This action provides funding in the amount of $527,631 to sanibel captiva conservation foundation's project to investigate the role of macroalgae and nonpoint source pollution as potential causes of…

This $527,631 Project Grant awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 under the Geographic Programs - South Florida Geographic Initiatives Program (CFDA 66.484) provides funding to the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) to investigate the role of macroalgae and nonpoint source pollution as potential causes of seagrass decline in the Caloosahatchee Estuary. The project activities include purchasing new water quality testing equipment, developing quality assurance protocols, and using existing data to generate sampling points. The anticipated deliverables are enhanced seagrass monitoring networks, peer-reviewed publications on macroalgae types and potential seagrass decline drivers, and a seagrass restoration strategy. The project will also include presentations to local stakeholder groups and sharing data via online platforms. The expected outcomes are mapping of nutrient concentrations and identification of hotspots to inform targeted reduction strategies. The Center for Stable Isotopes at the University of New Mexico will perform stable isotope analysis as a sub-awardee.

This action provides funding in the amount of $527,631 to sanibel captiva conservation foundation's project to investigate the role of macroalgae and nonpoint source pollution as potential causes of seagrass decline to inform a seagrass restoration strategy for the caloosahatchee. Activities include purchase of new water quality testing equipment, develop a quality assurance and quality control document for field and laboratory experiments to use tides and current predictions from national oceanic and atmospheric administration, bathymetry, aerial seagrass cover polygons, and existing water quality data to generate sampling points. Anticipated deliverables include enhancing existing seagrass monitoring networks and investigate the types of macroalgae in areas of decline and control areas peer-reviewed publication evaluate potential sources of seagrass decline and development of a seagrass restoration strategy. Also, giving presentations to charlotte harbor aquatic preserve and charlotte harbor national estuary program (chnep) technical advisory committee (TAC). Tabular data will be shared with chnep water atlas and other sites. The expected outcomes include mapping of nutrient concentrations during wet and dry seasons and after rain events for sharing with general audiences. Identification of hotspots that can be used for neighborhood or canal specific reduction strategies. Direct beneficiaries include state of florida citizens.activities:.subrecipient:the center for stable isotopes at the university of new mexico will perform stable isotope analysis using a subaward.outcomes:.