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Implementing the Biological ConditionGradient Framework for Management of Estuaries and Coasts
Citation:
Implementing the Biological ConditionGradient Framework for Management of Estuaries and Coasts.
Impact/Purpose:
Provide a framework for managers and scientists to implement the BCG approach to managing estuaries and coasts
Description:
The Biological Condition Gradient (BCG) is a conceptual scientific framework for interpreting biological response to increasing effects of stressors on aquatic ecosystems (U.S. EPA 2016). The framework was developed from common patterns of biological response to stressors observed empirically by aquatic biologists and ecologists in different geographic areas of the United States. The framework describes how attributes of aquatic ecosystems change in response to increasing levels of stressors, from an “as naturally occurs” condition (e.g., undisturbed or minimally disturbed) to a severely altered condition.