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LPBF announces the release of Hydrocoast maps for the Period of June 2nd to June 8th

The Hydrocoast program collects a number of environmentally dynamic datasets in an effort to monitor the condition (salinity component) of the basin's estuaries. Wind, rain, tides and freshwater influx from streams and diversions are variables that cause salinity fluctuation, and play a vital role in the health of the basin's estuaries. The Hydrocoast program monitors these variables over a seven day period and produces bi-monthly map products showing the movement of water and salinity across the basin (using field data, MODIS, sattelite imagery, precipitation data, wind data and permanent monitoring stations in the basin such as USGS buoys, Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS), etc.). As a tool, these map products can be used for scientific discussion, restoration planning between state and federal agencies, and by the commercial and recreational fishery community.

This Hydrocoast period is characterized by slightly fresher conditions western Lake Pontchartrain, Chandeleur Sound and Breton Sound. Average daily discharge for the week increased in the northshore rivers and some of the river outlets. Average daily discharge difference between last Hydrocoast and the current was:
  • Pearl River = 4,803 to 12,046 cfs
  • Tangipahoa = 572 to 2,891 cfs
  • Tickfaw = 169 to 643 cfs
  • Amite = 1,114 to 5,419 cfs
  • Caernarvon Diversion = 151 to 187 cfs
  • Mardi Gras Pass = 2,142 to 2,282 cfs
  • Violet Siphon = 287 to 285 cfs
  • Bohemia Spillway = 0 to 0 cfs
  • Bonnet Carré Spillway = 0 to 0 cfs
  • Bayou Lamoque = 1,463 to 1,678 cfs
  • Fort St. Philip = 30,276 to 32,236 cfs
  • Baptiste Collete = 68,193 to 71,776 cfs
  • Grand and Tiger Pass = 50,280 to 50,400 cfs
  • Main Pass = 49,000 to 49,400 cfs
  • West Bay = 41,700 to 41,900 cfs
  • Pass A Loutre = 32,700 to 32,100 cfs
  • Southwest Pass = 204,290 to 206,400 cfs
  • South Pass = 86,570 to 85,400 cfs
The Habitat Map shows soil water salinity contours across the land masses. During this Hydrocoast period there was some rainfall across the almost the entire basin, ranging from 0 to 3 inches. Resultant winds were mostly from the southeast. Wind speeds ranged from 0 to 11.1 m/s (2 to 25 miles/hr). During this Hydrocoast period, an elevated fecal coliform count was found at Laketown, Bayou Castine, Blind River at St. James, Amite Diversion at DC Road, Little Tchefunte River and Cane Bayou. High fecal coliform counts were found at Bogue Falaya, Tchefuncte River, Amite River at Catfish Landing, Amite River at hwy 16/42, Bayou Manchac at the Amite, Abita River, Bayou Lacombe, Liberty Bayou and Bayou Bonfouca. The water quality map also shows the impaired water bodies for Primary Contact (swimming, immersion likely) and Secondary Contact (boating wading, immersion unlikely) in the basin as prepared by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality under the EPA 305(b)/303(d) guidelines.

During this Hydrocoast period, oyster harvest area 8 (spanning the Bird's Foot Delta) was closed while all other areas east of the Mississippi River remained open. During this Hydrocoast period, oyster harvest area 8 (spanning the Bird's Foot Delta) was closed while all other areas east of the Mississippi River remained open. The map also shows the result of an aerial survey for shrimp and oyster boats conducted on June 2 from 7 am to 10 am. Note that June 2 was the opening day of shrimp season. On the survey, 280 shrimp were counted mostly in Lake Borgne, the Biloxi Marshes and along the Mississippi River. There were also 13 oyster boats counted. The Biological Map also includes market prices for the week for hamper of crabs, half sack of oysters, shrimp and crawfish over time since September 13th.

To receive Hydrocoast products by email please email Hydrocoast@saveourlake.org with "subscribe" in the subject line. For more information on the Hydrocoast maps and to view archived maps please visit http://saveourlake.org/coastal-hydromap.php











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