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.

Investigating menhaden recruitment variability: Modeling the relationship between striped bass recovery and menhaden recruitment (Page 1)

Investigating menhaden recruitment variability: Modeling the relationship between striped bass recovery and menhaden recruitment

Zhang X, Wood RJ, Wicks EC and Longstaff BJ ·
18 October 2006

This newsletter summarizes ongoing development of a model that describes fluctuations in the number of young menhaden within Chesapeake Bay. Using both menhaden spawning stock and striped bass predation potential, the model successfully accounts for most of the variability (~70%) seen in Chesapeake Bay menhaden recruitment.

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Early summer rain event (Page 1)

Early summer rain event

Caroline Donovan, Ben Longstaff ·
8 September 2006

This newsletter describes some of the monitoring data and the response from the Chesapeake Bay community to the high rainfall event that moved through the Bay watershed from June 24 to June 28, 2006. In some areas of the watershed, up to 15 inches of rain fell and much of the area received 5 inches or more. The Chesapeake Bay Program quickly organized an effort to monitor and analyze dissolved oxygen, turbidity, chlorophyll a and aquatic grass in the Bay.

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Enhancing Landscape Integrity in Coastal Louisiana: Water, Sediment & Ecosystems (Page 1)

Enhancing Landscape Integrity in Coastal Louisiana: Water, Sediment & Ecosystems

26 July 2006

This newsletter is based on the findings of the Conceptual Ecological Model Focus Group—March 2006 and provides a number of key conclusions and recommendations. The natural & human landscapes of coastal Louisiana are characterized by complex relationships among water, sediment & ecosystems. The sustainability of these landscapes is dependent upon critical processes that support the integrity of ecosystem features.

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Communicating Science Effectively: A Practical Handbook for Integrating Visual Elements

Thomas JE, Saxby TA, Jones AB, Carruthers TJB, Abal EG and Dennison WC ·
1 July 2006

This is a practical handbook on how to communicate science effectively. The first part is an introduction to the principles of science communication – what effective science communication is, why it is important, and how to do it. The principles in these chapters include how effective science communication can change societal paradigms and make one a better scientist.

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EcoCheck (Page 1)

EcoCheck

Ben Longstaff, Caroline Donovan ·
2 May 2006

EcoCheck is a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. This newsletter conveys their goals and approach towards improving Chesapeake Bay health. The types of projects on which EcoCheck works are also described in the newsletter.

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An Eye Opening Approach to Integrated Environmental Assessments (Page 1)

An Eye Opening Approach to Integrated Environmental Assessments

Bill Dennison, Tim Carruthers, Jane Hawkey ·
6 February 2006

Environmental management is not practiced in a vacuum. Effective stewardship of natural resources requires the adoption of multiple objectives set forth by diverse groups of stakeholders with varied perspectives and interests. Within this management landscape, integrated environmental assessments provide a useful framework for evaluating resources and directing management efforts.

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A Global Crisis for Seagrass Ecosystems (Page 1)

A Global Crisis for Seagrass Ecosystems

Orth RJ, Carruthers TJB, Dennison WC, Duarte CM, Fourqurean JW, Heck KL Jr, Hughes AR, Kendrick GA, Kenworthy WJ, Olyarnik S, Short FT, Waycott M, and Williams SL ·
2006

Seagrasses, marine flowering plants, have a long evolutionary history but are now challenged with rapid environmental changes as a result of coastal human population pressures. Seagrasses provide key ecological services, including organic carbon production and export, nutrient cycling, sediment stabilization, enhanced biodiversity, and trophic transfers to adjacent habitats in tropical and temperate regions.

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