data in SBEP to regional fisheries information collected by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and presents conceptual model to focus further research towards the SBEP goals of providing protective nutrient standards for these systems.