Freshwater Biological Traits Database (External Review Draft)

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Report Information

This draft report discusses the development of a database of freshwater biological traits. The database combines several existing traits databases into an online format. The database is also augmented with additional traits that are relevant to detecting climate change-related effects, especially traits related to temperature tolerances and flow.

Britta G. Bierwagen

by phone at: 703-347-8613
by fax at: 703-347-8694
by email at: bierwagen.britta@epa.gov

Background

This draft report and the Freshwater Biological Traits Database are intended for resource managers and scientists working on biological indicators, bioassessment, biomonitoring, and biocriteria, particularly in the EPA’s Office of Water and Regions, and also at state agencies and universities.

Access to the on-line Freshwater Biological Traits Database

Downloads: report, appendices, traits database and link to Tetra Tech site
Access to site: http://traits.tetratech-ffx.com/index.cfm

Username: Traits
Password: Alogon2010

History/Chronology

Aug 2009	EPA performed an internal review of the draft report. Then held regional workshops and discussed traits database. See timeline on webpage: http://www.epa.gov/ncea/global/regional_shops.htm
Apr 2011	EPA released the external review draft report for public review and comment.

Next Steps

EPA will host an external peer review meeting on May 11, 2011 as announced in the Federal Register Notice. The report and database will be revised based on review comments received and will be published as a final EPA report and online database in the summer of 2011.

Additional Information

Comments on the assessment may be submitted and reviewed using the e-Government Regulations.gov Web site. From the site, select “Environmental Protection Agency” and the keyword “EPA-HQ-ORD-2011-0368" (for the docket ID) to comment on this report.

Citation

U.S. EPA. Freshwater Biological Traits Database (External Review Draft). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-11/038A, 2011.

Downloads

This download(s) is distributed solely for the purpose of pre-dissemination peer review under applicable information quality guidelines. It has not been formally disseminated by EPA. It does not represent and should not be construed to represent any Agency determination or policy.

Freshwater Biological Traits Database (PDF) (23 pp, 427 KB, about PDF)
Appendix A: List of Cold-and Warm-Water Preference Taxa (PDF) (12 pp, 77 KB, about PDF)
Appendix B: Data Integration Rules (PDF) (25 pp, 162 KB, about PDF)
Appendix C: Traits Gap Analysis (PDF) (24 pp, 173 KB, about PDF)
Appendix D: List of Traits and Associated Metadata (PDF) (12 pp, 89 KB, about PDF)
Appendix E: List of Traits and Associated Metadata (PDF) (16 pp, 2 MB, about PDF)
Implications of Climate Change for State Bioassessment Programs and Approaches to Account for Effects (External Review Draft)
Link to Traits Online Database (Staging)