Phytoplankton, macroalgae, and sea grass -Seaira

So far this week I am up to my ears in information about the Indian River Lagoon, and surrounding watersheds. I want to better understand what happens during these "super-blooms" of phytoplankton, and how sea grass beds are effected. I have been doing research into the 2011 super-bloom in the Indian River lagoon. This particular bloom had spread quite extensively through the lagoon system, resulting in a 60% decrease in total sea grass bed populations. There is many theories thrown out as to why this bloom has been more significant that ones in the past, and also what could be causing this. As I was going through the 2011 super-bloom investigation plan I found that there are things that are certain as far as possible factors, but not one clear answer. I attribute this to the multitude of factors necessary to create such a dramatic environmental change. I do not wish to go into too much detail but some factors that have been investigated include: dramatic temperature lows in December 2011 causing disruption to the native macro-algae populations, high concentrations of nutrients such as nitrogen, higher water salinity, and decreased water clarity.

I also was looking into using a fluorometer, which is used to determine levels of chlorophyll a. When high levels of chlorophyll are present it also indicates that high levels of other nutrients are present, resulting in algal blooms. Chlorophyll has a fluorescent quality so when hit with a particular wavelength of light it will emit a wavelength of a higher frequency. YSI has designed a fluorometer that can be used in situ, and gives you immediate wavelength frequencies. I thought for my project it might be interesting to compare this data to the nutrient levels. My ideas keep growing and I am feeling a little overwhelmed with information. I want my project to be helpful, relevant, and beneficial to sea grass. Any suggestions would be gladly taken.