hundred canal sampling locations were selected as probability samples by associating grid 
points on the sampling frame with specific canal sections for independent sampling cycles. Of 
this number, 50 locations are randomly selected for sampling during alternate wet and dry 
seasons through spring 1995. Water, sediment and fish are sampled and analyzed for ultra 
trace level total and methyl Hg. Additional water quality measurements include temperature, 
turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, dissolved organic carbon, total phosphate, and 
other parameters. A similar effort to obtain a random sample of the greater marsh, including 
all habitats, began in 1995 on 179 sites per cycle, where water, three soil horizons, and biota 
will be sampled. Additional cycles are dependent on funding. Water, soil (3 horizons), and fish 
are being sampled along four marsh transects located across nutrient gradients during wet and 
dry seasons. Water at seven structures is being monitored bi-weekly for one year for total and 
methyl Hg to develop a time series. This is only part of a comprehensive ecological risk 
assessment of Hg. + 
9.1.3.2. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program - Estuaries 
One hundred forty two sites in the West Indian Province (Anclote Anchorage around to the 
mouth of the Indian River Lagoon) will be sampled in 1995 - 1996 as part of the EPA 
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program - Estuaries (EMAP-E). Sampling will include 
triplicate benthic community analyses, fish trawls, water quality measurements, sediment 
chemistry, tissue residual analysis, and eutrophication measurements. These data are a part of 
the continuing development of the EMAP-Estuaries Program throughout the country. The data 
for south Florida will include the following measurements at 142 sites during quality 
measurements: instantaneous salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, and light 
penetration (relative light and Secchi), and 24-hr continuous measurements of salinity, 
temperature, depth, pH, and dissolved oxygen (a random 24-hr segment during the sampling 
period). Chemical water column measurements include nutrient analyses. Chemical sediment 
measurements include percent silt/clay, grain size, acid volatile sulfide concentration, 
analysis for 125 contaminants [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated 
biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, heavy metals, butyltins), and sediment toxicity (10-day, acute 
Ampelisca bioassay and 1-day Microtox bioassay). Chemical biota measurements include tissue 
residues from the fillets of selected target species and tailmeat from shrimp for about 75 
contaminants, and selected biomarkers of fish health condition (e.g., DNA adducts, EROD, AHH, 
vitellogenin). Biological measurements include collection of triplicate benthic community 
samples, duplicate fish trawls or traps, chlorophyll, and presence and condition of submerged 
aquatic vegetation. All data collected are stored in the EMAP-E Information Management 
System. A 
9.1.3.3. Florida Keys Water Quality Protection Program 
The Florida Keys Water Quality Protection Program monitoring objectives are to (1) monitor 
the status and trends of water quality parameters throughout the Florida Keys National Marine 
Sanctuary (FKNMS), and (2) monitor the status and trends of biological resources such as coral 
reefs, hard bottom areas, and seagrass beds, potentially affected by water quality problems. 
The FKMS is stratified into nine segments. Water quality and seagrass communities will be 
monitored using a stratified random design based on the segmentation framework. The 
seagrass, coral reef/hardbottom, and water quality monitoring programs will determine 
spatial and temporal variability, with the focus being water quality as it affects resources. 
+ J. Stober or D. Scheidt, USEPA, Environmental Services Division, Colleae Station Rd., Athens, GA 30613. 706 546 2207. 
A K. Summers or J. Macauley, USEPA, EMAP-Estuaries, 1 Sabine Island Dr., Gulf Breeze, FL 32561. 904 934 9244 (Summers). 
904 934 9353 (Macauley). 
59 
