Water Quality

The Shannon Point Marine Center has been colledting water quality data (dissolved oxygen, temperature, salinity, and pH) on a weekly basis since 1973. The measurements were expanded in 1990 to include chlorophyll a, phaeopigments, orthophosphate, nitrate, and ammonium. Recently, silicates and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) measurements were begun. The lab has also been collecting water quality data seasonally at eight other sites in the San Juan Archipelago. Information on the following can be obtained by contacting Carissa Haug:

Physical/Chemical data             
Temperature (April 1974-present)
Dissolved oxygen (Sept 1974-present)
Salinity (April 1974-present)
pH (April 1974-Dec 2001)
Turbidity (April 1974-March 1992)
Total Alkalinity (Aug 1977-March 1992)
Carbonate Alkalinity (Aug 1977-March 1992)
Carbon dioxide (July 1977-March 1992)

Pigment Data        
Chlorophyll a (Jan 1991-present)
Phaeopigments (Nov 1993-present)

Nutrient Data  
Nitrate (Jan 1991-present)
Ortho-Phosphate (Jan 1991-present)
Ammonium (Jan 1991-Aug 2000)
Silicate (Feb 2002 – present)

Databases Under Development

SPMC is also developing databases an annotated species database that will include habitat, collection method, identification process, descriptions and reproductive information. A newly obtained weather station, in-line water quality instruments in the running sea water line, and portable light monitors for use in indoor and outdoor tanks will enhance the SPMC database. Sky condition information has been collected since 1990.