Assessment of eutrophication in estuaries: Pressure-state-response and source apportionment

Abstract

The National Estuarine Eutrophication Assessment (NEEA) Update Program is a management oriented program designed to improve monitoring and assessment efforts through the development of type specific classification of estuaries that will allow improved assessment methods and development of analytical and research models and tools for managers which will help guide and improve management success for estuaries and coastal resources. The assessment methodology, a Pressure-State-Response (PSR) approach, uses a simple model for determination of Pressure and statistical criteria for indicator variables (where possible) to determine State. The Response determination is mostly heuristic although research models are being developed to improve this component. The three components are determined individually and then combined into a single rating. In addition to the PSR approach, it is also valuable to identify and quantify the anthropogenic nutrient input sources to estuaries so that management measures can be targeted for maximum effect. Since nitrogen is often the limiting nutrient in estuarine systems, the sources of nitrogen have been determined for eleven coastal watersheds on the U.S. east coast using the WATERSN model. In general, estuaries in the Northeastern U.S. receive most of their nitrogen from human sewage, followed by atmospheric deposition. This is in contrast to some watersheds in the Mid-Atlantic (Chesapeake Bay) and South Atlantic (Pamlico Sound) which receive most of their nitrogen from agricultural runoff.

Parent Publication

• Monitoring Science and Technology Symposium: Unifying Knowledge for Sustainability in the Western Hemisphere

Citation

Whitall, David; Bricker, Suzanne. 2006. Assessment of eutrophication in estuaries: Pressure-state-response and source apportionment. In: Aguirre-Bravo, C.; Pellicane, Patrick J.; Burns, Denver P.; and Draggan, Sidney, Eds. 2006. Monitoring Science and Technology Symposium: Unifying Knowledge for Sustainability in the Western Hemisphere Proceedings RMRS-P-42CD. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. p. 334-342