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US EPA Research to Support Aquatic Resources Management
Citation:
Rashleigh, B., M. Linnenbrink, B. Schaeffer, D. Keith, Steve Paulsen, D. Peck, M. Mazzotta, AND J. Bousquin. US EPA Research to Support Aquatic Resources Management. Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, Groton, CT, April 15 - 16, 2019.
Impact/Purpose:
US EPA, AFWA and AFWA’s members are working together to determine how EPA research can help better protect fish, wildlife, their habitats and natural resources.
Description:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s Office of Research and Development conducts research to help Federal, State and Local governments make science-based environmental and public health decisions. There are numerous areas of shared interest between EPA and fish, wildlife and natural resources agencies. Some key areas of mutual interest include coldwater fish habitat, wildland fires, effects of harmful algae blooms on wildlife, endangered species, and social science/economics. EPA researchers are studying several of these topics; three examples relevant to the northeast are shown here. First, EPA is using ocean color satellite data to provide early warning indicator for toxic and nuisance algae blooms in freshwater on 1800 lakes across the nation. Second, the National Aquatic Resource Surveys provide nationally consistent data and support development of assessment tools, such as a nationwide multi-metric index for freshwater fish. Third, EPA has developed a riparian benefit indicator process that helps decisions makers prioritize wetland restoration projects based on the benefits the different projects may provide to people. US EPA, AFWA and AFWA’s members are working together to determine how EPA research can help better protect fish, wildlife, their habitats and natural resources.