An assessment of coastal water resources and watershed conditions in and adjacent to Canaveral National Seashore

Zarillo, Kim; Zarillo, Gary; McGinnis, Dale; Belanger, Thomas; Adams, Doug; Paperno, Richard; Cox, Anne; Irlandi, Elizabeth

The conditions of terrestrial and estuarine resources of Canaveral National Seashore (CANA) were assessed and the threats and stresses to individual resources were identified and evaluated. Over the past 150 years, the ocean shoreline has been relatively stable with some accretion. The barrier island system ranges from 100?1,100 yards wide. The trophic state of surface water is relatively stable, achieving or remaining close to, a Florida designation of “good.” The average TN:TP indicated co-limitation by N and P, but data from southern stations indicated P limitation. Most dissolved oxygen levels were above state standards. Chlorophyll-a concentrations indicated fair/good water quality. Total suspended solids were usually higher in the wet season and near population centers. The coastal-strand plant community of the beach dune, swale, and ridge system comprises grasses, herbs, woody shrubs, and scrub oaks. Soil conditions are poor; plants are normally <5 ft tall and are salt pruned by wind-borne salt spray. Mangroves in CANA are adapted to the transition zone between subtropical and temperate climates and dominate the interior wetlands. Four species of seagrasses, macroalgae, and drift algae occur in the park. Numerous oyster reefs occur in the northern end of Mosquito Lagoon; over the past 50 years, the distribution of oyster reefs has been declining in the park. Recreational anglers target red drum and spotted sea trout; the fishery for red drum has attained national recognition. Marine mammals in the lagoon include the endangered Florida manatee and Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. Freshwater is limited by rainfall, groundwater withdrawal for potable water, and anthropogenic changes to the natural hydrology. Wet flatwoods of pines and cabbage palm occur on the lower elevations of ridges in the transition areas bordering the wetlands. Prescribed burns and mechanical reduction are used to manage CANA habitats. Shrubby wetlands include wet prairie, inland ponds and sloughs, and emergent aquatic vegetation. Feral hogs are a threat to marsh wetlands and amphibian habitat. They destroy the vegetation as they root in the moist organic soil for food. Forested wetlands, or hydric hammocks, are closed canopy forest surrounded or embedded in another vegetation type. Prairie or cabbage palm hammocks occur on slight elevation changes in flat terrain. Protected species, such as loggerhead, green, leatherback, and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles, nest on the upper beach. The diversity of birds in the area is legendary. Species of concern are the federally endangered wood stork, the northern pintail, and the lesser scaup. The greatest threats and stressors to the physical and geological resources of CANA are the potential impacts of climate change. Increases in water and air temperatures, sea level, and storm intensity could alter the physical setting causing major shifts in the ecosystem. Acceleration of the rate of sea level rise may alter the morphology and stability of the barrier island and increase storm surge and flooding. Most of the threats to CANA waters and terrestrial systems are caused by an increasing population and its associated development. Although water quality of the lagoon is good, threats from stormwater runoff, treatment and detention systems, and publicly owned treatment works should be minimized. Harmful algal blooms in waters near CANA have resulted in fish kills and public health restrictions on shellfish harvesting have been issued. Sea turtles, marine mammals, fish, oyster reefs and SAV are negatively affected by boat activity. Invasive exotic plants have contributed to the disruption of freshwater wetlands. Invasive exotic plants are most numerous along the perimeter of public infrastructure right-of-ways. Loss of oyster habitat, seagrass degradation, and presence of harmful algal blooms influence community structure.

An assessment of coastal water resources and watershed conditions in and adjacent to Canaveral National Seashore

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