Past Hypoxia Event in Long Bay – Approx. July 15-23 2004
Hypoxia is a condition caused by low (<2mg/L) dissolved oxygen concentrations, and can have negative impacts on the environment. State managers were initially alerted to the 2004 event due to abnormally high flounder catches in the area. Initial measurements revealed low bottom dissolved oxygen and a high degree of water column stratification. Other environmental factors that may have played a role in the event are detailed below – showing what some of the water quality and meteorological conditions were in Long Bay prior to, during and just after the July 2004 Long Bay Hypoxia Event.
Dissolved Oxygen Profiles indicating Hypoxic Conditions for July 20, 2004
from Springmaid Pier and Second Ave. N.
At approximately 3m depth, dissolved oxygen concentrations dropped dramatically from normal 4.5 – 6.0 mg/L to near hypoxic (<2mg/L) levels.
Air & Water Temperature - Long Bay Summer 2004
Approximately two weeks prior to the observed low dissolved oxygen levels at Springmaid & Second Avenue Piers, water temperature at Springmaid Pier dropped. Based on other area water temperatures (Frying Pan Shoals) and seasonal air temperatures, this drop was potentially abnormal. The colder water temperatures persisted near Springmaid Pier from approximately July 2nd until July 25th.
Water Temperatures and Rainfall Summer 2004 - Long Bay Area
This figure depicts rainfall as reported through 24-hour NEXRAD measurements for the Long Bay area from June 15, 2004 through July 25, 2004.
Continuous Winds - Speed and Direction from Frying Pan Shoals
Continuous wind speed and direction recorded by the Frying Pan Shoal Buoy from June 15, 2004 – July 31, 2004 are displayed here. Persistant northward winds just prior to the event are highlighted.