Dr. Jane M Caffrey

I am an estuarine and coastal ecologist who focuses on the cycling of elements such as nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur. I am particularly interested in the relationships between microbial processes and primary producers (phytoplankton, benthic microalgae and seagrasses) and benthic invertebrates (oysters and biofouling macrofauna). My research includes field measurements and experiments as well as laboratory experiments. I am also interested in water quality, including the factors controlling dissolved oxygen dynamics and metabolism and sensors. Much of my research is applied, examining the effects of human activities with local NGOs and state agencies. My current research includes water quality and nitrogen cycling in seagrass beds to guide restoration efforts and the impact of artificial reefs on primary production, nutrient cycling and fish production. My colleagues and I are also working with the newly formed Estuary Programs in Florida Panhandle to provide technical support and data analysis as they develop these programs. My research has been published in Nature, Estuaries and Coasts, Continental Shelf Research, Journal of Environmental Management, Aquatic Microbial Ecology and other journals. Past research projects include effects of phosphorus spills on estuarine biogeochemistry and a long term study the sources of mercury in rainwater funded by the EPA and the Electric Power Research institute funded a seven-year study with colleagues at Florida State University to determine the contribution of local emissions of mercury from coal-fired power plants.