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Current Projects
Assateague Island National Seashore: climate change education resources 
As the continuing effects of climate change alter the unique habitats at Assateague Island National Seashore, communicating the threats posed by climate change becomes increasingly important. Thus, IAN and staff at Assateague will collaborate to identify the key messages regarding climate change and design a series of documents that illustrate these threats to a variety of stakeholders. We will create a online module for middle and high school students about what causes climate change and what our coastlines might look like in the future. This module will be support by brochures for the visitors' center at the park and a technical report. Full Details
As the continuing effects of climate change alter the unique habitats at Assateague Island National Seashore, communicating the threats posed by climate change becomes increasingly important. Thus, IAN and staff at Assateague will collaborate to identify the key messages regarding climate change and design a series of documents that illustrate these threats to a variety of stakeholders. We will create a online module for middle and high school students about what causes climate change and what our coastlines might look like in the future. This module will be support by brochures for the visitors' center at the park and a technical report. Full Details
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Chesapeake Bay Program
The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) has a well developed partnership with the Chesapeake Bay Program (CBP). Environmental assessment and science communication of restoration projects is a topic in which the Integration and Application Network (IAN) has been actively involved, including in its partnership with CBP. UMCES scientists are particularly knowledgeable about watershed and estuarine processes and provide technical assistance and training opportunities for CBP activities. In addition, UMCES scientists have experience with innovative approaches in restoration ecology. UMCES uses its Annapolis Synthesis Center for much of the project management, coordination, and administration of the UMCES/CBP partnership. Full Details
Project Publications: 
Conservation International: Bay of Bengal booklet and policy advisories
Conservation International is a worldwide non-profit dedicated to preserving and conserving the natural world using an integrated approach of natural and social sciences. For this project, IAN has partnered with Conservation International to develop a 12-page booklet focused on Bay of Bengal (BOB) Marine Protected Areas (MPA), drawing from knowledge of MPAs in the region. The booklet will include individual policy advisories for each of the eight countries surrounding the Bay of Bengal, to provide more information on MPAs in each country. Full Details
Conservation International is a worldwide non-profit dedicated to preserving and conserving the natural world using an integrated approach of natural and social sciences. For this project, IAN has partnered with Conservation International to develop a 12-page booklet focused on Bay of Bengal (BOB) Marine Protected Areas (MPA), drawing from knowledge of MPAs in the region. The booklet will include individual policy advisories for each of the eight countries surrounding the Bay of Bengal, to provide more information on MPAs in each country. Full Details
EcoCheck
EcoCheck is a partnership program between NOAA Chesapeake Bay Program Office and the Integration and Application Network (IAN) at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES). EcoCheck is located at the Cooperative Oxford Laboratory, on the Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay. The purpose of EcoCheck is to enhance and support the science, management and restoration of Chesapeake Bay through the integration of geographically detailed assessments and forecasts. Effective management is essential for improved health of Chesapeake Bay and EcoCheck helps provide the support and knowledge needed for this effort. Full Details
EcoCheck is a partnership program between NOAA Chesapeake Bay Program Office and the Integration and Application Network (IAN) at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES). EcoCheck is located at the Cooperative Oxford Laboratory, on the Eastern Shore of Chesapeake Bay. The purpose of EcoCheck is to enhance and support the science, management and restoration of Chesapeake Bay through the integration of geographically detailed assessments and forecasts. Effective management is essential for improved health of Chesapeake Bay and EcoCheck helps provide the support and knowledge needed for this effort. Full Details
Florida Sea Grant: South Florida Ecosystem Synthesis
This book aims to synthesize research pertaining to key background and drivers of the South Florida ecosystem. Eight chapters organize the main research topics: geographic setting, oceanography, water quality, coral reef and hardbottom, seagrasses, mangroves, some important biota, and some important management actions. Chapter content is comprised of a series of fact sheets, each written by different researchers, and meant to stand alone as a single fact sheet, or together as a comprehensive book. IAN provides a supporting role in creating diagrams for each book chapter, while layout is provided by Pamela Fletcher of NOAA, and content provided by individual Florida researchers. Full Details
This book aims to synthesize research pertaining to key background and drivers of the South Florida ecosystem. Eight chapters organize the main research topics: geographic setting, oceanography, water quality, coral reef and hardbottom, seagrasses, mangroves, some important biota, and some important management actions. Chapter content is comprised of a series of fact sheets, each written by different researchers, and meant to stand alone as a single fact sheet, or together as a comprehensive book. IAN provides a supporting role in creating diagrams for each book chapter, while layout is provided by Pamela Fletcher of NOAA, and content provided by individual Florida researchers. Full Details
Great Barrier Reef Report Card
The Marine Monitoring Program is a long-term water quality and ecosystem heath monitoring program carried out in the inshore region of the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon. The program is an integral component of the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan, that will help to assess the long-term effectiveness of Reef Plan in reversing decline in the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is responsible for the design, implementation and reporting of the monitoring program. Full Details
