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COASTAL EUTROPHICATION MONITORING FOR RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT
Citation:
Latimer, J S., G Cicchetti, D J. Keith, B J. Bergen, M Charpentier, L Coiro, R A. McKinney, W Nelson, C Pesch, AND S Rego. COASTAL EUTROPHICATION MONITORING FOR RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT. Presented at Atlantic Northeasr Monitoring Summit, U. New Hampshire, Durham, NH, December 10-12, 2002.
Description:
The US EPA=s Atlantic Ecology Division (AED) has embarked on a multi-year research program aimed at developing empirical nitrogen load-response models for small well-flushed embayments in southern New England. This is part of a national EPA effort to develop nutrient load-response models for the Gulf Coast, West Coast, and Great Lakes coastal systems. The national program is developing these models with water quality indicators related to hypoxia, food web change, and SAV loss. AED is making measurements in up to 44 embayments along the Connecticut, Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts shores. Specifically, sediment profile imagery is being used as an indicator of hypoxia intensity and duration. Food web change is initially being assessed using airframe mounted remotely sensed chlorophyll-a as a biomass indicator for phytoplankton. SAV loss is being determined using airframe mounted digital photography. Preliminary data reveal a gradient of responses in the embayments. We expect that the field techniques and data used for the research program will be adapted to coastal state monitoring programs. We are working across three states to facilitate technology transfer as well as to provide data to aid in the development and implementation of nitrogen water quality standards for coastal marine systems.