About the project

A multi-Reserve study explored the feasibility of including high frequency, in situ chlorophyll a monitoring in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System-wide Monitoring Program (NERR SWMP). The study confirmed a relationship between fluorescence detected by optical sensors and measurements of extracted chlorophyll from monthly grab samples. The strength of that relationship varied with Reserve and according to site conditions. The team determined that both approaches to chlorophyll monitoring have strengths that complement the NERRS mission. They synthezised their findings into recommendations to support the integration of in situ chlorophyll monitoring into NERRS SWMP monitoring.

About this resource

This summary fact sheet summarizes the approach and provides a decision pathway for integrating in situ chlorophyll a monitoring.