EPC benthic data has been utilized in a recently published paper in the scientific journal Marine Ecology Progress Series. EPC benthic scientists Sara Markham, Thomas Dix, and David Karlen, Ph.D., collaborated with Texas A&M graduate student Justin Hillard and his professor Anja Schulze on a study of the polychaete Capitella in Tampa Bay. Ms. Markham worked diligently with Mr. Hillard to provide current data and verify past polychaete identifications, as well as photographing specimens for this project. Dr. Karlen stated, "It is great to see our monitoring data being used in publications and to be able to collaborate and contribute to academic research. It really highlights the importance of our data and monitoring efforts in Tampa Bay."
Additionally, EPC published its comprehensive 25-Year Benthic Report this summer. The report details the results of 1,791 water monitoring sites where samples were collected and analyzed for environmental characteristics, sediment chemistry, and benthic community composition. More than 1150 species were identified over the twenty-five-year monitoring period. For questions regarding this benthic report or the Capitellidae study, or to obtain a courtesy pdf copy of the study, contact Dr. Karlen at Karlen@epchc.org.
