The core elements of this field manual were prepared as a guidance document for the state teams responsible for field collections of samples and data for Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program's (EMAP's) Coastal 2000 Monitoring in the northeastern (NE) region of the U.S. (Delaware to Maine). Although originally written specifically for NE field teams, the methods described in the manual reflect standard procedures developed by EMAP-Estuaries during 10 years of coastal monitoring activities conducted in all coastal regions of the contiguous U.S. This manual has been modified to reflect a more national focus. The overall objective is to put a practical field methods guide into the hands of the participating field teams that allows a reasonable degree of flexibility to individual states, while at the same time, provides adequate structure to ensure the uniform collection of comparable field data on a national basis. This manual is intended as a 'living document;' additional sections can, and should, be appended as needed.

"EPA/620/R-01/003." "June 2001."