The ecological condition of south Florida estuaries.

An assessment of the ecological condition of south Florida estuaries based on regional probabilistic monitoring was conducted during the summer of 1995. Samples and data were collected on water and sediment quality, benthos, and fish tissue contaminants. Elevated concentrations of metals and pesticides were measured in both sediments and fish tissue with some exceedances of guidance values. Bottom dissolved oxygen levels over 23-37% of the area were below state criteria. Eighty-eight percent of surface waters had greater than 10% penetration of ambient light to a depth of 1.0 m. Nine percent of the area studied in South Florida exhibited degraded biology and impaired use based on a calculated index of ecological condition. Using the probability-based monitoring design, useful information of this type can be provided to resource managers regarding estuarine condition on a regional scale.