IAN is committed to producing practical, user-centered communications that foster a better understanding of science and enable readers to pursue new opportunities in research, education, and environmental problem-solving. Our publications synthesize scientific findings using effective science communication techniques.

2010 Chester River Report Card (Page 1)

2010 Chester River Report Card

Heath Kelsey, Caroline Donovan, Sara Powell ·
17 June 2011

This report card summarizes 2010 water quality in the Chester River, based on data collected by the Chester River Association and various partners. It examines the health of the river in both tidal and non-tidal regions, and provides information on what concerned stakeholders can do to help improve water quality.

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2010 Maryland Coastal Bays report card (Page 1)

2010 Maryland Coastal Bays report card

Jane Thomas, Heath Kelsey ·
17 June 2011

The aim of this report card is to provide a transparent, timely, and geographically detailed assessment of 2010 Coastal Bays health. Coastal Bays health is defined as the progress of 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.

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Assateague Island National Seashore Natural Resource Condition Assessment (Page 1)

Assateague Island National Seashore Natural Resource Condition Assessment

Carruthers TJB, Beckert KA, Dennison WC, Thomas JE, Saxby TA, Williams MR, Fisher T, Kumer J, Schupp C, Sturgis B, and Zimmerman C ·
17 June 2011

Assateague Island National Seashore with lands and waters in Maryland and Virginia receives some two million visitors per year. After determining key habitats on Assateague Island, potential indicators were identified and data sourced. Attainment of reference condition was assessed for each metric and summarized by habitat and ultimately for the whole park. Based on these key findings, management recommendations were developed.

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Taking Steps toward Marine and Coastal Ecosystem-Based Management - An Introductory Guide (Page 1)

Taking Steps toward Marine and Coastal Ecosystem-Based Management

An Introductory Guide

Agardy T, Davis J, Sherwood K and Vestergaard O ·
8 June 2011

Healthy marine and coastal ecosystems provide valuable services - from food security, resources for economic growth and recreation alongside tourism and coastline protection. Published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this guide on Marine and Coastal Ecosystem-Based Management (EBM), seeks to assist countries and communities to take steps towards making marine and coastal ecosystem-based management operational - from strategic planning to on-site implementation.

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Creating a Shared Vision for the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac Region (Page 1)

Creating a Shared Vision for the Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac Region

Bill Dennison ·
1 June 2011

The Mackay-Whitsundays-Isaac region is diverse, with rainforests, ranges, creeks and rivers, wetlands, beaches, islands and reefs which support high biodiversity. The region supports productive agriculture, particularly grazing and sugarcane, as well as expanding urban centres. The Mackay-Whitsundays-Isaac region is rapidly developing due to economic development, climate, livability and natural beauty. This region is expected to double in population within twenty five years.

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Science-to-Action Guidebook (Page 1)

Science-to-Action Guidebook

Karrer L, Beldia II P, Dennison WC, Dominici A, Dutra G, English C, Gunawan T, Hastings J, Katz L, Kelty R, McField M, Nunez E, Obura D, Ortiz F, Quesada M, Sivo L, and Stone G ·
1 June 2011

Recognizing the importance of informed decisions and the differences between the scientific and decision-making processes, this guidebook provides practical tips on how to best bring these worlds together. It emphasizes the roles of facilitating, synthesizing, translating, and communicating science to inform conservation action. It includes two "guides" in one publication, one intended for scientists, and the other for decision-makers. It begins with the decision-maker's guide.

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Total Maximum Daily Loads: A citizen

Total Maximum Daily Loads

A citizen's guide to the Chesapeake Bay TMDL

Melissa Andreychek, Sara Powell, Caroline Donovan ·
20 May 2011

Residents of the Chesapeake Bay watershed depend upon a healthy Bay for food, recreation, and commercial enterprises. But the ways in which we use the watershed’s lands—from driving our cars to spreading fertilizers—impact the health of the Bay’s waters. Wastewater treatment plants, agricultural operations, and urban runoff are major sources of the nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution that threaten the Bay’s health.

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