After a history of contamination, the St. Louis River Estuary is being revitalized through protection, remediation, and restoration, but simultaneously faces pressing new water quality challenges. Recent shifts in algal communities, harmful algal blooms, and hypoxia in estuary “hotspots” are not well understood, leaving water stewards without critical information needed to respond. This project conducts foundational research to quantify and characterize the nutrient dynamics that lead to degraded algal communities, toxic cyanobacterial blooms, and hypoxia in the estuary. Our diverse network of organizations is building a collaborative monitoring strategy to address current and future stressors. This project will support that effort through the following: (1) a synthesis of known nutrient and algal dynamics; (2) an easily interpreted data access platform; (3) a recommendation report that specifies the location, timing, and parameters needed for a feasible and effective long-term monitoring program; and targeted (4) local and (5) national communications. The approaching delisting of the Area of Concern (AOC) creates a timely need to transition water quality monitoring efforts from “looking back” to “looking forward.” This project ensures that already engaged end-users work from a shared understanding to build a collaborative monitoring strategy that protects the restored health of the estuary. 

To read the full project proposal click here. 

This project is funded by the National Estuarine Research Reserve System Science Collaborative.