Research at GED

The mission of GED is to provide credible scientific approaches to assess ecological condition, determine effects and causes of ecosystem impairments, predict risks to plant and animal populations and ecosystems, and support development of criteria to enhance and protect coastal systems of the Gulf of Mexico and the southeastern United States.

Research at the Gulf Ecology Division contributes to coordinated national research programs, guided by national Multi-Year Research Plans prepared by the Office of Research and Development. All of the Division's major research projects support one of three multi-year plans: Ecological Research, Water Quality, or Safe Pesticides/Safe Products.

Research is conducted by inter-branch teams to foster collaboration and make the most efficient use of the scientific and technical skills of the staff. Staff may, and often do, serve on more than one team. Team leaders are nominated and elected by team members, usually for a two-year term.

COASTAL ASSESSMENT AND SERVICES TEAM
The Coastal Assessment and Services team develops and implements methods to determine condition, ecosystem services, and values of coastal habitats, including wetlands and coral reefs; identifies stressors responsible for harm or deterioration; and predicts future consequences of management and policy alternatives.

NUTRIENTS TEAM
The Nutrients team develops a suite of model applications, data products and other tools to assess and predict relationships between nutrients and ecosystem responses in estuaries and near-coastal receiving waters such as the Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone.

ECOTOXICOLOGY TEAM
The Ecotoxicology Team assesses effects on aquatic and wildlife species, and provides predictive tools and models for estimating species sensitivity, chemical modes of action, and population-level responses.

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Research at GED

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