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.

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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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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Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment of the Verde Island Passage, Philippines (Page 1)

Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment of the Verde Island Passage, Philippines

Boquiren R, Di Carlo G, and Quibilan MC
·
18 May 2011

This report produced in collaboration between Conservation International and IAN contains the scientific studies of the Verde Island Passage (VIP) Vulnerability Assessment project that underpin the immediate and substantial actions needed to increase the adaptive capacity of Verde Island Passage's ecosystems and the people that depend on them. For more publications on the VIP Vulnerability Assessment project, see the IAN Press booklet and policy brief both entitled "Adapting to Climate Change:

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2010 Trust Fund Water Quality Monitoring Strategy (Page 1)

2010 Trust Fund Water Quality Monitoring Strategy

Jane Hawkey ·
10 May 2011

This Monitoring Strategy was designed to identify nutrient reduction efficiencies of best management practices (BMPs) and provide information to determine what type of monitoring is needed by Trust Fund recipients to evaluate the effectiveness of BMP implementation. The main objective is to provide a comprehensive protocol that serves all water quality assessment needs when monitoring urban and agricultural non-point nutrient and sediment fluxes.

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Case studies of Regional Ecosystem Research (Page 1)

Case studies of Regional Ecosystem Research

Bill Dennison, Bill Nuttle, Caroline Donovan ·
8 April 2011

Eight case studies highlight lessons learned in conducting regional-scale research and incorporating this information into management. The case studies represent a wide variety of physical and ecological contexts; these include the Great Lakes (Lake Erie), a river-dominated coast (northern Gulf of Mexico), tropical lagoon systems (Micronesia and South Florida), and coastal ocean systems (California coast, Bering Sea, Gulf of Maine, and the Northwest Atlantic).

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Deep Creek Lake Baseline Assessment Report (Page 1)

Deep Creek Lake Baseline Assessment Report

Kelsey RH and Powell SL ·
18 March 2011

This report describes the baseline condition assessment produced by EcoCheck for Friends of Deep Creek Lake in preparation for production of future annual lake ecosystem health report cards. A new and innovative assessment framework, discussion of the individual indicators, and results of data analysis are presented, along with suggestions for future monitoring and research needs.

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Coral Health Index (CHI): measuring coral community health (Page 1)

Coral Health Index (CHI): measuring coral community health

Kaufman L, Sandin S, Sala E, Obura D, Rohwer F, and Tschirky J ·
16 March 2011

Effective local management of coral reefs has a direct effect on reducing threats and improving overall coral community health. Careful zoning and effective enforcement of resource use within a marine managed area reduces impact of overfishing, allowing populations of grazing fish to rejuvenate and maintain healthy ecosystem functioning. Coral reefs that are healthy have greater resilience and ability to recover from chronic and acute stress.

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