The Marine Monitoring Program is a long-term water quality and ecosystem heath monitoring program carried out in the inshore region of the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon. The program is an integral component of the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan, that will help to assess the long-term effectiveness of Reef Plan in reversing decline in the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is responsible for the design, implementation and reporting of the monitoring program. Full Details
Gulf of Mexico Report Card
The Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, along with its partners Harwell Gentile & Associates, LC, and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, proposes to develop a comprehensive framework for a Report Card on the health of the Gulf of Mexico. Full Details
The Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, along with its partners Harwell Gentile & Associates, LC, and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, proposes to develop a comprehensive framework for a Report Card on the health of the Gulf of Mexico. Full Details
HAFE-CHOH-CATO: Natural Resource Condition Assessments
The National Park Service is carrying out assessments of the natural resource condition (NRCA) for nearly 300 of the National Parks throughout the country deemed to have significant natural resources. This project, to assess condition of Harpers Ferry and Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Parks and Catoctin Mountain Park in the National Capital Region, is a synthesis project aimed at collating and synthesizing all available data to assess current status and trend for each metric, combining these into an overall framework. The focus of this study has been to develop a habitat based framework to assess natural resource condition. Full Details
The National Park Service is carrying out assessments of the natural resource condition (NRCA) for nearly 300 of the National Parks throughout the country deemed to have significant natural resources. This project, to assess condition of Harpers Ferry and Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Parks and Catoctin Mountain Park in the National Capital Region, is a synthesis project aimed at collating and synthesizing all available data to assess current status and trend for each metric, combining these into an overall framework. The focus of this study has been to develop a habitat based framework to assess natural resource condition. Full Details
IAN Science Communication Courses
A keystone of the Integration and Application Network is effectively communicating science to a broad audience. This one- to three-day course provides participants with a science communication toolbox for effectively communicating their data. At the close of the course, participants will have learned the principles of effective science communication, used hands-on sessions to create their own products (symbols, conceptual diagrams, presentations, newsletters, posters), and gained experience in relevant software programs. These courses are made up of modules and can be tailored to meet the needs of any interested funding agency. Full Details
A keystone of the Integration and Application Network is effectively communicating science to a broad audience. This one- to three-day course provides participants with a science communication toolbox for effectively communicating their data. At the close of the course, participants will have learned the principles of effective science communication, used hands-on sessions to create their own products (symbols, conceptual diagrams, presentations, newsletters, posters), and gained experience in relevant software programs. These courses are made up of modules and can be tailored to meet the needs of any interested funding agency. Full Details
IAN Symbol Libraries
This free, downloadable symbol library has been providing users with symbols crafted by IAN science communicators for use in constructing conceptual diagrams. This project involves getting the symbols uploaded individually to our searchable image library, adding many new symbols, and making them all available through our online diagram creator. Full Details
This free, downloadable symbol library has been providing users with symbols crafted by IAN science communicators for use in constructing conceptual diagrams. This project involves getting the symbols uploaded individually to our searchable image library, adding many new symbols, and making them all available through our online diagram creator. Full Details
Land Ocean Interactions in the Coastal Zone
LOICZ is a core project of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) and the International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change (IHDP) Full Details
LOICZ is a core project of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme (IGBP) and the International Human Dimensions Programme on Global Environmental Change (IHDP) Full Details
Maryland Coastal Bays: science communication products and report cards
Maryland's Coastal Bays, the shallow lagoons nestled behind Ocean City and Assateague, comprise a complex ecosystem. These estuarine bays, at the interface between fresh and saltwater, provide habitat for a wide range of aquatic life. But like many coastal systems, they face threats from intense development, nutrients, sediments, and other stresses associated with human activities. IAN has been working with the Coastal Bays Program on various products and studies, including the annual Coastal Bays report card, the book Shifting Sands, and using stable isotope techniques to identify nitrogen sources in the Maryland Coastal Bays. Full Details
Maryland's Coastal Bays, the shallow lagoons nestled behind Ocean City and Assateague, comprise a complex ecosystem. These estuarine bays, at the interface between fresh and saltwater, provide habitat for a wide range of aquatic life. But like many coastal systems, they face threats from intense development, nutrients, sediments, and other stresses associated with human activities. IAN has been working with the Coastal Bays Program on various products and studies, including the annual Coastal Bays report card, the book Shifting Sands, and using stable isotope techniques to identify nitrogen sources in the Maryland Coastal Bays. Full Details
MD DNR: Trust Fund Evaluation
A partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR) and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) has been formed to develop an effective monitoring strategy to evaluate and communicate the efficacy of the projects funded through the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund (CBTF). This partnership, named Trust Fund Evaluation, will also engage scientists and resource managers from relevant institutions and agencies in the region to enhance input and guidance on non-point source monitoring and assessment methodologies that demonstrate reductions of nutrients and sediments and to maximize the leveraging of resources. Full Details
A partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR) and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) has been formed to develop an effective monitoring strategy to evaluate and communicate the efficacy of the projects funded through the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays 2010 Trust Fund (CBTF). This partnership, named Trust Fund Evaluation, will also engage scientists and resource managers from relevant institutions and agencies in the region to enhance input and guidance on non-point source monitoring and assessment methodologies that demonstrate reductions of nutrients and sediments and to maximize the leveraging of resources. Full Details
Mid-Atlantic Tributary Assessment Coalition
The Mid-Atlantic Tributary Assessment Coalition is a unique and growing group of watershed organizations interested in advancing the use of environmental data from local organizations and citizen scientists for use in report cards and assessments. Using data collected by concerned citizens, IAN has helped to generate multi-year report cards for nine rivers since 2007. Full Details
The Mid-Atlantic Tributary Assessment Coalition is a unique and growing group of watershed organizations interested in advancing the use of environmental data from local organizations and citizen scientists for use in report cards and assessments. Using data collected by concerned citizens, IAN has helped to generate multi-year report cards for nine rivers since 2007. Full Details
SPREP: Ecosystem-based adaptation and engineering options for Lami Town, Fiji
The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is a regional organisation established by the governments and administrations of the Pacific region to look after its environment. For this project, IAN partnered with SPREP to create a graphics rich summary of a technical report detailing the cost-benefit analysis of ecosystem-based adaptation and engineering options for Lami Town, in Fiji. Full Details
The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is a regional organisation established by the governments and administrations of the Pacific region to look after its environment. For this project, IAN partnered with SPREP to create a graphics rich summary of a technical report detailing the cost-benefit analysis of ecosystem-based adaptation and engineering options for Lami Town, in Fiji. Full Details
UMCES/IAN Environmental Science Films on SchoolTube.com
We strive to inspire future scientists and increase awareness about environmental issues. We believe that new media is a integral part of achieving these goals. Therefore, we have launched an UMCES channel on SchoolTube. Sponsored by IAN, this channel hosts environmental science videos created by UMCES faculty, staff, and students. What is SchoolTube? It is a video sharing site used by middle and high school students, teachers, and parents across the country. Full Details
We strive to inspire future scientists and increase awareness about environmental issues. We believe that new media is a integral part of achieving these goals. Therefore, we have launched an UMCES channel on SchoolTube. Sponsored by IAN, this channel hosts environmental science videos created by UMCES faculty, staff, and students. What is SchoolTube? It is a video sharing site used by middle and high school students, teachers, and parents across the country. Full Details
Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore: Baltimore Harbor Ecosystem Status
EcoCheck has partnered with the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore to assess the baseline conditions of Baltimore's Inner Harbor and its watershed. EcoCheck will evaluate the current status of the Inner Harbor by evaluating water quality, sediments, biota, and other indicators. This baseline conditions assessment will be a starting point for an annual monitoring program that will support an annual report card for the Harbor. The report card will evaluate progress toward the Waterfront Partnership's goal of a fishable, swimmable Harbor by 2020. Full Details
EcoCheck has partnered with the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore to assess the baseline conditions of Baltimore's Inner Harbor and its watershed. EcoCheck will evaluate the current status of the Inner Harbor by evaluating water quality, sediments, biota, and other indicators. This baseline conditions assessment will be a starting point for an annual monitoring program that will support an annual report card for the Harbor. The report card will evaluate progress toward the Waterfront Partnership's goal of a fishable, swimmable Harbor by 2020. Full Details
Past Projects
ANTI-MONO-MANA: Natural Resource Condition Assessments
The National Park Service is carrying out assessments of the natural resource condition (NRCA) for nearly 300 of the National Parks throughout the country deemed to have significant natural resources. This project, to assess the condition of Antietam, Monocacy, and Manassas National Battlefields in Maryland and Virginia, is aimed at collating and synthesizing all available data to assess current status and trend for each metric, combining these into an overall framework for each park. The focus of this study has been to develop a habitat based framework to assess natural resource condition. Full Details
The National Park Service is carrying out assessments of the natural resource condition (NRCA) for nearly 300 of the National Parks throughout the country deemed to have significant natural resources. This project, to assess the condition of Antietam, Monocacy, and Manassas National Battlefields in Maryland and Virginia, is aimed at collating and synthesizing all available data to assess current status and trend for each metric, combining these into an overall framework for each park. The focus of this study has been to develop a habitat based framework to assess natural resource condition. Full Details
Assateague Island National Seashore: Natural Resource Condition Assessment
The National Park Service is carrying out assessments of the natural resource condition (NRCA) for nearly 300 of the National Parks throughout the country deemed to have significant natural resources. This project, to assess condition of Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland and Virginia, is a synthesis project aimed at collating and synthesizing all available data to assess current status and trend for each metric, combining these into an overall framework. The focus of this study has been to develop a habitat based framework to assess natural resource condition. Full Details
The National Park Service is carrying out assessments of the natural resource condition (NRCA) for nearly 300 of the National Parks throughout the country deemed to have significant natural resources. This project, to assess condition of Assateague Island National Seashore in Maryland and Virginia, is a synthesis project aimed at collating and synthesizing all available data to assess current status and trend for each metric, combining these into an overall framework. The focus of this study has been to develop a habitat based framework to assess natural resource condition. Full Details
