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.

2011 Chester River Report Card (Page 1)

2011 Chester River Report Card

22 April 2012

This report card summarizes 2011 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.

Read more

2011 Chesapeake Bay Report Card (Page 1)

2011 Chesapeake Bay Report Card

Bill Dennison, Caroline Donovan, Jonathan Kellogg, Alexandra Fries ·
17 April 2012

This report card provides a transparent, timely, and geographically detailed assessment of Chesapeake Bay. The overall health of Chesapeake Bay, determined using water quality and biotic indicators, declined slightly in 2011. The overall grade of D+ was a decrease for the second year in a row, down from a C- in 2010. Only two reporting regions, the Patapsco and Back Rivers, and the Lower Western Shore (MD), had improved grades in 2011.

Read more

State of the Anacostia River - 2011 (Page 1)

State of the Anacostia River - 2011

11 April 2012

This is the second annual Anacostia River Report Card. It scores four water quality indicators (dissolved oxygen, fecal bacteria, water clarity, and chlorophyll a), one biotic indicator (submerged aquatic vegetation) and policy efforts, and discusses issues specific to the Anacostia. The report card also includes information on actions that citizens can take to help improve the health of the Anacostia River.

Read more

2011 Magothy River Index (Page 1)

2011 Magothy River Index

15 February 2012

This report card is an assessment of the aquatic health of the Magothy River, and is based on data collected by the Magothy River Association and various partners. It reports the status of vital habitats and water quality in the Magothy during 2010 based on three different indicators.

Read more

Baltimore Harbor's Ecological and Human Health: 2010

Caroline Donovan, Heath Kelsey, Sara Powell ·
14 December 2011

To help lead private citizens, government, and businesses toward a healthy Baltimore Harbor, the Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore needed to know the current health of the Harbor and its watershed. Using six ecological indicators and three human indicators, the current health of Baltimore's Harbor was established. This newsletter provides the overall results of the full report.

Read more

2011 Sassafras River Report Card (Page 1)

2011 Sassafras River Report Card

5 December 2011

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

Great Barrier Reef Report Card Summary - 2009 Baseline (Page 1)

Great Barrier Reef Report Card Summary - 2009 Baseline

Bill Dennison, Heath Kelsey, Jane Thomas, Melissa Andreychek ·
12 August 2011

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

Great Barrier Reef Report Card Regional Summaries - 2009 Baseline (Page 1)

Great Barrier Reef Report Card Regional Summaries - 2009 Baseline

Bill Dennison, Heath Kelsey, Jane Thomas, Melissa Andreychek ·
12 August 2011

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

Great Barrier Reef Technical Report Card - 2009 Baseline (Page 1)

Great Barrier Reef Technical Report Card - 2009 Baseline

Bill Dennison, Heath Kelsey, Jane Thomas, Melissa Andreychek ·
12 August 2011

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

2010 Nanticoke River Report Card (Page 1)

2010 Nanticoke River Report Card

15 July 2011

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