The Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, has partnered with IAN and Harwell Gentile & Associates, LC, to develop a vision for a report card on the health of the Gulf of Mexico. The report card will be a graphical representation of the environmental condition of the Gulf that is scientifically based, widely accessible, and readily understandable by policy-makers, stakeholders, scientists, and, most importantly, the general public.

Read more

The 2011 Sassafras River Report Card describes the health of the Sassafras River in the upper eastern area of the Chesapeake Bay. It evaluates six tidal indicators and six non-tidal indicators. The Lower Estuary scored a B, the Upper Estuary a C, and the Creeks (non-tidal) a C.

Read more

Darwin Harbour is globally significant as a tropical, macrotidal, monsoonal harbour that is generally in very good condition. There are major development proposals for Darwin Harbour, including significant plans for population growth, industrial expansion and resource processing infrastructure, and consequent increases in shipping and dredging. These developments pose risks for the natural, cultural, aesthetic and recreational values of the Harbour, which need to be managed.

Read more

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.

Read more

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest and best-known coral reef ecosystem in the world. This first report card provides an estimate of the status of the key indicators for the period preceding 2009. It is based on historical data and trends and takes into account the influence of a variable climate from year to year. This serves as a baseline that will be used as a point of comparison to measure progress towards Reef Plan goals and targets.

Read more

This document contains report card summaries for the Cape York, Wet Tropics, Burdekin, Mackay-Whitsunday, Fitzroy, and Burnett-Mary regions. Each section details the region profile, and key findings, as well as summarizing the report card results for land practices, catchment indicators and loads, and the marine parameters; water quality, seagrass, and corals. It also describes positive actions in the regions to improve ecosystem health.

Read more

The Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area is renowned internationally for its ecological importance and beauty. However, despite it being one of the best managed coral reefs in the world there is a very real risk of damage to the reef from climate change. This technical document details all aspects of the report card process. It includes sections on management, methods, and detailed results for all regions.

Read more

The 2nd annual Nanticoke River report card scores five indicators, using data collected by state agencies and Nanticoke Creekwatchers volunteers. It summarizes ecosystem health of both the tidal river and non-tidal creek areas within the Nanticoke watershed, as well as the Fishing Bay watershed. The report card also provides information to help local residents make healthier choices for the Nanticoke.

Read more

Habitats within Antietam National Battlefield were defined as being either managed for natural resource values or managed for agricultural values. A habitat map was created and desired/degraded conditions were defined for each habitat. Metrics were then assigned to these habitat types, compared to established thresholds, leading to the condition assessment of each habitat. Habitats in Antietam National Battlefield are in good condition overall.

Read more

Habitats within Manassas National Battlefield Park were defined as being managed for natural resource values. A habitat map was created and desired/degraded conditions were defined for each of the three defined habitats. Metrics were then assigned to these habitat types, compared to established thresholds, leading to the condition assessment of each habitat. Habitats in Manassas National Battlefield Park are in fair condition overall. Download the PDF or purchase a hard copy from Lulu.

Read more