Chesapeake Bay SAV restoration
Chesapeake Bay has historically supported extensive bay grass (underwater grasses) meadows (>75,000 ha). However, water quality degradation from increased sediment and nutrient inputs has reduced the areal coverage and depth penetration of bay grasses, with one third of historical distributions remaining (21,648 ha; 1985-2004 mean). Chesapeake Bay underwater grasses are comprised of a variety of freshwater, brackish, and marine species. These various species form different communities, largely related to salinity, which have different environmental factors limiting their effective restoration. Full Details
Chesapeake Bay has historically supported extensive bay grass (underwater grasses) meadows (>75,000 ha). However, water quality degradation from increased sediment and nutrient inputs has reduced the areal coverage and depth penetration of bay grasses, with one third of historical distributions remaining (21,648 ha; 1985-2004 mean). Chesapeake Bay underwater grasses are comprised of a variety of freshwater, brackish, and marine species. These various species form different communities, largely related to salinity, which have different environmental factors limiting their effective restoration. Full Details
Chesapeake Bay Trust: Tributary Report Card Standardization
This project seeks to establish a framework to coordinate efforts among watershed organizations using or planning to use report cards as outreach tools. This project also seeks to develop clear and consistent guidelines and protocols for the development and implementation of report cards by watershed organizations. Protocols will be developed and training provided for sampling and monitoring methodology, data analysis, and science communication. The overall objective is to allow comparability of results from volunteer-based monitoring programs and report cards, and increase the scientific validity of report cards as outreach tools. Full Details
This project seeks to establish a framework to coordinate efforts among watershed organizations using or planning to use report cards as outreach tools. This project also seeks to develop clear and consistent guidelines and protocols for the development and implementation of report cards by watershed organizations. Protocols will be developed and training provided for sampling and monitoring methodology, data analysis, and science communication. The overall objective is to allow comparability of results from volunteer-based monitoring programs and report cards, and increase the scientific validity of report cards as outreach tools. Full Details
Colonial National Historical Park: Natural Resource Condition Assessment
The National Park Service is carrying out assessments of the natural resource condition (NRCA) for nearly 300 of the National Parks throughout the country deemed to have significant natural resources. This project, to assess condition of Colonial National Historical Park in Virginia, is a synthesis project aimed at collating and synthesizing all available data to assess current status and trend for each metric, combining these into an overall framework. The focus of this study has been to develop a habitat based framework to assess natural resource condition. Full Details
The National Park Service is carrying out assessments of the natural resource condition (NRCA) for nearly 300 of the National Parks throughout the country deemed to have significant natural resources. This project, to assess condition of Colonial National Historical Park in Virginia, is a synthesis project aimed at collating and synthesizing all available data to assess current status and trend for each metric, combining these into an overall framework. The focus of this study has been to develop a habitat based framework to assess natural resource condition. Full Details
Conservation International: Adapting to climate change in the Verde Island Passage, Philippines
The Verde Island Passage (VIP) is an area in the northern Philippines that has a wealth of coastal marine resources, including highly diverse coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows. It also has ~7 million people whose livelihoods are suppported by those resources. Climate change will impact in varying ways and degrees both the ecological and coastal communities of the VIP.
A series of three science communication products (fact sheet, booklet, technical report), produced by IAN staff in collaboration with Conservation International (CI), assemble and synthesize the climate change vulnerability assessment study completed by CI and its partners in 2009 in this area. Full Details
The Verde Island Passage (VIP) is an area in the northern Philippines that has a wealth of coastal marine resources, including highly diverse coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows. It also has ~7 million people whose livelihoods are suppported by those resources. Climate change will impact in varying ways and degrees both the ecological and coastal communities of the VIP.
A series of three science communication products (fact sheet, booklet, technical report), produced by IAN staff in collaboration with Conservation International (CI), assemble and synthesize the climate change vulnerability assessment study completed by CI and its partners in 2009 in this area. Full Details
Conservation International: science communication products
Conservation International is a worldwide non-profit dedicated to preserving and conserving the natural world using an integrated approach of natural and social sciences. IAN partners with Conservation International on producing policy briefs (4-page summary documents), reports, and guidebooks, based on their research findings and lessons learned in many areas around the globe. Full Details
Conservation International is a worldwide non-profit dedicated to preserving and conserving the natural world using an integrated approach of natural and social sciences. IAN partners with Conservation International on producing policy briefs (4-page summary documents), reports, and guidebooks, based on their research findings and lessons learned in many areas around the globe. Full Details
COSEE Coastal Trends
COSEE Coastal Trends increases public awareness about ocean science, empowers educators by developing interactive online modules, and fosters partnerships between researchers and educators in order to make current scientific knowledge and data available in the classroom.
Full Details
COSEE Coastal Trends increases public awareness about ocean science, empowers educators by developing interactive online modules, and fosters partnerships between researchers and educators in order to make current scientific knowledge and data available in the classroom.
