| Objectives
The primary objective of estuarine integrated science efforts for adaptive management is to examine and model the interrelations among estuarine system components and enhance predictive capabilities that will enable resource managers and scientists to examine the consequences of natural and anthropogenic changes to the ecosystem. This information will provide managers with the knowledge and tools to more effectively manage and regulate valuable estuarine resources. The primary objective will be addressed by 1.) synthesizing available information and developing conceptual models and hypotheses, 2.) determining needs for research and monitoring in support of modeling efforts, 3.) revising hypotheses and modifying the priorities of present and future tasks as necessary, and 4.) integrating data interpretations and developing integrated products that are easily accessible to clients, clearly establish links between system components, and enhance predictive capabilities.
Each estuarine system is unique. Critical issues and priorities will be different in each location, and these issues will be comprised of both local and regional issues. The Gulf of Mexico Estuaries Integrated Science effort will focus on examining regional issues common to most estuaries and will build upon the research experience, and transferable predictive capabilities and products acquired from efforts in individual estuaries. The links between geology and geomorphology, ecosystem structure and function, hydrodynamics, and water and sediment quality will be examined by developing and testing hypotheses focused on answering one or more of the following priority questions.
1.) What are the causes of and mechanisms for observed changes in benthic communities of estuarine ecosystems? What is the effect of changing water and sediment quality on these communities?
2.) How and at what rate do changing freshwater inflows, groundwater/surface water exchange, storms, sea level rise, and local evaporation and precipitation influence circulation, salinity, water quality, and habitat distribution?
3.) What are the relations among environmental change, habitat change, and ecosystem processes and functionality?
4.) What are the relations among water quality, circulation, and the distribution of planktonic algal blooms and other planktonic and nektonic communities?
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