Biscayne Bay Alongshore Epifauna

Field studies to characterize the alongshore epifauna (shrimp, crabs, echinoderms, and small fishes) along the western shore of southern Biscayne Bay were started in 2005 and then expanded in 2007 as part of the monitoring program of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program (CERP). Species abundance indices (occurrence and density) and community metrics (diversity and other) were examined and followed over time. Relationships to salinity were explored and, as the time series lengthened, Habitat Suitabiity Indices (HSI) in relation to salinity and submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) could be developed. In 2012, the alongshore epifauna project became integrated three other projects in IBBEAM (Integrated Biscayne Bay Ecological Assessment and Monitoring) and continues to provide feedback for CERP on the effects of CERP project implementations in an adaptive management process. Most recently IBBEAM is monitoring the effects of advance implementations of the Biscayne Bay Coastal Wetlands Project, a component of CERP.