Full Details
Deep Creek Lake Report Card
Deep Creek Lake is currently experiencing a host of environmental problems related to nutrient and sediment input from the surrounding watershed. The nonprofit organization Friends of Deep Creek Lake (FODCL) is collaborating with EcoCheck to design and produce an environmental report card for Deep Creek Lake. This project is especially important to the evolution of environmental assessment, communication, and reporting for aquatic systems in Maryland. Lake systems form an important ecologic and hydrologic feature of state upland areas. Deep Creek Lake, while not in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, probably serves as a sentinel for future issues with other Maryland lakes. Deep Creek Lake is the oldest lake in Maryland, having been formed for hydropower in the 1920’s. The ecologic and hydrologic problems that Deep Creek Lake is currently experiencing may very well reflect the future of many other Maryland lakes. Full Details
Deep Creek Lake is currently experiencing a host of environmental problems related to nutrient and sediment input from the surrounding watershed. The nonprofit organization Friends of Deep Creek Lake (FODCL) is collaborating with EcoCheck to design and produce an environmental report card for Deep Creek Lake. This project is especially important to the evolution of environmental assessment, communication, and reporting for aquatic systems in Maryland. Lake systems form an important ecologic and hydrologic feature of state upland areas. Deep Creek Lake, while not in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, probably serves as a sentinel for future issues with other Maryland lakes. Deep Creek Lake is the oldest lake in Maryland, having been formed for hydropower in the 1920’s. The ecologic and hydrologic problems that Deep Creek Lake is currently experiencing may very well reflect the future of many other Maryland lakes. Full Details
Defending our National Treasure
As one of the largest Federal landholders in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the Department of Defense's efforts towards the Chesapeake’s restoration and protection have exemplified the positive effects of interagency cooperation. This report provides a synthesis of the role the Department of Defense (DoD) has played in the Bay restoration effort. It outlines the specific commitments the DoD has made with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other Chesapeake Bay Program partners and identifies other DoD initiatives that support the Chesapeake Bay Program's efforts. This all-encompassing document will showcase DoDs efforts from 1998-2004. Full Details
As one of the largest Federal landholders in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the Department of Defense's efforts towards the Chesapeake’s restoration and protection have exemplified the positive effects of interagency cooperation. This report provides a synthesis of the role the Department of Defense (DoD) has played in the Bay restoration effort. It outlines the specific commitments the DoD has made with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and other Chesapeake Bay Program partners and identifies other DoD initiatives that support the Chesapeake Bay Program's efforts. This all-encompassing document will showcase DoDs efforts from 1998-2004. Full Details
Florida DEP: workshop facilitation and newsletter
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is developing a new transparency standard for marine waters that will protect the seagrass species found throughout the state. The current standard does not sufficiently protect seagrasses, and the new standard will help DEP identify waters in which transparency is too low for healthy seagrass beds. DEP and IAN convened a workshop of experts to determine what factors affect light in seagrass beds, and what transparency criteria have already been established for individual systems. The resulting newsletter summarizes that workshop and discusses how DEP will use this knowledge to set criteria for seagrasses in Florida. Full Details
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is developing a new transparency standard for marine waters that will protect the seagrass species found throughout the state. The current standard does not sufficiently protect seagrasses, and the new standard will help DEP identify waters in which transparency is too low for healthy seagrass beds. DEP and IAN convened a workshop of experts to determine what factors affect light in seagrass beds, and what transparency criteria have already been established for individual systems. The resulting newsletter summarizes that workshop and discusses how DEP will use this knowledge to set criteria for seagrasses in Florida. Full Details
Louisiana Sea Level Rise
Coastal Louisiana is home to the nation’s largest port complex in both tonnage and infrastructure, and produces or transports nearly one-third of the nation’s oil and gas supply. In addition, the coastal Louisiana ecosystem provides nationally-important fish and wildlife habitat that supports the nation’s second-largest commercial fishery and over $1 billion per year in recreational fishing and hunting revenues. All of these activities are supported in Louisiana because of the close proximity of its skilled workforce to the Gulf of Mexico. Coastal land loss has placed these economic and natural resources at increased risk of loss due to the intense effects of waves and storm surges from hurricanes. Restoration of the coastal ecosystem can work synergistically with levees and floodgates to provide an integrated flood protection system that allows continued resource production and sustains the ecosystem services on which the nation relies. Full Details
Coastal Louisiana is home to the nation’s largest port complex in both tonnage and infrastructure, and produces or transports nearly one-third of the nation’s oil and gas supply. In addition, the coastal Louisiana ecosystem provides nationally-important fish and wildlife habitat that supports the nation’s second-largest commercial fishery and over $1 billion per year in recreational fishing and hunting revenues. All of these activities are supported in Louisiana because of the close proximity of its skilled workforce to the Gulf of Mexico. Coastal land loss has placed these economic and natural resources at increased risk of loss due to the intense effects of waves and storm surges from hurricanes. Restoration of the coastal ecosystem can work synergistically with levees and floodgates to provide an integrated flood protection system that allows continued resource production and sustains the ecosystem services on which the nation relies. Full Details
Maryland Climate Change
On April 20, 2007, Governor Martin O’Malley established the Maryland Climate Change Commission charged with collectively developing an action plan to address the causes of climate change, prepare for the likely consequences and impacts of climate change to Maryland, and establish firm benchmarks and timetables for implementing the Commission’s recommendations. IAN staff were contracted with work with UMCES President Don Boesch and MD DNR staff to produce two specific chapters in The Climate Action Plan Final Report which was released on August 27, 2008. The newsletter and poster were additional science communication products produced by IAN. Full Details
