ABSTRACT
Apalachee Bay (see Figure 2.2d) remains in relatively natural condition due to the almost complete lack of development and human population in the primary drainage areas. A broad, shallow shelf and the absence of major rivers characterize this bay. The dominant habitat feature of Apalachee Bay is an extensive series of seagrass beds that extends to Florida Bay in the south (Iverson and Bittaker, 1986). The one area of significant anthropogenous effects in an otherwise pristine system is the Fenholloway River-estuary where pulp mill discharges have caused adverse effects due to high dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and water color, high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), low dissolved oxygen (DO), and high nutrient loading (ammonia and orthophosphate) (Livingston, 1980; 1982; 1984b; 1985a,b; 1988; Livingston et al., 1998b). The Econfina River remains one of the most pristine blackwater streams along the coast, and is an ideal reference area for studies in the Fenholloway system. Both the Econfina and Fenholloway drainages have similar dimensions. They share a common origin (San Pedro swamp) and a common meteorological regime. River flow characteristics in the two drainages are comparable in rate and seasonal variation. The reference Econfina system thus has the same origins and basic features of the Fenholloway system with the exception that there is no pulp mill located within the Econfina drainage basin.
