Project Title: Identification and Assessment of Anthropogenic Eutrophication in Shallow Estuaries (CICEET-UNH #99-304, NOAA NA87OR0512)
Principal Investigator(s): Ivan Valiela

Accomplishments
Scheduled Tasks:
We worked to complete our sampling in the Apalachicola and Weeks NEERS. After we finish the sampling program for the Southern estuaries, we will continue our efforts at summarizing results, and making comparisons with the completed report by Brian Fry and colleagues.

Progress on Tasks

1. Determine the diversity and abundance of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) across a grid of stations in Weeks Bay. We will do this based on preliminary surveys where well-defined subparcels within the Bay (such as the mouths of Magnolia and Fish Rivers) will be identified.
2. Quantify chlorophyll, nitrate and ammonium concentrations in the water column in number of stations in Weeks Bay and continue to sample Apalachicola embayments.
3. Assess phytoplankton and SAV (seagrasses and macroalgae) production in Weeks Bay and continue in Apalachicola Bay.
4. Collect water, phytoplankton and SAV samples for isotopic analyses

Difficulties Encountered
We have been unable to get a response from the researchers at UNH that were working on the nitrogen inputs into the New Hampshire site. We were interested in their estimates as corroboration of our nitrogen loading estimates from other sources and from our extrapolations from concentrations of estuarine water DIN. Our getting the groundwater estimates is not fatal, but would have nicely complemented the work, and would link several CICEET grants.

Anticipated Success in Meeting Project Objectives in Scheduled Project Period
We have accomplished a majority of the above listed tasks for this sampling period and have in addition continued to collect monthly nutrient and phytoplankton data (production and chlorphyll) for the Waquoit estuaries. We are yet to start sampling in Weeks Bay, but anticipate will happen very soon. The reason is that Dr. Cebrian will be coupling the CICEET sampling with the sampling one of his students sampling of the same site (to enhance efficiency and lower cost).

Preliminary Results
Click here to see preliminary data.