On April 20, 2007, Governor Martin O’Malley established the Maryland Climate Change Commission charged with collectively developing an action plan to address the causes of climate change, prepare for the likely consequences and impacts of climate change to Maryland, and establish firm benchmarks and timetables for implementing the Commission’s recommendations. IAN staff were contracted with work with UMCES President Don Boesch and MD DNR staff to produce two specific chapters in The Climate Action Plan Final Report which was released on August 27, 2008. The newsletter and poster were additional science communication products produced by IAN. Full Details
Mesoamerican Reef Report Card
This goal of this project was to describe the health of the Mesoamerican Reef by identifying key indicators and calculating an Integrated Reef Health Index. Additionally, to evaluate the human footprint and social well-being of the local community. Finally, to provide recommendations for government, NGOs, private, and research sectors for future work. Full Details
This goal of this project was to describe the health of the Mesoamerican Reef by identifying key indicators and calculating an Integrated Reef Health Index. Additionally, to evaluate the human footprint and social well-being of the local community. Finally, to provide recommendations for government, NGOs, private, and research sectors for future work. Full Details
Nanticoke Tributary Report Card
The first objective of the project is to produce a Nanticoke watershed/river report card in the format that is fast becoming the standard for reporting water quality information to the public. This report card will be used to inform and involve the public as part of the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance's programmatic and mission effort to conserve the resources of this river. The second is to provide the Alliance with the training and ability- the capacity- to take complete ownership of the report card in subsequent years. Full Details
The first objective of the project is to produce a Nanticoke watershed/river report card in the format that is fast becoming the standard for reporting water quality information to the public. This report card will be used to inform and involve the public as part of the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance's programmatic and mission effort to conserve the resources of this river. The second is to provide the Alliance with the training and ability- the capacity- to take complete ownership of the report card in subsequent years. Full Details
National Capital Region: science communication products
The National Capital Region Network (NCRN) of the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) program has identified 22 indicators of ecological condition within the National Capital Region (NCR), which are commonly called "vital signs". The NCRN is currently in the process of implementing vital signs monitoring within 11 NCR parks. Full Details
The National Capital Region Network (NCRN) of the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring (I&M) program has identified 22 indicators of ecological condition within the National Capital Region (NCR), which are commonly called "vital signs". The NCRN is currently in the process of implementing vital signs monitoring within 11 NCR parks. Full Details
NCEAS: Global trajectories of seagrasses
A global assessment of seagrass gains and losses will be used to develop ecological forecasts. Includes constructing a global database of seagrass distributional changes, testing the perception that a contemporary crisis in seagrass ecosystems is occurring due to coastal human population pressures. Full Details
A global assessment of seagrass gains and losses will be used to develop ecological forecasts. Includes constructing a global database of seagrass distributional changes, testing the perception that a contemporary crisis in seagrass ecosystems is occurring due to coastal human population pressures. Full Details
NOAA: Beach Advisory Decision Support Systems
Empirical models were developed at South Carolina beaches and estuaries to create daily forecasts of bacterial water quality for use as decision support tools. These tools predict exceedance of bacteria criteria using integrated monitoring data, remote sensing, and meteorology information. The models developed for beach areas used precipitation data from a rain gauge network, tide data, and qualitative weather information to predict criterion exceedance. Current efforts on these tools include integrating data from ocean observing systems and precipitation data from remote sensing products to create near-real time prediction updates presented in a web-based GIS. Similar predictive models for fecal coliform bacteria concentration were developed using integrated data from monitoring programs, meteorology, and remote sensing. These two related modeling efforts highlight the utility and feasibility of integrating data from observing systems and remote sensing to create empirically-based decision support tools. Full Details
Empirical models were developed at South Carolina beaches and estuaries to create daily forecasts of bacterial water quality for use as decision support tools. These tools predict exceedance of bacteria criteria using integrated monitoring data, remote sensing, and meteorology information. The models developed for beach areas used precipitation data from a rain gauge network, tide data, and qualitative weather information to predict criterion exceedance. Current efforts on these tools include integrating data from ocean observing systems and precipitation data from remote sensing products to create near-real time prediction updates presented in a web-based GIS. Similar predictive models for fecal coliform bacteria concentration were developed using integrated data from monitoring programs, meteorology, and remote sensing. These two related modeling efforts highlight the utility and feasibility of integrating data from observing systems and remote sensing to create empirically-based decision support tools. Full Details
NOAA: Ecosystem Research and Coastal Management
Coastal management in the U.S. is in transition toward a stronger, ecosystem-based approach implemented at the regional scale and supported by strong scientific synthesis and prediction. The division of ecosystem components
among different agencies, scientific disciplines, and political boundaries, as well as the complexities of conducting Regional Ecosystem Research (RER) make effective
ecosystem management very challenging. NOAA's Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Science convened a best practices workshop of approximately 50 national
leaders in coastal research, management, and policy to identify the key elements of an effective RER program and policy actions to enhance future RER efforts. The results from this workshop and follow up interviews is summarized in this report. Full Details
Coastal management in the U.S. is in transition toward a stronger, ecosystem-based approach implemented at the regional scale and supported by strong scientific synthesis and prediction. The division of ecosystem components
among different agencies, scientific disciplines, and political boundaries, as well as the complexities of conducting Regional Ecosystem Research (RER) make effective
ecosystem management very challenging. NOAA's Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Science convened a best practices workshop of approximately 50 national
