South Slough NERR monitors estuarine water quality, local weather conditions, and biotic communities to further an understanding of the dynamics of the South Slough estuary and to address specific scientific and management questions.  Monitoring activities also provide information necessary to evaluate the outcomes and effectiveness of field experiments, manipulative restoration treatments and other management actions.

 

During the current five-year planning period South Slough NERR will continue to engage in monitoring activities that provide baseline data over extended periods of time, describe in trends in ecosystem dynamics, and provide information about project effectiveness.  Local monitoring will include collaboration with existing partners to monitor levels of coliform bacteria in the South Slough and Coos Bay estuaries and to examine levels of bacterial contamination in relation to seasonal storm events. The Reserve will also work with the local community to proactively address water quality concerns prior to implementation of TMDI standards for the watershed.