CITIZEN SCIENCE DATA
In order to understand complex ecological problems, you need large amounts of data that is consistently collected over a long period of time.
ORCA scientists and community members are working together to gather data needed to optimize conservation efforts.
Explore Pollution Mapping Data
Pollution Mapping Citizen Science Project
This project involves on-going comprehensive monitoring of specific sites within the Indian River Lagoon. During each quarterly monitoring event, citizen scientists measure basic water quality parameters (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, and alkalinity), measure muck depth, and collect both water and sediment samples to be brought back to the Center for Citizen Science for analyses. Once at the lab, citizen scientists composite and prepare samples for particle analysis, as well as measure nutrient concentrations (ammonia, nitrate/nitrite, and phosphate) in both water column and pore water samples. Additional analyses of these samples include relative toxicity, glyphosate, and atrazine.
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PROJECT SITES
The data below was collected between 2019 and 2024, and will be periodically updated. If you’d like to see additional data, please e-mail your request to mweiss@teamorca.org.
![1](https://www.teamorca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1-768x512.jpg)
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![PM graphs Spring 2024 (3)](https://www.teamorca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PM-graphs-Spring-2024-3-768x512.png)
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![PM graphs Spring 2024](https://www.teamorca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PM-graphs-Spring-2024-768x512.png)
![PM graphs Spring 2024 (2)](https://www.teamorca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PM-graphs-Spring-2024-2-768x512.png)
We categorized each Pollution Mapping Citizen Science sampling site as having a bulkhead, combination, or natural shoreline. Combination shorelines fall in between hardened and natural shorelines and feature a combination of characteristics of both (i.e., rip rap, mangroves, seawall, etc.). Utilizing only sites that had at least 4 cycles (1 year) of data, we compared the average relative toxicity per site between shoreline types. The bulkhead sites had elevated relative toxicity levels compared to both combination and natural shorelines, but this was only significant between bulkhead and combination shorelines (Kruskal Wallis, Dunn post-hoc test; p<0.05).The bulkhead sites were elevated and had less variation between different sites. The natural shoreline sites had the most variation in relative toxicity between sites. It is important to note that the sites that we sample are chosen based on concern of pollution and are likely to have higher overall relative toxicity compared to other locations in the Indian River Lagoon. These results highlight the importance of softening shorelines in Florida. For more information on this, please look into our Land to Sea Citizen Science project.
![PM graphs Spring 2024 (1)](https://www.teamorca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/PM-graphs-Spring-2024-1-768x512.png)
![PM Data posting aug 2023](https://www.teamorca.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PM-Data-posting-aug-2023-e1695689729713-768x517.png)
![PM Data posting aug 2023 (1)](https://www.teamorca.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/PM-Data-posting-aug-2023-1-e1695689746165-768x518.png)
References: [1] Wani, A. L., Ara, A., & Usmani, J. A. (2015). Lead toxicity: A Review. Interdisciplinary Toxicology, 8(2), 55–64.; [2] Lee, J.-W., Choi, H., Hwang, U.-K., Kang, J.-C., Kang, Y. J., Kim, K. I., & Kim, J.-H. ; (2019). Toxic effects of lead exposure on bioaccumulation, oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, and immune responses in fish: A Review. Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 68, 101–108; [3] Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). EPA. [4] Mercury contamination of aquatic environments. Mercury Contamination of Aquatic Environments | U.S. Geological Survey. (n.d.). [5] MacDonald, D. D. (1994). Approach to the Assessment of Sediment quality in Florida Coastal Waters. Development and Evaluation of Sediment Quality Assessment Guidelines, 1, 1–140; [6] Myers, J.P., Antoniou, M.N., Blumberg, B. et al. Concerns over use of glyphosate-based herbicides and risks associated with exposures: a consensus statement. Environ Health 15, 19 (2016); [7] Hand, J. (2004). Typical water quality values for Florida’s lakes, streams, and estuaries. Florida Department of Environmental Protection, 101; [8] Protecting Florida’s springs. Florida Department of Environmental Protection; [9] Florida Department of Environmental Protection PFAS Dynamic Plan; [10] EPA.gov
Explore Fish Monitoring Data
![](https://www.teamorca.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Fish-Monitoring.png)
One Health Fish Monitoring Citizen Science Project
This project tests for toxins and toxicants in fish from the Indian River Lagoon and connecting waterways. Current analyses in this project include: heavy metals (mercury, lead, cadmium), cyanotoxins (microcystin and saxitoxin), microplastics, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Additional analyses coming soon include: pharmaceuticals, controlled substances and parasites. See preliminary data below.
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FISH ANALYZED
This data below was collected between 2019 and 2024, and will be periodically updated. If you’d like to see additional data, please e-mail your request to fish@teamorca.org.
![1](https://www.teamorca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/1-2-768x512.png)
![2](https://www.teamorca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/2-2-768x512.png)
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![4](https://www.teamorca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/4-2-768x512.png)
![OHFM graphs March 2024](https://www.teamorca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/OHFM-graphs-March-2024-768x512.png)
![OHFM graphs March 2024 (7)](https://www.teamorca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/OHFM-graphs-March-2024-7-768x512.png)
![OHFM graphs March 2024 (4)](https://www.teamorca.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/OHFM-graphs-March-2024-4-768x512.png)
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Dive into Team ORCA’s Citizen Science blog to read about the importance of data collection, why we monitor, the significance of citizen science and more!
![](https://www.teamorca.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/citizen-science-collage.jpg)