leaders in coastal research, management, and policy to identify the key elements of an effective RER program and policy actions to enhance future RER efforts. The results from this workshop and follow up interviews is summarized in this report. Full Details
NOAA: National Estuarine Eutrophication Assessment
To assess the eutrophic conditions for 141 U.S. estuaries based on data and information provided by scientists and experts from around the country. IAN developed an interactive website to collect data and produce automated summaries of eutrophication status as well as print ready graphics for the final report. Report production was a collaborative effort between Suzanne Bricker (NOAA NCCOS), EcoCheck (NOAA-UMCES Partnership) and IAN. Full Details
To assess the eutrophic conditions for 141 U.S. estuaries based on data and information provided by scientists and experts from around the country. IAN developed an interactive website to collect data and produce automated summaries of eutrophication status as well as print ready graphics for the final report. Report production was a collaborative effort between Suzanne Bricker (NOAA NCCOS), EcoCheck (NOAA-UMCES Partnership) and IAN. Full Details
Northern Great Plains Network: using conceptual diagrams to aid communication
The Northern Great Plains Network consists of 13 National Park Service park units from the Dakotas, Nebraska, and eastern Wyoming. The Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) Program provides guidance, funding, and technical assistance to complete a set of 12 baseline natural resource inventories for parks. These inventories serve as the baseline for establishing long-term ecological monitoring, known as "Vital Signs Monitoring." Conceptual diagrams are a useful tool for both synthesizing and communicating complex ecosystem processes and features, and illustrating the role of monitoring. Full Details
The Northern Great Plains Network consists of 13 National Park Service park units from the Dakotas, Nebraska, and eastern Wyoming. The Inventory & Monitoring (I&M) Program provides guidance, funding, and technical assistance to complete a set of 12 baseline natural resource inventories for parks. These inventories serve as the baseline for establishing long-term ecological monitoring, known as "Vital Signs Monitoring." Conceptual diagrams are a useful tool for both synthesizing and communicating complex ecosystem processes and features, and illustrating the role of monitoring. Full Details
Pacific Island Network: coral education resources
Resource managers and interpretive staff in the Pacific Island Network have partnered with IAN staff, students, educators, and cultural experts to develop an online module that explores our intricate connections to coral reefs and climate change. By synthesizing park science and integrating cultural knowledge, the module illustrates the coral ecosystems in the Pacific islands, the threats that climate change poses, and how changes to coral reefs may impact our daily lives. Input from local teachers and researchers ensures the accuracy and usability of these materials. Full Details
Resource managers and interpretive staff in the Pacific Island Network have partnered with IAN staff, students, educators, and cultural experts to develop an online module that explores our intricate connections to coral reefs and climate change. By synthesizing park science and integrating cultural knowledge, the module illustrates the coral ecosystems in the Pacific islands, the threats that climate change poses, and how changes to coral reefs may impact our daily lives. Input from local teachers and researchers ensures the accuracy and usability of these materials. Full Details
Pacific Island Network: science communication products
The National Park Service is carrying out assessments of the natural resource condition (NRCA) for nearly 300 of the National Parks throughout the country deemed to have significant natural resources. This product, to assess condition of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park (KAHO) in the Pacific Island Network, is a synthesis product aimed at collating and synthesizing all available data to assess current status and trend for each metric, combining these into an overall framework. The focus of this study has been to develop a habitat-based framework to assess natural resource condition of the park.
Additionally, through a series of PACN park site visits and workshops, IAN staff are collaborating with park and I&M staff to create science communication products that educate and engage locals or visitors for the three remaining parks in the NPS Pacific Island Network. For War in the Pacific National Historical Park (WAPA), a 8 panel park brochure will feature the many units of the park on Guam and their unique natural and cultural resources. For the American Memorial Park (AMME) on Saipan, a poster, designed for local audiences and displayed outside on park grounds, will highlight both the natural resources often hidden from view and the cultural significance of AMME. And, for Haleakala National Park (HALE) on Maui, Hawaii, a brochure will attempt to entice visitors to explore HALE beyond the standard tourist destinations of the summit at dawn and the coastal pools for cooling off. Full Details
The National Park Service is carrying out assessments of the natural resource condition (NRCA) for nearly 300 of the National Parks throughout the country deemed to have significant natural resources. This product, to assess condition of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park (KAHO) in the Pacific Island Network, is a synthesis product aimed at collating and synthesizing all available data to assess current status and trend for each metric, combining these into an overall framework. The focus of this study has been to develop a habitat-based framework to assess natural resource condition of the park.
Additionally, through a series of PACN park site visits and workshops, IAN staff are collaborating with park and I&M staff to create science communication products that educate and engage locals or visitors for the three remaining parks in the NPS Pacific Island Network. For War in the Pacific National Historical Park (WAPA), a 8 panel park brochure will feature the many units of the park on Guam and their unique natural and cultural resources. For the American Memorial Park (AMME) on Saipan, a poster, designed for local audiences and displayed outside on park grounds, will highlight both the natural resources often hidden from view and the cultural significance of AMME. And, for Haleakala National Park (HALE) on Maui, Hawaii, a brochure will attempt to entice visitors to explore HALE beyond the standard tourist destinations of the summit at dawn and the coastal pools for cooling off. Full Details
Packard Foundation: Training Federal Agencies in Ecosystem-Based Management
Federal agencies are uniquely positioned to address the large-scale issues facing our ecosystems. For this reason, IAN and the Packard Foundation collaborate to develop training in ecosystem-based management. Successful ecosystem-based management requires clear objectives, coordinated implementation, and effective communication of conditions and adaptations. This training provides agency staff with the tools they need to develop and initiate ecosystem-based management programs.
