The Integration and Application Network (IAN) is a dedicated group of scientists intent on solving, not just studying environmental problems. IAN and 
strive to inspire, manage and produce timely syntheses and assessments on key environmental issues, with a special emphasis on Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. IAN is an initiative of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, but links with other academic institutions, resource management agencies and non-governmental organizations.
Latest IAN Blog Post
Communicating Science to Effect Social Change
This title refers to our attempt to use science communication to make a difference in the world. We really do aim to make a global impact with our science communication applications. An indicator of how science communication is applied globally is that the free IAN symbol libraries have been utilized extensively. Over fifty-five thousand people from around the world have now downloaded this from two hundred and thirty-seven countries, virtually, the entire planet. The development of freeware vector software such as Inkscape has undoubtedly assisted poorer countries to be able to use conceptual diagrams to enhance science communication.
Latest Images - Free High Resolution Image LibraryA collection of 5396 free high resolution images (photos, illustrations, maps, satellite images) and videos for scientists, resource managers, community groups, and environmentalists. Download for free, or contribute your own images to help grow this resource.
Latest Online Seminar
Communicating complex scientific results for ecosystem-based management using cgi (computer generated image) animation (abstract)
Howard Townsend (NOAA Chesapeake Bay Office)
This seminar is now available for viewing in a video and PDF (slides only) formats from the IAN Seminar Series website, along with further details and other seminars in the series. For those of you who are too busy to watch the webcasts, we also have a Podcast (mp3, audio only version) so you can listen to the seminars during your daily commute.
Latest newsletter
Maryland Coastal Bays Report Card 2009
The aim of this report card is to provide a transparent, timely, and geographically detailed assessment of 2009 Coastal Bays health. Coastal Bays health is defined as the progressof four water quality indicators (TN, TP, Chl a, DO) and two biotic indicators (seagrass, hard clams) toward scientifically derived ecological thresholds or goals. The six indicators are combined into one overarching Coastal Bays Health Index, which is presented as the report card score. Detailed methods are available at www.eco-check.org /reportcard/mcb/2009. The overall score for the Coastal Bays was a C+ in 2009. While the northern bays and western tributaries continue to struggle, there are signs of improvement in some areas. However, the southern bays—historically the more pristine of the Coastal Bays—are showing signs of degradation.
Latest IAN Peer Reviewed Papers - UMCES Publications DatabaseA searchable database of 3790 publications by scientists at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science.Long-Term Trends in Submersed Aquatic Vegetation (SAV) in Chesapeake Bay, USA, Related to Water Quality (2010) Estuaries Coasts (abstract)
Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) [delta]15N as a bioindicator of nitrogen sources: Observations and modeling (2010) Mar. Poll. Bull. (abstract)
Chapter 11: Program design: developing a comprehensive data strategy (2010) Integrating and Applying Science: A handbook for effective coastal ecosystem assessment (abstract)
Chapter 10: Spatial analysis: Making maps and using spatial analyses (2010) Integrating and Applying Science: A handbook for effective coastal ecosystem assessment (abstract)
Latest report
2010 Chesapeake Bay Forecast
This summer it is predicted that the anoxic condition (no dissolved oxygen) in the Bay's mainstem will be moderately poor, with the average anoxic volume forecast to be 0.8 ± 0.3 km3. Compared to the previous 25 summers, 2010 could have the 5th smallest anoxic volume if this prediction holds true.
Latest Report Card
2009 Chester River Report Card
This report card summarizes 2009 water quality results, which are based on data collected by the Chester River Association and various partners. It helps to clarify the Chester River's health in both tidal and non-tidal regions, and provides information on what individuals can do to help improve water quality.
Latest presentation
Proposal writing: A key to success
This presentation details the key elements of successful proposals. It provides simple techniques to improve your proposal writing, including thought development, the iterative process, reviewing the appropriate literature, explicitly stating the hypotheses and the zen of proposal writing. There is also a video version of Bill presenting this available on our blog.
Latest book
Integrating and Applying Science: A handbook for effective coastal ecosystem assessment
Vast areas of the globe's coastal zone have experienced significant declines in ecosystem health. Deteriorating water quality, loss and alteration of vital habitats, and reduced populations of fish and shellfish are some of the major changes recorded. Establishing and running an effective assessment program is a complex process that necessitates strategic collaboration and partnerships between many individuals and agencies. This book was written to make the process of running a coastal assessment program easier and the outcomes more effective. It provides a step-by-step approach from data collection and information management to synthesis and application and draws on the knowledge of a variety of coastal scientists and managers.
Latest brochure
Harmful Algae Impacts the Coast of Florida
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have increased in abundance and severity around the world in recent decades. Among coastal HABs, benthic cyanobacteria blooms, particularly Lyngbya spp., are becoming more numerous and persistent in tropical and subtropical environments. These species have become increasingly problematic in the near-shore waters of Florida, and it has been suggested that this may be in part caused by nutrient enrichment resulting from highly developed coastal habitats. Both climate change and anthropogenically derived nutrients provide the potential for increases in these nuisance blooms. This fact sheet targets the general public, summarizing the findings of a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Ecology of Harmful Algae Bloom Program (NOAA-ECOHAB) funded study.
Latest poster
The legacy of Kalaupapa National Historical Park
The intertwined cultural and natural history of the National Park Service (NPS) Kalaupapa National Historical Park (KALA) on the Hawaiian island of Molokai is represented in this poster intended for local and visitor audiences. For more than one hundred years, Hansen's disease (leprosy) patients were forced into exile on this remote peninsula. The unique native plants and animals found here are challenged by invasive species, overfishing, pollution, and climate change.
Free Vector Symbol LibrariesThe IAN symbol libraries contain over 1500 custom made vector symbols (in 32 categories) designed specifically for enhancing science communication skills. Also includes 100+ custom swatches, ecosystem landscape diagrams, interactive multimedia tutorial, PDF index of all symbols, EPS & SVG versions for non-Illustrator users, symbol creation service, symbol contributions forum, discussion forum, instructional movie, and example publications.
