Design Group Meeting Full National Water Quality Monitoring Council Overview Presented yesterday Extended context to bring to today’s discussions Next steps

Yesterday’s Overview of Progress

Design Workgroup Jeffrey L. ArmstrongOrange County Sanitation Distric Tyler BakerTVA Jerad BalesUSGS David BayneAuburn University Joe BoyerFlorida International University Charles DvorskyTexas Don DycusTennessee Valley Authority Art GarceauIndiana George HarmanMaryland Mike Hemsley Ocean.US Steven R. Johnston Galveston Bay Estuary Program Steve JordanEPA Ron KleinAlaska Chris KnoppU.S. Forest Service

Design Workgroup Alfred Korndoerfer, Jr.New Jersey Gail MallardFED-U.S. Geological Survey Thomas C. MaloneIOOS Dan McKenzieEPA Brian D. Melzian, Ph.D.EPA Tony OlsenEPA Steven G. Paulsen, Ph.D.EPA Robert P. SchreiberASCE Gene Lynn SiskAlabama GeneTurner & Eric SwensonLouisiana State University Robert WardColorado State University Dave Whitall, Ph.D.NOAA

Issues From Chapter 15 Oxygen depletion Nutrient enrichment Toxic contamination Sedimentation Harmful algal blooms Habitat degradation Invasions by exotic species Status of coastal habitats Sources and quantities of marine debris Coral communities

Conceptual models Can Help Structure Defined in some (often tacit) conceptual model Sources Causes Primary Effects Secondary Effects Issue

Exclusive Economic Zones

National Estuary Programs

NERR: small blue in Delaware Bay

NCA Estuary and Marine

NPS: Assateague Island (pink)

HUC Regions

HUC Subregions (4-digit): coastal

HUC 6-digit: coastal

HUC 8-digit: Gulf Coast

HUC 8-digit: rivers in one

Swenson Matrix Coverage Exclusive Economic Zone Estuaries Ocean- State & Territorial Rivers –Level 1 –Level 2 –Level 3 –Level 4 S. Jordan’s Parameter List

NATIONAL MONITORING NETWORK DESIGN MATRIX E. M. Swenson 4/8/2005 ResourceParameterFrequencySpatial Density Vertical resolutionComments Estuaries Water temp.ContinuousDefine longitudinal and transverse gradients Surface, mid- depth, bottom. May only need short term checks for vertical startification then change to single depth if possible Fixed buoys or platfroms. Spatial gradients measured using monthly discrete data at dense sampling grid compared to fixed stations which define the backbone gradient SalinityContinuousDefine longitudinal and transverse gradients Surface, mid- depth, bottom. May only need short term checks for vertical startification then change to single depth if possible Fixed buoys or platfroms. Spatial gradients measured using monthly discrete data at dense sampling grid compared to fixed stations which define the backbone gradient DOContinuous with probe? There are calibratuion issues Define longitudinal and transverse gradients Surface, mid- depth, bottom. May only need short term checks for vertical startification then change to single depth if possible Fixed buoys or platfroms. Spatial gradients measured using monthly discrete data at dense sampling grid compared to fixed stations which define the backbone gradient

ResourceParameterFrequencySpatial Density Vertical resolutionComments Contaminants Define longitudinal and transverse gradients Benthos Define longitudinal and transverse gradients Probabilistic Chlorophyll aContinuous with probe? There are calibratuion issues Define longitudinal and transverse gradients Surface, mid- depth, bottom. May only need short term checks for vertical startification then change to single depth if possible Fixed buoys or platfroms. Satellite sensors (calibration issues). Spatial gradients measured using monthly discrete data at dense sampling grid compared to fixed stations which define the backbone gradient Phytoplankton Zooplankton

ResourceParameterFrequencySpatial Density Vertical resolutionComments Shellfish Target harvest areas Fish community Pathogens Recreational areas Invasive species CurrentsContinuousDefine longitudinal and transverse gradients, major flow routes Upward looking ADCP or side looking ADCP in channels Fixed buoys or platfroms. Water levelContinuous Fixed buoys or platforms. Met station, winds, precipitation, pressure, PAR ContinuousFill in gaps in existing networks. Provide better data for model boundary conditions Fixed buoys or platfroms.

Conclusion We have Large, diverse group Concurrence on objectives Stuctures are evolving –Swenson Matrix –Parameter list –GIS coverages

Extended Council Context for the NMN Design Management Questions Objectives Environments Resources of Primary Concern Stressors affecting resources Core Indicators List Specific locations for measurement of core indicators

Management Questions 1.What is the condition of the Nation’s surface, ground, estuarine, and coastal waters? 2.Where, how, and why are water-quality conditions changing over time? 3.Where are the problems related to water quality? What is causing the problems? 4.Are programs to prevent or remediate problems working effectively? 5.Are water-quality goals and standards being met? 6.What research activities are needed to support these important resources?

Objectives of the National Monitoring Network 1. Define status and trends of key water quality parameters and conditions on a nationwide basis. 2. Provide data relevant to determining whether goals, standards, and resource management objectives are being met, thus contributing to sustainable and beneficial use of coastal and inland water resources. 3. Provide data to identify and rank existing and emerging problems to help target more intensive monitoring, preventive actions, or remediation. 4. Provide data to support and define coastal oceanographic and hydrologic research, including influences of freshwater inflows. 5. Provide quality-assured data for use in the preparation of interpretive reports and educational materials.

The Five Environments (Recognition that we cannot measure the entire resource) Major river systems and major tributaries of those primary drainages (HUC 8?) Estuaries Outlets of major estuaries and bays Near-shore coastal zone Regional aquifers

Resources of Primary Concern Aquatic life in each of the components we have identified Human use of water (recognize that a national monitoring network will not address drinking water at the tap)

Stressors Affecting Resources Oxygen depletion Nutrient enrichment Toxic contamination Sedimentation Harmful algal blooms Habitat degradation Invasions by exotic species

Core Indicator List Indicators appropriate to each of the: resources, waterbody types, objectives, and management questions

Continuing Coordination 1.Inventory Workgroup needs to confirm your approach to plan its work 2.Methods and Comparability is now established, and seeks liaison

Next Steps 1.Discuss and link Management questions to the reporting envisioned in the 5 objectives 2.Focusing on indicators for: –Resources of Primary Concern –The Five Environments –The Stressors Affecting Resources

More Next Steps 3. Summarize progress for the May 12 th SWAQ progress report 4. Prepare for the July Council Meeting