Additionally, two conceptual framework newsletters and a poster were produced by IAN staff as part of Packard Foundation's site locations in Palau and Morro Bay, CA. Full Details
Federal agencies are uniquely positioned to address the large-scale issues facing our ecosystems. For this reason, IAN and the Packard Foundation collaborate to develop training in ecosystem-based management. Successful ecosystem-based management requires clear objectives, coordinated implementation, and effective communication of conditions and adaptations. This training provides agency staff with the tools they need to develop and initiate ecosystem-based management programs.
Additionally, two conceptual framework newsletters and a poster were produced by IAN staff as part of Packard Foundation's site locations in Palau and Morro Bay, CA. Full Details
Patuxent River Report Card
This report card provides grades for the three tidal regions of the Patuxent River estuary, located on the Western Shore of Chesapeake Bay. The grades are based on six ecological indicators: dissolved oxygen, water clarity, chlorophyll a, phytoplankton community, benthic community, and aquatic grasses.
Full Details
This report card provides grades for the three tidal regions of the Patuxent River estuary, located on the Western Shore of Chesapeake Bay. The grades are based on six ecological indicators: dissolved oxygen, water clarity, chlorophyll a, phytoplankton community, benthic community, and aquatic grasses.
Full Details
Rock Creek National Park: Natural Resource Condition Assessment
Rock Creek Park (ROCR) is a forest and wetland oasis in the heart of Washington, D.C. A National Park Service natural resource condition assessment (NPS NRCA) was conducted using two synthetic frameworks: 1) an ecological monitoring framework, and 2) a habitat monitoring framework. Data metrics and thresholds were determined and monitoring data applied. Full Details
Rock Creek Park (ROCR) is a forest and wetland oasis in the heart of Washington, D.C. A National Park Service natural resource condition assessment (NPS NRCA) was conducted using two synthetic frameworks: 1) an ecological monitoring framework, and 2) a habitat monitoring framework. Data metrics and thresholds were determined and monitoring data applied. Full Details
SeaWeb: Production of an Ecosystem Based Management Game
In collaboration with SeaWeb, IAN staff designed and produced the interactive board game "TRADE-OFF!" that explores stakeholder perspectives in ecosystem-based management. In the game, players assume stakeholders' roles and negotiate the placement of different human activities in a natural environment. Full Details
In collaboration with SeaWeb, IAN staff designed and produced the interactive board game "TRADE-OFF!" that explores stakeholder perspectives in ecosystem-based management. In the game, players assume stakeholders' roles and negotiate the placement of different human activities in a natural environment. Full Details
Severn River Report Card
This report card summarizes 2008 water quality results, which are based on data collected by the Severn Riverkeeper Program. This report card helps to clarify the Severn's health, and provides instructions on what individuals can do to improve its condition. Full Details
This report card summarizes 2008 water quality results, which are based on data collected by the Severn Riverkeeper Program. This report card helps to clarify the Severn's health, and provides instructions on what individuals can do to improve its condition. Full Details
Shenandoah National Park: science communication products
Shenandoah National Park is a natural oasis in the densely populated Mid−Atlantic region. Thus, the park is an important refuge for both wildlife and people, but its location in the midst of urban, suburban, and agricultural development exposes it to threats including air pollution, water degradation, land use change, and alteration of biological communities. In order to understand and minimize these threats, park staff gather data about natural resource conditions and trends as part of the National Park Service's Mid−Atlantic Inventory and Monitoring Network. IAN and Shenandoah staff created a booklet to illustrate these threats and show how effective monitoring can track changes in conditions and guide management practices. Full Details
Shenandoah National Park is a natural oasis in the densely populated Mid−Atlantic region. Thus, the park is an important refuge for both wildlife and people, but its location in the midst of urban, suburban, and agricultural development exposes it to threats including air pollution, water degradation, land use change, and alteration of biological communities. In order to understand and minimize these threats, park staff gather data about natural resource conditions and trends as part of the National Park Service's Mid−Atlantic Inventory and Monitoring Network. IAN and Shenandoah staff created a booklet to illustrate these threats and show how effective monitoring can track changes in conditions and guide management practices. Full Details
SIBER Workshop
The SIBER Workshop convened an international, interdisciplinary group of scientists at the National Institute of Oceanography in Goa, India to:
The SIBER Workshop convened an international, interdisciplinary group of scientists at the National Institute of Oceanography in Goa, India to:
- Review the state of our knowledge and scientific understanding of the biogeochemical and ecological dynamics of the Indian Ocean in relation to physical oceanographic variability;
- Identify prominent gaps in our understanding especially as they pertain to the role of physical and ecological processes in regulating biogeochemical cycles and the carbon cycle in particular;
- Formulate a plan for the implementation of a biogeochemical and ecological observational and modeling research program that leverages and substantially enhances the planned CLIVAR/GOOS Indian Ocean observing system. The SIBER Workshop is designed to elicit maximum interaction among the participants.
The Nature Conservancy: science communication training for West Papua, Indonesia
This project developed conceptual diagrams related to the final reporting of ecosystem-based management tasks for the Bird’s Head region of West Papua, Indonesia, and provided science communication training to staff involved in management of the marine protected areas in the region. Full Details
United Nations Environmental Programme: Ecosystem Based Management
IAN staff are collaborating with United Nations Environmental Programme to produce several key conceptual diagrams for a new publication on Ecosystem Based Management. Full Details
