The is now available, jointly produced by an interdisciplinary team of scientists from University of North Florida (UNF), 91香蕉视频 (JU) and Penn State Berks. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the conditions in the Lower St. Johns River Basin and is updated annually to reflect positive and negative changes to this critical watershed.
The research team will present their findings on Feb. 13, 2026, at the Environmental Symposium, organized by the City of Jacksonville鈥檚 Environmental Protection Board and the UNF Institute of Environmental Research and Education.
The Eighteenth State of the River Report presents a detailed assessment of the health of the Lower St. Johns River Basin, revealing several areas of continued concern alongside indicators of stability. Elevated fecal bacteria levels persist in many tributaries, with human-generated sources confirmed in the majority of impaired waterways, and harmful algal blooms remain a recurring issue amid reduced monitoring data. Long-term trends show rising total phosphorus in parts of the mainstem and persistently high levels in tributaries such as Deep Creek, while commercial blue crab catch has continued to decline. Submerged aquatic vegetation has remained severely depleted since 2017. Wetland pressure is increasing as regional development accelerates, contributing to shifts from vegetated to non-vegetated wetlands. Some measures show mixed results: dissolved oxygen and total nitrogen conditions are generally satisfactory in the mainstem but vary widely across tributaries, and salinity trends continue to fluctuate due to recent storm activity with localized increases. Overall, the report highlights the complexity of the basin鈥檚 environmental conditions and the ongoing need for comprehensive monitoring and restoration efforts.
鈥淭he findings point to continuing stressors on the St. Johns River and its tributaries, with the potential for climate change to amplify these challenges. Nutrient loading, including rising concerns over contaminants in biosolids, is a central factor,鈥� said Dr. Gerry Pinto, one of the lead researchers on the report and associate research scientist at JU鈥檚 Marine Science Research Institute. 鈥淔ecal indicator bacteria levels in the tributaries are an ongoing concern. The 2022-24 FDEP biennial assessment reveals that 49 tributaries in the basin are impaired. For 41 of these, the source of contamination is confirmed to be human by chemical tracers or genetic markers. Failing septic tanks are a key contributor, and septic tank phase-out projects are advancing in three Jacksonville neighborhoods: Biltmore, Beverly Hills, and Christobel.鈥�
Pinto said the mixed results reinforce the importance of long-term monitoring and careful, data-driven decision making for the Lower St. Johns River Basin. On a positive note, protected species are doing relatively well.
鈥淭he report makes clear that progress in some areas is being offset by concerns in others. These mixed results highlight why sustained investment in monitoring, research and restoration is essential if we are to truly understand and improve the health of the basin.鈥�
In addition to these insights, the full report provides an in-depth look at the Lower St. Johns River Basin. The Guide for the General Public summarizes key findings, their implications for recreation and ways to get involved in the Lower St. Johns River Basin and its health. The website hosts maps and data that visualize vulnerabilities along the river as well as the potential for resiliency. The website also features K-12 resources for teachers, video clips on algae blooms, manatees and oral histories of people who live, work and recreate on the river.
At JU, Dr. Gerry Pinto served as principal investigator of the report, while also writing on salinity, submerged aquatic vegetation, updating information on fisheries and authoring the endangered and threatened species section. Dr. Gretchen Bielmyer-Fraser, professor of chemistry and director of the Millar Wilson Laboratory, assessed water quality and contaminants. Dr. Nisse Goldberg, professor of biology and marine science, wrote about wetlands and non-native aquatic species. Dr. William Penwell, associate professor of marine science, provided information about bacteria levels. Dr. Ashley Johnson, associate professor of geography, created a story map on flood risk, resiliency, and social vulnerability, and assisted Dr. Goldberg with the creation of GIS maps of annual sanitary sewer overflows. Niki Spadaro provided important assistance as the technical editor of the report.
From UNF, Dr. Christopher Baynard, associate professor of geography and geographic information systems, updated the historical background section (adding several new maps) and edited the report for the general public. Dr. Dale Casamatta, professor of biology, edited and updated the chapter on algal blooms. Dr. Scott F. Jones, assistant professor of biology, updated the chapters on nutrients and water quality in the tributaries. Dr. Brian Zoellner, associate professor of teaching, learning & curriculum, served as co-principal investigator and helped JU students create presentations for secondary educators to teach their students about water quality, salinity, aquatic animals, invasive species and more. UNF鈥檚 Center for Instruction and Research Technology (CIRT), especially David Wilson and Kala Little, provided valuable web support. Former UNF professor Dr. Radha Pyati, now chancellor and dean of Penn State Berks, wrote the executive summary of the report and the turbidity section.
