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Uses of Data

Biocriteria Links

Biological assessment data play a key role in water quality programs. One of the most meaningful ways to answer basic questions about the quality of the nation's waters is to observe directly the communities of plants and animals that live in them. Because aquatic plants and animals are constantly exposed to the effects of various stressors, these communities reflect not only current conditions, but also stresses and changes in conditions over time and their cumulative impacts. Bioassessment data is invaluable for managing our aquatic resources and ecosystems. Bioassessment data can be used to assess water quality, identify stressors to a waterbody, set protection and restoration goals, and evaluate the effectiveness of management actions.

Uses of Biocriteria and Bioassessment Data:

Biological Indicators


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