In an effort to better portray changing health conditions in Chesapeake Bay and support restoration efforts, a Bay Health Index (BHI) was developed to assess the ecological effects of nutrient and sediment loading on 15 regions of the estuary. Three water quality and three biological measures were combined to formulate the BHI.

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Ratios of nitrogen (N) isotopes in leaves could elucidate underlying patterns of N cycling across ecological gradients. To better understand global-scale patterns of N cycling, we compiled data on foliar N isotope ratios (delta N-15), foliar N concentrations, mycorrhizal type and climate for over 11 000 plants worldwide.

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This paper presents a multiple-pattern parameter identification and uncertainty analysis approach for robust water quality modeling using a neural network (NN) embedded genetic algorithm (GA). The modeling approach uses an adaptive NN-GA framework to inversely solve the governing equations in a water quality model for multiple parameter patterns. along with an alternating fitness method to maintain solution diversity.

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Seagrasses: biology, ecology and conservation, edited by Tony Larkum, Bob Orth and Carlos Duarte, and authored by 79 active seagrass researchers is the most comprehensive book about these unique flowering plants ever written. It is long, 691 pp, with an excess of 100 pages devoted to references, and it includes 26 chapters on evolution, anatomy, biology, physiology, biogeochemistry, remote sensing, grazing and predation, ecology, and management.

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The presence of 28 antibiotics in three hospital effluents, five wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), six rivers and a drinking water storage catchment were investigated within watersheds of South-East Queensland, Australia. All antibiotics were detected at least once, with the exception of the polypeptide bacitracin which was not detected at all. Antibiotics were found in hospital effluent ranging from 0.01-14.5 [mu]g L(-1), dominated by the beta-lactam, quinolone and sulphonamide groups.

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This report describes the health of the Mesoamerican Reef by identifying key indicators and calculating an Integrated Reef Health Index. Additionally, it evaluates the human footprint and social well-being of the local community. Finally, it provides recommendations for government, NGOs, private, and research sectors for future work.

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From both an economic and ecological standpoint, Atlantic menhaden are one of the most important fish species in Chesapeake Bay. Concerns over localized depletion and a need for improved understanding of the ecological role of menhaden in Chesapeake Bay led the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to identify research needed to improve menhaden fisheries management. This newsletter provides the status of some of the resulting projects.

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In 2007, Governor O'Malley asked a scientific team, chaired by UMCES President Dr. Donald F. Boesch, to assess the impacts of climate change in Maryland. The key points from this assessment are summarized in this poster created by IAN staff.

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Action is needed now to stem not only the drivers of climate change but also to prepare for the inevitable consequences. With over 3,000 miles of coastline, Maryland is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Historic tide-gauge records reveal that sea levels along Maryland's extensive coastline have risen approximately one foot over the past one hundred years. This relative sea level rise is due to a combination of global sea-level rise and localized land subsidence.

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This is Chapter 5 of the Climate Action Plan, Governor Martin O'Malley's appointed Maryland Commission on Climate Change report. It makes recommendations to state lawmakers and policy makers to mitigate the effects of sea-level rise and storm by taking action and committing resources to protect Maryland's future economic well-being, environmental heritage, and public safety.

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