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THE ROLE OF INDICATORS IN HEALTH AND ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT
Citation:
Fisher, W, Jackson, G W. Suter, AND P. Bertram. THE ROLE OF INDICATORS IN HEALTH AND ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT. HUMAN AND ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT 7(5):961-970, (2001).
Description:
Assessment of risk to public health or environmental resources requires competent characterization of stressors and the corresponding effects on organisms, populations, and communities. Because of the complexity of most stressor-response relationships, it is impossible to completely characterize all the variables, so a select set of measurements is made to reflect the most critical components. Some of these critical measures, termed indicators, are included in a monitoring program that provides data for estimation of trend, stressor source, or magnitude of effects, as well as for establishing thresholds for management action or goals for restoration. Indicator measurements used in risk assessment must be linked to resources valued by society, ensuring this linkage is a responsibility shared by managers, risk assessors, scientists and stake holders. Although there are many potential indicators for a variety of programs, there are some common challenges in indicator development. One is the construction of assessment endpoints that truly reflect, and are believed by the stake holders to truly reflect, the valued public resources at risk. Another is the selection, from many alternatives, the appropriate measurements that address the assessment endpoints, that are scientifically defensible, and are easily interpreted by managers who must establish thresholds for action. A third challenge is acceptance of the thresholds and interpretations by the public and stakeholders. The very concept of risk implies a threat to some resource or condition valued by the public, so it is imperative that the public understands how indicator thresholds are protective.
The primary objective of the Fifth Symposium of the National Health and Ecological Effects Research Laboratory was to improve both health and ecological risk assessment through dedicated sessions that maximize interaction and discussion among scientists, risk assessors and managers. Existing measurements were challenged for appropriateness, efficiency and scientific validity, and emerging science was explored for greater understanding, better interpretation and improved methodology. A secondary objective was to uncover commonalities in models, indicators and supporting data between ecological and human health risk assessment. These commonalities may provide complementary information and ultimately support a combined, or "integrated" risk assessment process.