Research about Suwannee River estuary

USGS2006

Flow and salt transport in the Suwannee River estuary, Florida, 1999–2000: Analysis of data and three-dimensional simulations

A three-dimensional numerical model was developed to assist in the evaluation of the effects of changes in freshwater flow on the salinity regime of the lower Suwannee River, its estuary, and Suwannee Sound. Hydrodynamic and salt-transport modeling were supported by data from a comprehensive data-collection network operated in the lower Suwannee River during 1998-2000. The study area included all of the downstream-most 12 kilometers of the Suwannee River, Suwannee Sound, and part of the Gulf of Mexico. Development, calibration, and application of the hydrodynamic and salt-transport model were completed by using data primarily collected during October 1999-September 2000.

Florida↗

USGS2005

Quantitative assessment of benthic food resources for juvenile Gulf sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi in the Suwannee River estuary, Florida, USA

Gulf sturgeon, Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi , forage extensively in the Suwannee River estuary following emigration out of the Suwannee River, Florida. While in the estuary, juvenile Gulf sturgeon primarily feed on benthic infauna. In June–July 2002 and February–April 2003, random sites within the estuary were sampled for benthic macrofauna (2002 n = 156; 2003 n = 103). A mean abundance of 2,562 ind m −2 (SE ± 204) was found in the summer, with significantly reduced macrofaunal abundance in the winter (mean density of 1,044 ind m −2 , SE ± 117). Benthic biomass was significantly higher in the summer with an average summer sample dry weight of 5.92 g m −2 (SE ± 0.82) compared to 3.91 g m −2 (SE ± 0.67) in the winter. Amphipods and polychaetes were the dominant taxa collected during both sampling periods. Three different estimates of food availability were examined taking into account principal food item information and biomass estimates. All three estimates provided a slightly different view of potential resources but were consistent in indicating that food resource values for juvenile Gulf sturgeon are spatially heterogeneous within the Suwannee River estuary.

Florida↗