Publications of the Integration and Application Network at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science http://ian.umces.edu/newsletters/ Integration and Application Network Environmental report cards are an important tool for integrating assessments of ecosystem health and for communicating scientific understanding to decision makers and the general public. Environmental report cards rely on a suite of environmental indicators (= performance measures, vital signs, reference values) and thresholds (= goals, criteria, standards). The process of combining indicators is an important aspect of ecosystem health assessments and can be accomplished by a variety of mechanisms and influence the results. The specificity of reporting regions can influence the impact of the report cards. Geographically explicit report cards can create a powerful human motivator-peer pressure. Report cards can engender a healthy competition between communities and community leaders to achieve better report card grades. The credibility of the environmental report cards needs to be established by a transparent process in which the data, indices, maps and conceptual foundation are explicit. Report cards can provide timely, synthesized information to a broad audience. http://ian.umces.edu/communication/posters/environmental_report_cards_a_tool_for_better_management_monitoring_and_research_2008-05-02/ http://ian.umces.edu/communication/posters/environmental_report_cards_a_tool_for_better_management_monitoring_and_research_2008-05-02/ Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT This newsletter introduces the first Patuxent River ecosystem health report card. This report card provides grades for three regions within the Patuxent River estuary (i.e., the tidal portion of the river). The report card grades are based on the progress of six indicators towards ecological targets. The report card shows that the Patuxent River estuary is mostly in poor condition and that substantially more effort is needed to see measurable improvements. This report card was produced in collaboration with the Patuxent Riverkeeper who recently started a citizen water quality monitoring program with the aim of using this information to assess the health of the region's creeks and estuary. Next year this data will be used to provide a more comprehensive report card. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/2007_patuxent_river_report_card_2008-04-21/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/2007_patuxent_river_report_card_2008-04-21/ Mon, 21 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT This newsletter introduces the first Chester River ecosystem health report card. This report card summarizes the 2007 water quality of two major parts of the Chester River ecosystem: the estuary (tidal regions) and the creeks (non-tidal) flowing into the estuary. Creek water quality is based on data collected by the Chester River Association and their Chester Tester volunteers. Health of the estuarine regions is based on data collected by the Chesapeake Bay Program partners. This report card helps clarify how healthy the region's waterways are, and what you can do to help improve the ecological condition of the Chester River. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/2007_chester_river_report_card_2008-04-10/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/2007_chester_river_report_card_2008-04-10/ Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT The report card aims to inform citizens on the progress Chesapeake Bay is making toward becoming a healthy ecosystem. This year's report card shows that the health of the Bay improved slightly in 2007 when compared to 2006. While the overall health of the Bay and most regions of the Bay improved, the health of some regions of the Bay declined. This newsletter also explores some of the long-term changes in report card scores, making a connection between the scores and influencing factors such as land use and nutrient loads. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/chesapeake_bay_2007_land_use_and_the_chesapeake_bay_report_card_2008-04-03/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/chesapeake_bay_2007_land_use_and_the_chesapeake_bay_report_card_2008-04-03/ Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT This report card provides a transparent, timely, and geographically detailed annual assessment of 2007 Chesapeake Bay habitat health. This is the second year that the report card has been released. This report card rates 15 reporting regions of the Bay using six indicators that are combined into a single overarching index of habitat health. Habitat health is defined as progress of the six indicators towards established scientifically derived ecological thresholds or goals. A low score therefore means that the region rarely meets the ecological threshold levels. A high score means that the region often meets the threshold levels. For further details, visit the Report Card website. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/chesapeake_bay_health_report_card_2007_2008-04-03/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/chesapeake_bay_health_report_card_2007_2008-04-03/ Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT Intensive sampling of the Maryland Coastal Bays in May and July of 2007 served to further assess spatial patterns in nutrients, responses of biological indicators, seasons, land use, and nutrient cycling. Trends indicated degraded water quality, high tubidity, increasing total nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, high natural isotope abundance (δ15N), and low dissolved oxygen. The abundance of crop agriculture and development of the St. Martin River watershed indicates terrestrial sources of poor water quality, especially in upstream reaches, but no such land use connection has been reported for the region of Johnsons Bay. The difference between these two coastal bays may be their flushing and nutrient cycling abilities, in conjunction with adjacent land use. http://ian.umces.edu/communication/reports/fine_scale_patterns_of_water_quality_in_three_regions_of_marylands_coastal_bays_assessing_nitrogen_source_in_relation_to_land_use_2008-04-02/ http://ian.umces.edu/communication/reports/fine_scale_patterns_of_water_quality_in_three_regions_of_marylands_coastal_bays_assessing_nitrogen_source_in_relation_to_land_use_2008-04-02/ Wed, 02 Apr 2008 00:00:00 EDT 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. This newsletter summarizes the outcomes from the Marine Integration Workshop. http://ian.umces.edu/communication/newsletters/reef_plan_monitoring_marine_water_quality_impacts_2008-03-02/ http://ian.umces.edu/communication/newsletters/reef_plan_monitoring_marine_water_quality_impacts_2008-03-02/ Sun, 02 Mar 2008 00:00:00 EST The Pacific Island Network (PACN) of the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring program is currently in the process of implementing vital signs monitoring within 11 PACN parks. As a basis to monitoring, effective communication is essential. To this end, IAN staff worked with park management and staff on the island of Hawai'i to create a newsletter that identifies the key features and stressors to the natural resources within their four parks, keeping in mind the historical link between native Hawaiian culture and the natural environment. http://ian.umces.edu/communication/newsletters/inventory_and_monitoring_program_pacific_island_network_national_park_service_2008-01-28/ http://ian.umces.edu/communication/newsletters/inventory_and_monitoring_program_pacific_island_network_national_park_service_2008-01-28/ Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST The Pacific Island Network (PACN) of the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring program is currently in the process of implementing vital signs monitoring within 11 PACN parks. As a basis to monitoring, effective communication is essential. This poster features the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail, a 175-mile coastal corridor full of cultural and natural heritage on the island of Hawai'i, but a trail mostly under private ownership that is threatened by rapid surrounding development. http://ian.umces.edu/communication/posters/ala_kahakai_national_historic_trail_2008-01-28/ http://ian.umces.edu/communication/posters/ala_kahakai_national_historic_trail_2008-01-28/ Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST The Pacific Island Network (PACN) of the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring program is currently in the process of implementing vital signs monitoring within 11 PACN parks. As a basis to monitoring, effective communication is essential. This poster features Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park on the island of Hawai'i, which contains historic sites, endangered species, anchialine pools, and a vibrant coral reef. The park is challenged by changes in local population, resource use, and development to preserve these unique cultural and natural resources. http://ian.umces.edu/communication/posters/kaloko_honokohau_national_historical_park_2008-01-28/ http://ian.umces.edu/communication/posters/kaloko_honokohau_national_historical_park_2008-01-28/ Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST The Pacific Island Network (PACN) of the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring program is currently in the process of implementing vital signs monitoring within 11 PACN parks. As a basis to monitoring, effective communication is essential. This poster features Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, a culturally significant park on the island of Hawai'i, that is squeezed between a busy commercial port and residential development, and a bay plagued with sedimentation and poor flushing. http://ian.umces.edu/communication/posters/pu_ukohola_heiau_national_historic_site_2008-01-28/ http://ian.umces.edu/communication/posters/pu_ukohola_heiau_national_historic_site_2008-01-28/ Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST The Pacific Island Network (PACN) of the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring program is currently in the process of implementing vital signs monitoring within 11 PACN parks. As a basis to monitoring, effective communication is essential. This poster features Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park on the island of Hawai'i, the location of historical sites, anchialine pools, and rare plants and animals. Invasive species as well as natural and human-caused disturbances remain threats to this park's unique resources. http://ian.umces.edu/communication/posters/pu_uhonua_o_honaunau_national_historic_park_2008-01-28/ http://ian.umces.edu/communication/posters/pu_uhonua_o_honaunau_national_historic_park_2008-01-28/ Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST This fact sheet is part of a series of images, diagrams and fun facts produced by the Global Seagrass Trajectories working group, funded by the National Science Foundation and conducted at the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis in SantaBarbara, California. It describes the temperate and tropical distributions of seagrasses globally, their role as food and habitat for a variety of organisms, as well as being effective indicators of change. http://ian.umces.edu/communication/fact_sheets/seagrass_a_hidden_treasure_2008-01-01/ http://ian.umces.edu/communication/fact_sheets/seagrass_a_hidden_treasure_2008-01-01/ Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 EST This year's drought led to lower than normal nutrient and sediment discharge into the Bay during the summer. With fewer sediments and nutrients entering the Bay, the health of the Bay may have been expected to improve, however, this was not the case for water clarity, harmful algal blooms, and fish kills. While dissolved oxygen in the mainstem was still poor this summer, the volume of oxygen depleted water was relatively small compared to the past 22 years. This newsletter summarizes summer conditions, offers some explanations as to why they may have occurred, and compares observations to the forecast made this past spring. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/a_summer_of_poor_water_clarity_algal_blooms_and_fish_kills_2007-11-28/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/a_summer_of_poor_water_clarity_algal_blooms_and_fish_kills_2007-11-28/ Wed, 28 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST This conceptual diagram illustrates the components that make up habitat in an estuarine environment. The subtopics are biological habitat and food availabilty, water quality, substrate, and life history/species preferences. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/conceptual_diagrams/components_of_habitat_2007-11-19/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/conceptual_diagrams/components_of_habitat_2007-11-19/ Mon, 19 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST Habitat consists of the physical, chemical, and biological components that are necessary for the survival and growth of organisms in an ecosystem. In an estuary, habitat provides food and shelter for invertebrates, shellfish, and fish. Habitat is an integral part of an ecosystem, and assessing habitats is important in determining ecosystem health. This newsletter describes the steps in determining optimal habitat conditions, discusses the practical reality of measuring habitats in complex ecosystems, and provides an example of a habitat suitability model. This effort was in collaboration with NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Office. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/incorporating_habitat_into_ecosystem_based_fisheries_management_habitat_matters_2007-11-16/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/incorporating_habitat_into_ecosystem_based_fisheries_management_habitat_matters_2007-11-16/ Fri, 16 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST This conceptual diagram illustrates the different components that are being studied in the Asian oyster Environmental Impact Statement. It includes not only the life history, but the interactions with the native oyster, and cultural and economic impacts. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/conceptual_diagrams/components_of_the_asian_oyster_environment_impact_statement_2007-11-09/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/conceptual_diagrams/components_of_the_asian_oyster_environment_impact_statement_2007-11-09/ Fri, 09 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST This conceptual diagram illustrates the idea that an introduction of the Asian oyster can act as a sink or a source of disease. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/conceptual_diagrams/oyster_disease_prevalence_asian_oyster_as_source_or_sink_2007-11-05/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/conceptual_diagrams/oyster_disease_prevalence_asian_oyster_as_source_or_sink_2007-11-05/ Mon, 05 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EST This is a three part series on the Asian oyster Environmental Impact Statement. It has been proposed to introduce the Asian oyster (Crassostrea ariakensis) into Chesapeake Bay as one potential solution to the loss of the historic oyster fishery, and the ecological functions that oysters perform for Chesapeake Bay. The three newsletters summarize the research topics addressed in the EIS and discuss the current findings on interactions between the Asian oyster and the native oyster and the implications of an introduction on oyster disease. This effort was in collaboration with NOAA's Chesapeake Bay Office. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/asian_oysters_science_to_inform_policy_decisions_2007-11-02/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/asian_oysters_science_to_inform_policy_decisions_2007-11-02/ Fri, 02 Nov 2007 00:00:00 EDT This paper presents the process and results of a three-year collaboration between the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and the Maryland Coastal Bays Program. The focus of this collaboration was the conception, design, and production of a full-color, design-layout book synthesizing the current knowledge of the science and monitoring in the Coastal Bays, and highlighting management issues and recommendations. The book is aimed at a broad audience, from the interested layperson to technical scientists and resource managers. Through this project, a partnership was developed and a process established that forms the basis for future projects. A key team of editors was established, representing different research and management agencies, to conceive of the general structure of the book. Relevant experts from a wide range of agency and stakeholder groups were invited to author workshops to determine and layout the content for each of 14 chapters. Each layout workshop brought together experts who shared their perspectives of the Maryland Coastal Bays. Their explanations to each other and to the science communicators sparked a dynamic dialog on the basic underlying processes and the best way to illustrate the message (photographs, maps, conceptual diagrams, tables, graphs). Short, active titles were developed-statements summarizing the essence of the contributed point. Six of the chapters focus on the subwatersheds that make up the Coastal Bays. These chapter workshops were held in the watershed and were made up of participants from homeowner and citizen groups and local, state, and federal government agencies. The dynamic nature of the chapter workshop series resulted in the addition of a new chapter (Management of the Coastal Bays), and the combining of two previously separate chapters (Nutrient Budgets and Water Quality). The Science Communicator role included pursuing, compiling and communicating appropriate text and visual elements, including editing the contributed text to space requirements and for consistency, and creating new visual elements (e.g., conceptual diagrams, photographs, maps). Different techniques were used to determine the most effective communication. Development of a common base map for presenting GIS-based data and maintaining consistency of presentation and spelling of place names, color swatches, and fonts facilitated communication and interpretation of the data. http://ian.umces.edu/communication/posters/synthesising_research_management_and_monitoring_2007-09-03/ http://ian.umces.edu/communication/posters/synthesising_research_management_and_monitoring_2007-09-03/ Mon, 03 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EDT This poster describes a novel approach to supporting management through an annual cycle of ecological forecasting and integrated assessment. The cycle consists of: (1) forecasting Chesapeake Bay summer ecological conditions in spring; (2) tracking summer ecological conditions and assessing the accuracy of the forecast until fall; and, (3) completing the cycle in early spring by assessing overall Bay health and producing a geographically detailed ecosystem health report card. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/posters/supporting_management_through_an_annual_cycle_of_ecological_forecasting_and_assessment_2007-09-03/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/posters/supporting_management_through_an_annual_cycle_of_ecological_forecasting_and_assessment_2007-09-03/ Mon, 03 Sep 2007 00:00:00 EDT To develop the native eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica, as a biological indicator of nitrogen source, linkages between stable nitrogen isotopes in its tissues and land use adjacent to deployment stations were assessed. As part of a National Estuarine Research Reserve System Graduate Research Fellowship, this study focused on the Monie Bay component of Chesapeake Bay, MD Research Reserve, which includes Monie Bay and three similar tributary creeks which vary in their surrounding land use. This report provides evidence for a relationship between oyster tissue stable nitrogen isotopes and surround land use, and further suggests both internal and external nitrogen sources relative to the Monie Bay watershed. http://ian.umces.edu/communication/reports/linking_monie_bay_watershed_land_use_to_nitrogen_stable_isotopes_in_tissues_of_the_native_eastern_oyster_crassostrea_virginica_2007-08-24/ http://ian.umces.edu/communication/reports/linking_monie_bay_watershed_land_use_to_nitrogen_stable_isotopes_in_tissues_of_the_native_eastern_oyster_crassostrea_virginica_2007-08-24/ Fri, 24 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EDT The Republic of Palau, an island nation in the tropical western Pacific Ocean, harbors diverse mangrove, seagrass, and coral communities. Palau is at a crossroads due to improved access to, and development of, its largest island, Babeldaob. This is leading to increased sediment runoff, particularly in the Ngerikiil River/Airai Bay watershed, the most developed region of Babeldaob Island. The Palau Conservation Society and partners are making strides in management, research, and monitoring to focus attention and prevent further degradation of Palau's tremendous natural heritage. http://ian.umces.edu/communication/newsletters/protecting_palau_s_natural_heritage_2007-08-06/ http://ian.umces.edu/communication/newsletters/protecting_palau_s_natural_heritage_2007-08-06/ Mon, 06 Aug 2007 00:00:00 EDT This report provides an assessment of eutrophic conditions for 141 U.S. estuaries. The report was based on data and information provided by scientists and experts from around the country. Results from the assessment show that two-thirds of the estuaries evaluated exhibited moderate to high levels of eutrophication. Report production was a collaborative effort between Suzanne Bricker (NOAA NCCOS), EcoCheck (NOAA-UMCES Partnership) and IAN. More information is available from the NEEA website. You can also access the individual chapters from the NCCOS website. NB: This PDF is 254MB - please right click and download rather than viewing online. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/reports/effects_of_nutrient_enrichment_in_the_nation_s_estuaries_a_decade_of_change_2007-07-31/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/reports/effects_of_nutrient_enrichment_in_the_nation_s_estuaries_a_decade_of_change_2007-07-31/ Tue, 31 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EDT In order to evaluate the change in the extent, severity, types, and probable causes of eutrophic symptoms in the nation's estuaries since the early 1990s, an update to the original assessment was carried out with the intent to examine changes during the decade from the early 1990s to the early 2000s. This update is an attempt to look at the changes in estuaries given the documented increase in population of U.S. coastal and upstream areas, observed changes in some waterbodies, and implemented management measures.NB: This PDF is 21MB - please right click and download rather than viewing online. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/posters/effects_of_nutrient_enrichment_in_the_nation_s_estuaries_a_decade_of_change_2007-07-16/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/posters/effects_of_nutrient_enrichment_in_the_nation_s_estuaries_a_decade_of_change_2007-07-16/ Mon, 16 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EDT This conceptual diagram illustrates the sources, both anthropogenic and natural, of bacteria in the water column, as well as the factors that influence the survival of the bacteria. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/conceptual_diagrams/sources_and_survival_of_bacteria_in_the_water_column_2007-07-09/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/conceptual_diagrams/sources_and_survival_of_bacteria_in_the_water_column_2007-07-09/ Mon, 09 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EDT This paper describes the methods used to determine the July hypoxic volume for the Chesapeake Bay mainstem. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/reports/2007_chesapeake_bay_hypoxic_volume_forecast_2007-07-06/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/reports/2007_chesapeake_bay_hypoxic_volume_forecast_2007-07-06/ Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 EDT This newsletter describes forecasts of Chesapeake Bay 2007 summer ecological conditions. Forecasts of three important Bay health indicators are provided-dissolved oxygen (DO), harmful algal blooms (HABs), and changes in aquatic grass distribution. This summer it is predicted that (1) the amount of anoxia (no dissolved oxygen) will be moderate in the Bay's mainstem and small in the Rappahannock River, (2) the extent and duration of HABs in the Potomac River will be average, and (3) aquatic grasses in the northern Bay, lower Potomac River, and Tangier Sound will undergo no or minimal recovery from losses sustained last year. Learn more about the forecast and the supporting material by visiting the forecast website. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/chesapeake_bay_2007_summer_ecological_forecast_2007-06-07/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/chesapeake_bay_2007_summer_ecological_forecast_2007-06-07/ Thu, 07 Jun 2007 00:00:00 EDT This newsletter describes why dissolved oxygen is an important indicator of ecosystem health. It focuses on dissolved oxygen in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries and describes the factors that affect dissolved oxygen. Additionally, the management decisions and actions that are being taken to reduce the amount of low dissolved oxygen in the Bay are described. http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/breath_of_life_dissolved_oxygen_in_chesapeake_bay_2007-05-29/ http://www.eco-check.org/communication/newsletters/breath_of_life_dissolved_oxygen_in_chesapeake_bay_2007-05-29/ Tue, 29 May 2007 00:00:00 EDT Morro Bay, on the central California coast, was the site of a workshop to develop a conceptual framework for an ecosystem-based management initiative. IAN staff worked with Morro Bay scientists, resource managers, and stakeholders to develop conceptual diagrams for Morro Bay, offshore Estero Bay and the Morro Bay watershed. These diagrams examined key features, threats, and management objectives of the Morro Bay ecosystem. This science newsletter is among a suite of science communication products that were generated: conceptual diagrams, a poster, and visual materials for the web. The Morro Bay regional initiative is the first of three Packard Foundation sites (Palau and Sea of Cortez) that IAN staff will partner with to produce conceptual frameworks. http://ian.umces.edu/communication/newsletters/morro_bay_working_together_for_a_healthy_ecosystem_2007-05-21/ http://ian.umces.edu/communication/newsletters/morro_bay_working_together_for_a_healthy_ecosystem_2007-05-21/ Mon, 21 May 2007 00:00:00 EDT