Research Highlights

Aquatic Stressors

A prototype modeling approach has been developed for examining watershed management effects related to habitat condition for Pacific salmon populations.
A general modeling framework has been assembled to forecast the effects of nutrient loads in the Gulf of Mexico. The model consists of a suite of linked and coupled models and synthesizes multimedia inputs, environmental data, and ecosystem dynamics. The following types of models are included: atmospheric, meteorological, hydrodynamic, sediment resuspension and transport, water quality, and eutrophication models.
As part of the project to establish nutrient loads, network models for determining food web indicators have been developed and applied to multiple estuaries of the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Northwest.
An index of relative bed stability that describes current sediment conditions relative to expected conditions has been proposed and is currently being refined and tested. This new index is based upon an understanding of the relationship between sediment supply and transport.
An approach using probability-based sampling has been provided for developing geographic-specific water-quality criteria for pollution metrics. Currently, this approach is being used to support the development of criteria for suspended and bedded sediments.
Interspecies-correlation-estimation and acute-to-chronic estimation models have been developed to provide guidance for assessing the risks of chemicals to aquatic life, including endangered species, when data are limited.
A watershed classification framework for coastal systems has been developed for use in discriminating among watersheds with differing sensitivities to land-use and non-point stressors. This classification framework has been successfully tested in case studies within Great Lake states. An evaluation of a comprehensive watershed classification framework for the state of West Virginia is also underway.

Research Highlights

Aquatic Stressors

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