Field Expeditions

Dr. Patrick Schwing and Dr. Rebekka Larson from Eckerd College led a sampling expedition on April, 7, 2021 with Dr. Steven Murawski, a collaborator at USF College of Marine Science, to begin investigating the distribution of, and potential impacts from, the Piney Point phosphate processing retention pond water release into Tampa Bay. From the Eckerd 24’ Capehorn research vessel, samples were collected along two transects from the shoreline into the Bay from Port Manatee and from Bishops Harbor. At each station, surface sediments and large volumes of water were collected as well as measurement of water salinity, temperature, pH, and dissolved oxygen at different water depths. A representative sample of fishes in the region was also obtained to be analyzed by Dr. Murawski for comparison to pre-event fish collections in the area and results of the water and sediment analyses.

Sediment and water samples will be analyzed by the Eckerd team of Drs. Larson, Schwing and Brooks, as well as students, for various parameters including naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM), such as radium, sedimentology, and biological indicators including foraminifera. Experimental work will also be performed to identify potential indicators that may be unique to such types of events. Samples will be shared with collaborators and results compared to work toward an integrated understanding of the event and how it evolves over time throughout the ecosystem. Future sampling trips are being planned to continue to monitor and investigate the longer-term potential impacts and response.

Cuba - 2018 Post Hurricane Irma, Cayo Santa Maria

Gulf of Mexico - 2018 REDIRECT research cruise, R/V Point Sur

St. Lucia - 2018 Coring

Cuba - 2017 C-IMAGE research cruise R/V Weatherbird II

Cuba - 2017 Coastal Coring (Student Winter Term)

Cuba - 2016 Coastal Coring, Cayo Jutias and Cayo Santa Maria

Gulf of Mexico - C-IMAGE research cruises, R/V Weatherbird II

US Virgin Islands