Monitoring Water Quality in Golfito Bay with USF College of Marine Science

Monitoring-Water-Quality-in-Golfito-Bay-with-USF-College-of-Marine-Science_cover

Discovery Vessel Marina Bahía Golfito
Golfito, Costa Rica
March 17-21, 2025

Program Overview

Golfito Bay is an ecologically significant region with diverse marine life, including commercially and ecologically important fish species and mangrove ecosystems. These habitats play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, maintaining water quality, and providing economic benefits to local communities. However, increasing coastal development and environmental changes pose potential threats to the health and stability of these ecosystems.

Application

During the four-day expedition, researchers conducted water sampling at multiple stations throughout the bay, analyzing key parameters that influence ecosystem health. Data collected from this study will contribute to ongoing research on coastal resilience and inform conservation strategies to protect the region’s biodiversity.

Expedition Summary

On March 17–March 20, 2025, The International SeaKeepers Society assisted Dr. Luther, the Director of the Ocean Monitoring and Prediction Lab at the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, in sampling efforts in Golfito, Costa Rica. This project aimed to collect baseline samples for salinity, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll-a to monitor the quality of a critical habitat for many species as it develops.

Location

Golfito, Costa Rica

Duration of Project

Ongoing since March 2025

Leadership

Research Team

  • Dr. Mark Luther
  • Dr. Kendra L. Daly

Photo Gallery

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Video