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A CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR MULTI-SCALAR ASSESSMENTS OF ESTUARINE ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY
Citation:
Nelson, W G., B J. Bergen, D E. Campbell, G Cicchetti, AND C Wigand. A CONCEPTUAL MODEL FOR MULTI-SCALAR ASSESSMENTS OF ESTUARINE ECOLOGICAL INTEGRITY. Presented at Estuarine Research Federation '99, New Orleans LA, September 25-30, 1999.
Description:
A conceptual model was developed that relates an estuarine system's anthropogenic inputs to it's ecological integrity. Ecological integrity is operationally defined as an emergent property of an ecosystem that exists when the structural components are complete and the functional processes are optimized, relative to what is expected for that system. This model is applicable at multiple spatial scales, from the "end of a pipe" to an entire watershed. Furthermore, the model is generic in that it can be applied to any anthropogenic stressor, including nutrients, contaminants, etc. This tool can be used to identify the indicators necessary to address management questions concerning loadings and subsequent ecological effects at multiple scales. The model includes physical, chemical, biological, and geological parameters which affect the mass balance of a system's inputs. Certain processes may be more or less important given different anthropogenic inputs at various spatial scales, and fine-tuning of the general model will produce sub-models to describe these scenarios. The overall purpose of this model is to provide a framework to assess estuarine ecological integrity, one aspect of EPA's overall water quality goal of achieving "fishable and swimmable waters."