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YAQUINA BAY NUTRIENT CRITERIA CASE STUDY: APPROACHES TO ESTUARINE NUTRIENT CRITERIA IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Citation:
BROWN, C. A. YAQUINA BAY NUTRIENT CRITERIA CASE STUDY: APPROACHES TO ESTUARINE NUTRIENT CRITERIA IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST. Presented at Region 10 Nutrients Technical Advisory Group, Seattle, WA, July 18 - 19, 2006.
Description:
The presentation presents an introduction to the Yaquina Bay Nutrient Case Study which provides approaches for development of estuarine nutrient criteria in the Pacific Northwest. As part of this effort, a database of historic and recent data has been assembled consisting of physical, chemical and biological parameters. Using the reference condition approach, we are estimating numeric nutrient criteria and then testing these criteria to determine if they are protective of estuarine resources, specifically submerged aquatic vegetation. We are using a stress-response model developed for Zostera marina, which incorporates water column and sediment interactions. In addition, research results are presented which summarize nutrient loading to Yaquina Bay, sources of nutrients, and the importance of natural versus anthropogenic factors on water quality within the estuary.