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THE NATIONAL COAST ASSESSMENT : EPA TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TO STRATEGIC PARTNERS
Citation:
Harvey, J E., W Nelson, AND G Pesch. THE NATIONAL COAST ASSESSMENT : EPA TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER TO STRATEGIC PARTNERS. Presented at U.S. EPA Science Forum 2002: Meeting the Challenges, Washington, D. C, May 1-2, 2002.
Description:
The National Coastal Assessment (NCA) is a large-scale, comprehensive environmental monitoring program designed to characterize the ecological condition of the Nation's coastal resources (estuaries and near shore waters). A key to the success of the program is the development of strategic partnerships among EPA-ORD and the states, tribes, National Estuary Programs, EPA Regions and Program Offices, and other program participants. The NCA protocols for all aspects of the program are based on those of the EPA-Environmental
Monitoring and Assessment Program. Survey designs are developed using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and statistically sound site selection methods to provide assessments with known confidence of coastal condition at regional and national scales. In 2000, NCA partners participated in coastal sampling activities in 24 coastal states and Puerto Rico. Technology transfer began with rigorous field training sessions offered by the coastal research divisions of NHEERL. This transfer continues as workshops are designed and
implemented to offer partners the opportunity to learn more about the development of assessment questions, conceptual models, survey and response designs, quality assurance, data analysis and interpretation, information management and reporting. The major goal of these workshops is to ensure that each strategic partner in the NCA will ultimately be fully competent to implement all aspects of a coastal resource monitoring program - a true transfer of the technology to the partners.