ORD Research in Tillamook Bay: Water Quality and Ecosystem Services
Citation:
Dewitt, T. AND L. Sharpe. ORD Research in Tillamook Bay: Water Quality and Ecosystem Services. Region 10 NEP Briefings, Seattle, WA, July 22 - 23, 2019.
Impact/Purpose:
WED scientists are briefing EPA Region 10 and Puget Sound Partnership staff on water quality and ecosystem services research being conducted in Tillamook Bay, OR, site of one of EPA’s National Estuary Programs (i.e., the Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, TEP). The research topics address issues of national relevance, as identified by EPA’s national research programs, including developing tools to identify the sources of microbial pathogens and nutrients, quantifying the drivers of acidification in estuarine waters, and developing tools to assess the production of ecosystem services that provide benefit to coastal communities. Tillamook basin was chosen as a study site for this research because the local economies are heavily dependent on the environment (i.e., timber, fishing, farming, aquaculture, nature tourism, outdoor recreation), the streams and bay have a history of water quality impairments, and the presence of the TEP with whom WED scientists could partner. In addition to the briefings, the WED scientists are seeking recommendations for potential study sites at which to develop and test methods to assess the effectiveness of restoration of valued ecosystem services.
Description:
This presentation provides an overview of water quality and ecosystem services research that is conducted, in part, in Tillamook Bay, Oregon, and its watersheds by scientists at WED. The research topics address issues of national relevance, as identified by EPA’s national research programs, including developing tools to identify the sources of microbial pathogens and nutrients, quantifying the drivers of acidification in estuarine waters, and developing tools to assess the production of ecosystem services that provide benefit to coastal communities. Tillamook basin was chosen as a study site for this research because the local economies are heavily dependent on the environment (i.e., timber, fishing, farming, aquaculture, nature tourism, outdoor recreation), the streams and bay have a history of water quality impairments, and the presence of an environmental stewardship organization (Tillamook Estuaries Partnership, part of EPA’s National Estuary Program) with whom WED could partner. The TEP are both partners and clients for this research, helping with its design to ensure the projects are aligned with TEP’s needs, connecting WED researchers with stakeholders and other scientists in Tillamook Basin, participating in the implementation of field work, and ultimately using the results of the research. In addition to the briefings, the WED scientists are seeking recommendations for potential study sites at which to develop and test methods to assess the effectiveness of restoration of valued ecosystem services.